Kelsey Stallter ’18

One of the aspects that drew me to social work was the opportunity to work in various fields. During my time at Valparaiso University, I was the first social work intern to partner with the Persistence and Success Program which is now known as the Cornerstone Program. I really enjoyed both the macro and micro work of this internship. This ultimately led me to work in healthcare. 

Following graduation from Valpo, I attended Loyola University of Chicago to get a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Health. I completed my graduate level internship at a skilled nursing facility in Chicago and post graduation I began my first full time job working in a similar facility. When Covid hit our building in late March of 2020, my job description changed drastically. There was no outline for what to do, no one to give me guidance, and I had a team to lead. That’s when I turned to the skills I learned from Valparaiso’s program about communication, innovation, prioritizing patient needs and practicing self care. During the pandemic I transitioned to a job at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department where I was able to apply several skills I learned in my undergraduate studies including de-escalation techniques and resolving conflict. 

A few years later I transitioned to working in a private practice where I primarily work with patients who are struggling with grief and trauma. In my current job, I find myself thinking back to classes, lectures, and specific texts I read during my undergraduate studies. The skills I learned from the professors, the program, and my internship at Valpo are invaluable. I am deeply grateful for the education I received and am certain I will continue to value it for the rest of my life.