Meet Samantha May, '16, a Family and Human Services program alumna, through our Alumni Spotlight series.

The Family and Human Services Program and Practicum inspired my aspiration to positively impact the lives of local families. 

Being able to intern in agencies providing prevention and intervention services allowed me to experience different ways to have that impact without having to have a Master’s Degree. 

After completing my senior internship with CAFA, I was offered a position as their Program Manager for their Domestic Violence Intervention and Parenting Programs. In this role, I am able to support individuals, couples, and parents looking to gain tools to support them in maintaining healthier relationships that are free from abuse. I utilize my skills gained from the program daily in terms of case management, motivational interviewing, and collaborating with other agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Parole and Probation, and the court system.  

Understanding trauma and how it impacts the brain, body, and our relationships has been crucial to creating a safe, non-judgmental place for clients to learn, grow, and ultimately change. It has been my pleasure to support our community in this capacity. 

I am grateful for the program as it opened doors for me that I had never even considered prior.