Meet the Interns
Social Work Interns
Carolin Gipple – Eastern Washington University
I come from a family with a strong background of serving the public and I always knew that I wanted to follow those footsteps. I truly enjoy helping people become the best possible version of themselves by giving them support but also needed resources.
I have a few reasons why I elected the MLSD as my practicum placement. I am a mother and know how important the work of counselor, and social workers is within the school community. Second, I have been a military spouse for the last 15 years and I understand how military kids feel about finding their new place at a new school. Living the military life has given me the opportunity to work with different agencies around the world. Fun Fact: Received the President's Volunteer Service Awards in 2020.
Ashley Harley – Eastern Washington University
I have selected to pursue an masters in social work because I enjoy helping people. In social work I can be a part of my community. I get to be the voice that others struggle to be heard and I get to advocate for better social justice for individuals who are facing several injustices.
I have elected to complete my practicum/internship with MLSD because it is a vast community with a diverse population. I have a passion in wanting to work with children and adolescents to make sure they are given the appropriate tools to thrive in the schooling environment and MLSD is the ideal place to be. I have previous work experience with children by working at various early learning centers around the area. I also have experience in mental health as my bachelors was in psychology and I was a behavior therapist for ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Fun Fact: Deathly afraid of butterflies.
Ana Navarro-Vega – Eastern Washington University
I received my Bachelor's degree at Washington State University in Human Development with a minor in Sociology. I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work at Eastern Washington University. I was raised in Wenatchee, WA, just a few hours away from here.
I chose MLSD due to the staff, community, and their willingness to continue and innovate what it means to help others. Being part of this team will help strengthen my knowledge and help me develop the essential skills required to be the best social worker I can be. Fun Fact: Has watched Grey's Anatomy three times, and can't wait for the next season to come out.
Marriage & Family Therapy Interns
I grew up in Eastern Washington and have lived in the Spokane area for 9 years. My entire life, I have had a passion for connecting with people. As a therapist, I get to partner with people to help them reach their goals and flourish. I believe in healthy families. I want to support individuals and families in their journey towards health and wholeness.
I chose MLSD as my internship site because I love the community. As a member of Medical Lake, I am excited to work with an organization that supports kids, teens, and family members. Together, we can make a big impact! When I am not in school or on-site, you will find me driving my kids to activities throughout Spokane. Fun fact: Loves Disneyland, and has been there more times than she can count.
Chris Marks - Whitworth University
I chose to pursue the field of marriage family therapy to work with people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Helping individuals, couples, and families develop the helping skills to live healthy and productive lives.
I grew up in Sandpoint, ID and spent my formative years in Chicago, IL. I am currently an active duty enlisted Air Force member with nearly 20 years of service. I wanted to be a part of MLSD because of the diverse and unique mix of the community members. Military, civilian, children, and adults provide a wonderful opportunity to work with a wide range of wonderful people. Fun Fact: Is a bee keeper and a certified Krav Maga instructor.
Mike Wilhelm - Whitworth University
I am coming into the career, after 10 years of military service, where I witnessed first-hand the traumatic impact military separations could have on families. Relationships are meant to be mutually supportive and life-giving, however crisis/issues arise that stand in the way of this happening.
I want to work in helping repair and set right relationships which allows for fully functioning individuals. I am a full-time serving member of my church in the role of Men’s pastor as well as a fully committed family man. I love my two daughters, enjoy spending time with them, and watching them learn the world around them.
Taylor Yaws – Whitworth University
I got my Bachelors of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology with a minor in communications at Eastern Washington University. I’ve been in Spokane for the last 14 years but was born and raised in Portland, OR. I decided to pursue this career path because I have a heart for relationships, I want to help people, and be that shoulder for someone when they feel like they have no one.
I chose my internship with the MLSD because it is a mix of all different age ranges, families and populations that I have always seen myself working with. I wanted to be at an internship site where I got the best experience I could get and be exposed to things I wouldn’t get anywhere else. Fun Fact: Is Ambidextrous, can write with both hands and kick a soccer ball with both feet.
Matt Russoniello – Whitworth University
I am a first-year intern at MLSD and a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at Whitworth University. I was born in raised in Spokane, and I graduated with an undergraduate degree in creative writing from Western Washington University in 2007. I then worked in digital media for the next 12 years, which brought me to Seattle and then New York City. I returned to Spokane a few years ago and decided to change course, pursuing a career in mental health. I worked as a peer support specialist until starting my program at Whitworth. I am passionate about connecting with people on a genuine level, offering support, and building strong relationships. I chose to intern with MLSD because of the diverse opportunities to serve a wonderful community in a holistic way.
A few fun facts about me: I have two cats named June and Moony, I have seen Lady Gaga in concert 10 times, and I once lost a karaoke contest to a 9-year-old.
Katie Fetzer - Whitworth University
I am a first year Marriage and Family Therapy intern from Whitworth. I grew up near Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from
Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Communication Studies. I then spent 2.5 years post undergrad living and working overseas in Moscow, Russia.
Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Communication Studies. I then spent 2.5 years post undergrad living and working overseas in Moscow, Russia.
I wanted to be a part of the MFT program at Whitworth and MLSD because of the systemic approach to mental health and
wellness. I am excited to serve the students and community here in Medical Lake. Fun Fact: If I am not on site or in classes you can count on me to supplyall your coffee needs at Starbucks in Spokane.
