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 plan
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
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
Bradley is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah. Currently on the path to attending medical school, he envisions a future where he can contribute significantly to the well-being of children. He is passionate about research and research collection and enjoys contributing to the Sammy Center.
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 appl
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 developme
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.
Erin has just graduated with a bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in human development and family studies from the University of Utah. She is so excited to be a part of the team, to get to know the kids, and to gain invaluable experience. Erin believes that everyone, especially kids, should get the mental health care that they need and learn tools in helping their development.
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 g
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
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 kno
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.
Bella is going into her senior year at the University of Utah, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. She hopes to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in sports psychology after graduating next year. Bella loves to experience the uniqueness of each child, as well as their continuous growth. She
Bella is going into her senior year at the University of Utah, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. She hopes to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in sports psychology after graduating next year. Bella loves to experience the uniqueness of each child, as well as their continuous growth. She has worked with kids through her soccer club back home, and is excited to continue learning more about childhood development.
Payton Hudspeth is currently a junior at the University of Utah. She majors in psychology with a minor in human development and family studies. She has worked with kids for the last 6 years, whether it was coaching volleyball camps or babysitting, and she absolutely loves it!
Lauren is a Senior studying Human Development and Family Studies with a Minor in Health and Emphasis in Child Life! I volunteer at UKids East Village as well as Primary Childrens Hospital. She is on the Beach Volleyball team at the U and love incorporating sports, teamwork, creativity and fun into working with kids! She is grateful for th
Lauren is a Senior studying Human Development and Family Studies with a Minor in Health and Emphasis in Child Life! I volunteer at UKids East Village as well as Primary Childrens Hospital. She is on the Beach Volleyball team at the U and love incorporating sports, teamwork, creativity and fun into working with kids! She is grateful for the opportunity to work with children on their social-emotional well-being during my time at the Sammy Center! She loves crafting, dogs, and sunshine!
Martina is a student from Olympus High, her favorite classes are psychology and early childhood where she learned about this program, she volunteers at The Sammy center because she loves the kids and learning more every day, she also wants to study child psychology in college and this is a great opportunity to learn more from the nicest teachers.
Adalena is currently a student at the University of Utah, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Health Care and a minor in Health. She plans on becoming a Child Life Specialist or a pediatric nurse. She love to travel and be outside!
Alyna is currently a junior at the University of Utah, majoring in Family Community, and Human Development. Alyna previously volunteered at Daycares and schools here and there or handled baby-sitting of family members. After obtaining a bachelors Alyna plans to continue schooling in either speech therapy, or mental health counselling. Th
Alyna is currently a junior at the University of Utah, majoring in Family Community, and Human Development. Alyna previously volunteered at Daycares and schools here and there or handled baby-sitting of family members. After obtaining a bachelors Alyna plans to continue schooling in either speech therapy, or mental health counselling. The main goal of interning at the Sammy center is seeing if Alyna wants to work with children in these fields in the near future. Her hobbies include dancing, painting, reading, and watching k-dramas.
Haley is currently a senior at the University of Utah, double majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. She is working towards an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health certificate and is currently working as an RBT for an ABA company with a wide variety of ages. Her goal is to become a psychologist/play therapist
Haley is currently a senior at the University of Utah, double majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. She is working towards an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health certificate and is currently working as an RBT for an ABA company with a wide variety of ages. Her goal is to become a psychologist/play therapist. She hopes to continue to be an advocate and work with 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 infan
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.
Maryan is a refuge from Kenya. She is a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Family consumer Studies. In the future she would hope to become a teacher. She is a great asset to The Sammy Center. In addition to her love of working with the children she likes to help keep the school clean and organized.
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 selve
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 im
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 an
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 d
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.
Caroline Hill loves the Sammy Center! She was the Co-Director of the Skyline High School Community of Caring Board, which is how she learned about this awesome program. She just finished my first year at BYU studying Exercise Science. She is so grateful to be able to spend time with these awesome kid and amazing teachers.
Karina Illingworth is currently in her third year at the University of Utah majoring in Psychology and Human development with a certificate in Infant & Early Childhood mental health. Her love for child care began when she was 8 and her baby sister was born. She believes high quality child care can make the biggest difference on a child's life, and hopes to make an impact at The Sammy Center.
Yasmin is a student from Brazil. She is a psychology student from the University of Utah, and is doing an amazing internship at the Sammy Center. She loves to be around kids and play with them, and thinks that it is fascinating how kids' minds works and change over time.
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 challenge
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.
The Sammy Center
1515 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Call or Text: (385) 420-4991 | thesammycenter@gmai
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.