Alexis Schrafel

Responsibilities

During my internship at ChildServe’s Woodland Center, I supported staff who work with children with complex medical needs. Although I couldn’t be in ratio, I assisted by gathering supplies when staff couldn’t leave the classroom, helping ensure they stayed in ratio at all times. I helped brainstorm new menu ideas to make meals more enjoyable and flavorful while still meeting dietary guidelines. I also created a trauma-informed care resource series to support staff in deepening their understanding of how trauma impacts behavior and development. One of the most valuable parts of my experience was the opportunity to shadow nearly every aspect of the organization, from direct care and therapies to administration and program development, giving me a holistic view of ChildServe's operations. I also witnessed the excitement among staff as they reviewed the plans for the new building, which will expand services and improve the environment for the children.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was creating a trauma-informed care series for the staff. Knowing that the information I put together could help them support the children even more effectively made me feel proud and connected to the mission of the organization. I also took pride in contributing ideas to make the menu more appealing to the children, as food can be a key part of comfort and care. Shadowing different roles helped me better understand the importance of collaboration across departments, which was a personal win in terms of growth and learning.

Learning experience

I learned that every role in a child-focused organization matters—whether you’re working directly with children or providing support in other ways. I saw how vital it is to be trauma-informed when caring for children with complex needs and how much thought goes into even the smallest details to make them feel safe and supported. I also learned the value of collaboration, flexibility, and communication across teams.

What advice would you give?

Be curious and take every opportunity to shadow, ask questions, and learn from different roles. The more you see, the better you’ll understand how each part of an organization contributes to the whole. Don’t be afraid to step into support roles—they are essential and often provide the best learning opportunities. Lastly, stay open-minded—sometimes the biggest growth happens in the unexpected moments.