our interns

Stella is from Orange County California and is currently a sophomore at the University of Utah.   She is studying  psychology and special education for preschool and early intervention.  Back home, she has been volunteering for over four years as a kindergarten Sunday school teacher at her church.  After she graduates from the U, she plans to put all her amazing new gained skills and experience on working at a preschool back home in California. 

Haley came to Utah from Illinois to study biology at the University of Utah. She hopes to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. Previously she worked with kids at a summer camp for two summers and volunteered in an after school running program for low income elementary school students. She loves to run, ski, hike, and play soccer. She has two dogs and a sweet and hilarious two year old nephew back home 

Elizabeth Ghyka will be graduating from the University of Utah this spring with a major in human development, a minor is psychology, and a certificate in infant and early childhood mental health. She has been working with kids for several years now, both in school and in after school settings. Once she graduates she will spend a year applying to graduate programs, and hopes to become a child psychologist in the future.

Jada is a University of Utah student studying for her master's in psychology and minoring in human development and family studies. Jada has had a life full of kids with different struggles and backgrounds, with her mother being a foster parent since she was 6 years old. This led her to the love of children's mental and emotional development. She is beyond honored to love and care for every child at The Sammy Center.

William is a Computer Science student at the University of Utah.  He joined The Sammy Center simply with a desire to give back during his downtime. His warm presence, genuine care, and playful energy have made him a fast favorite among the children. Though he’ll be heading to New York this summer for an internship in his field, we’re so grateful for the time he’s chosen to spend with us. The kids absolutely adore him, and his impact here will be felt long after he leaves.

Kaylee, a psychology major at the University of Utah has been a dedicated intern at The Sammy Center since day one, and her presence has been nothing short of a gift. Gentle, kind, and deeply mindful, she approaches every moment with authenticity and care. Kaylee not only meets children where they are, but she also takes every opportunity to learn and grow alongside them. Her passion for making a difference shines through in everything she does, and her steady, heartfelt presence is truly appreciated by both the team and the children.

Zoe is currently pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Human Development and Family Relations at the University of Utah. Zoe's research interests include parent-child interactions, teacher-child relationships, emotional dysregulation, and

psychophysiology. She is looking forward to gaining experience with children and increasing her knowledge of child psychology. After graduation, Zoe would like to

pursue a graduate program in Developmental Psychology to pursue her research interest in emotional dysregulation in infants and children.

Jace began working with children as a registered behavior technician (RBT) in 2018, where he found fulfillment and joy in helping to improve the lives of children and their families. 

Currently, he is a psychology major at the University of Utah, and is also pursuing a minor in family and consumer studies, as well as a certificate in infant and early childhood mental health. 

He is grateful and honored for the opportunity to intern at the Sammy Center, where he is surrounded by a warm and happy environment, compassionate and brilliant teachers, and wonderful and bright children. 

Alex Collopy, Ph.D., IMHE ® is a psychoanalytic inclusive educator, and President of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health. Guided by an ethical commitment to “repair the world”, she believes that all classrooms should be therapeutic environments in which every child feels seen and loved as their full and beautifully dynamic selves. After doing research and teaching for 8 years at Penn State and Weber State, Alex felt compelled to return to direct work with children. Here at The Sammy Center, she is similarly energized by the opportunity to join teachers and interns as a partner in their reflective practice. Alex previously worked in psychoanalytic, Reggio- Emilia- informed, Montessori, campus- based, and church- based preschools. She treasures opportunities to engage with children using open- ended materials, storytelling, and tools from her yoga teacher training. 

Ella is a student at the University of Utah studying Psychology. Previously, she has worked with infants, toddlers, and teenagers through various babysitting jobs, as well as day cares. She is so grateful to have an opportunity to work at the Sammy Center because the skills taught at the center are so powerful and the bonds made are so important for both the children and interns/teachers. Ella loves working with children and can’t wait to make children feel important and loved. 

Alissa is a student at the University of Utah graduating with a degree in psychology, minor in human development and family studies with a certificate in positive psychology. She is currently working towards becoming a registered behavior technician within the community. 

She began working at the Sammy Center August of 2023 as an intern and decided to continue after falling in love with the program and all that it has to offer.

“The Sammy center has taught me that each child is unique in many special ways and deserves attentive and tender care to foster their healthy journey through life.”

Alia is a student from the University of Utah studying Psychology & Family, Community, and Human Development. She is working to earn a certificate in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health. She has worked with infants, teenagers, and every age in between 

 and loves forming unique bonds with every child in her care. Alia has always had a deep passion for making children feel important by meeting them “where they are,” and giving them the tools they need in order to succeed on their own journeys.

Kaci is currently a Senior at the University of Utah studying Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Following her time at school, she plans to continue her education in Clinical Psychology. She believes that contributing to a supportive and understanding environment allows young individuals to navigate challenges, maneuver behaviors, and label feelings in a positive manner.