Kaeden Schmidt - Whitworth University
I am a first year intern at MLSD. I got my Bachelors of Science in Health Science at Whitworth and am currently in the MFT program at Whitworth! I’ve been in Spokane for the last 5 years but was born and raised in Tacoma, WA.
I believe relationships bring meaning to our lives which is why I decided to pursue a career as an MFT.
I chose my internship with the Medical Lake School District because I love working with students. I believe all people deserve access to mental health services and this program allows for that. Community is incredibly important to me and schools are often the center of small town communities. Fun Fact: I’m an avid reader, skier, and outdoor enthusiast. One of my favorite memories is skydiving over the Olympic mountain range.
Payton Erdmann - Whitworth University
I am a first year Marriage and Family Therapy intern from Whitworth. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology Spring of 2022 from Whitworth and immediately knew I wanted to continue my education with the university. Marriage and Family Therapy utilizes a systems approach that I find crucial in supporting those in need. I work on the Whitworth campus as a Graduate Assistant as well!
I wanted to be a part of MLSD because of its encompassing approach to health and wellness. The range of populations and
relationships was something that felt important to learn as I continue to grow. Fun Fact: I have a partially blind cat named Rorschach (think
inkblot tests)!
relationships was something that felt important to learn as I continue to grow. Fun Fact: I have a partially blind cat named Rorschach (think
inkblot tests)!
Ian Redfield - Whitworth University
I am a first year student in the Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy program at Whitworth University. I got my Bachelors in Psychology from Whitworth University as well. I grew up in South Central Washington but have lived in Spokane for over 4 years. I chose this field because I am passionate about bringing awareness to mental health struggles. My goal is to empower my clients and work alongside them to aid in overcoming any challenges they may face. I chose MLSD because I I believe psychoeducation is very important, whether it be for students, couples, or families. No matter the needs, I am here to help others help themselves. Fun Fact: I love thrift shopping!
Joel Wadsworth - Whitworth University
I am a first year intern at MLSD. I got my undergraduate degree in Business Analytics at Eastern Washington University. I am in my first year of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at Whitworth University.
I chose MLSD because I want to learn about integrating mental health assistance within a school system. I have
worked with adolescents recreationally in the past and can’t wait to develop those skills further and make lasting
change in the students’ lives. Fun Fact: I won a beat-boxing competition when I was in middle school!
worked with adolescents recreationally in the past and can’t wait to develop those skills further and make lasting
change in the students’ lives. Fun Fact: I won a beat-boxing competition when I was in middle school!
Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern
Chloe Oltman – Gonzaga University
From a young age I knew I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. During my time at Loyola University Chicago my knowledge of and passion for mental health grew as I pursued my bachelor's in psychology and human services, and by the time I graduated I knew I wanted to pursue a career in mental health counseling.
I wanted to intern at Medical Lake because I love working with children. My work experiences, including working at a daycare and being a Registered Behavior Technician, have furthered my passion for making a difference in children's lives and helping them grow. I will work with students to help them achieve their mental health & wellness goals. We’ll form a working relationship to embark on this journey of wellness together, and we’ll make sure to have fun along the way! Fun Fact: Hiked to the top of Mt. Vesuvius in Italy.
I am a graduate student working towards a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University. I recently graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Creative Writing in 2022.
During my undergraduate career, I worked as a mentor and tutor for first-generation and low-income high school students at Upward Bound. This opportunity sparked my interest in community focused work that involves diverse populations. I also enjoy working with children and adolescents and am very excited to be interning at the Medical Lake Wellness Center. I pride myself on trustworthiness, empathy, and patience. I hope to empower students to reach their potential while also creating a safe space to overcome challenges. I believe everyone has a story and I am looking forward to having the chance to hear client’s stories in the future. Fun Fact: I am an avid reader! I read 75 books in 2022 and my favorite genres of books to read are mysteries and thrillers.
School Psychologist Interns
Bailey Folkers - Gonzaga University
I was born and raised in a small town in northern Minnesota. I got my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in special education and a certificate in behavioral health from the University of North Dakota. I am currently a second-year School Psychology student at Gonzaga University. As someone who grew up in a tight-knit rural community similar to Medical Lake, I am excited to work with Theresa McDowell at Hallett Elementary this school year to support this community! Will be located at Hallett. Fun Fact: Loves being an aunt to her four preschool-aged nephews.
Nichaela Rinehart - Gonzaga University
I am a 2nd-year school psychology student at Gonzaga University who is so excited to work in the Medical Lake School District. I was born and raised in Everson, WA then graduated from UW Bothell with my degree in public health. I understand the importance of a strong school-family-community bond from my experiences growing up in a rural school district and look forward to supporting this bond as a school psychology practicum student. I will be working with Tawni Barlow and Jenna Finnerty at Michael Anderson Elementary School. Fun Fact: Loves to be by the water, and grew up close to Mt. Baker.
Ridge Bynum - Gonzaga University
Prior to attending Gonzaga, I completed my Bachelors degree in Psychology from Washington State University. I am a native of Pasco, Washington and have spent the majority of my life in the Eastern Washington area. I was drawn to school psychology as a profession since it gives me the opportunity to support student and family success both in, and out of the classroom.
I am thrilled to have been placed in MLSD to complete my practicum. Throughout the year I will be supporting Medical Lake Middle and High School students and families. I hope to help to expand the mission of the MLSD wellness team, and provide essential academic, behavioral, and social-emotional services to students. Fun Fact: Recently completed his first half-marathon.