JFS is lucky to host talented interns across the agency from many different schools, programs, and backgrounds. These driven students spend time engrossed in the day-to-day at JFS, serving clients and practicing what they’ve learned in their classrooms. We interviewed a few of our fascinating interns to learn about them, their goals, and how they’re Transforming Lives and Strengthening Our Community at JFS!

L-R, JFS interns Helen Kobayashi, Meredith Adams, and Sandra Simon doing their best Three Musketeers at EnRich
Meredith Adams
JFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Meredith Adams: I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). I love to travel, hike, meditate, practice yoga, read, cook, listen to music, watch stand-up comedy, and write poetry. Some of my favorite Richmond spots are Bingo Beer Company, Shyndigz, Oak and Apple, Burger Bach, The Patio Thai, Perly’s, and Hibachi Box.
JFS: What degree are you working on?
MA: Right now, I am working on my MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University.
JFS: What’s one thing you’ve learned in your internship so far?
MA: I’ve only been working at JFS for a month now, but something important I’ve learned is that simply being present, listening to what others have to say, and validating their experience and feelings can really make a big difference to somebody’s quality of life.
Sonji Gall
JFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Sonji Gall: I am a former Military Police officer, and I earned my Airborne wings while in the military. I have been a nurse for almost 27 years, 23 of those in the operating room. My hobbies include gardening, taking care of our small farm (we have chickens, turkeys, three goats, and two miniature donkeys), riding motorcycles with my husband, skydiving, reading, and traveling.
JFS: Which department are you working with? What’s a typical shift like?
SG: I am currently working with JFS’ Public Guardianship Director. A typical shift is meeting with clients, making sure their needs are met, and traveling to our clients and taking them to appointments. While traveling, I get to know the clients and their likes and dislikes, family history, and any issues or concerns they’re having.
JFS: What’s next after finishing your degree?
SG: Getting my life back to a sense of normalcy! I would like to take a vacation and not worry about getting papers or discussion posts done. My goal is to work in the Veterans Administration system as a social worker.
Arianna Brown
JFS: What degree are you working on?
Arianna Brown: I am a Bachelor of Social Work student at Virginia Commonwealth University.
JFS: Which department are you working with? How did you find out about JFS?
AB: I work at Connecting Hearts at JFS, helping find permanent, loving homes for all youth in foster care. VCU chose Connecting Hearts for me based on the interests I wrote down on my field placement application, and I am very happy being here at JFS!
JFS: What’s next after finishing your degree?
AB: After graduating this May, I plan on taking a break from school to focus on my photography business and travel. In 2021, I plan on going back to school to get my Masters of Social Work and then my LCSW. I plan to work with adolescents and families, potentially in a wilderness therapy setting or boarding school. Some of my long term goals are to start my own therapeutic program for adolescents and start my own wedding venue.
Helen Kobayashi
JFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Helen Kobayashi: I’m a recent resident of Richmond and a WVU alumna. A big part of my life has always been marching band. I marched in high school and college playing piccolo. I’m also newly married as of last June, and my husband and I live with our cat, Mr. Pebbles. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother, who also happens to live in the Richmond area as well.
JFS: What’s your day like at JFS?
HK: I work in both Senior Engagement and Care Management. A typical day includes supervisor meetings, visiting clients as a Friendly Visitor, and getting out into the community to work with clients by providing Care Management services, like taking clients grocery shopping and to appointments – whatever they need!
JFS: What’s your favorite part about interning at JFS?
HK: I love the staff and the clients. I have met some many wonderful people during my short time here and made many lasting connections and relationships. I also love that JFS gives me the ability to dip my toes into various types of social work.
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