Commonwealth Land Trust is fortunate to be hosting seven interns and three volunteers this summer. Hailing from colleges such as Oberlin, Kenyon, UMass Boston, Emmanuel, and Tufts, they are making great contributions to our agency. Continue reading to learn more about this dedicated group of students and professionals.
CHARLIE COLLISION
Charlie is a New Hampshire native studying sociology literature at Kenyon College. At Kenyon, Charlie leads a student-run music venue where he works with fellow students to book musicians. Charlie is serving at CLT’s largest supportive housing property, Bowdoin Manor in Beacon Hill. His responsibilities include disseminating information to prospective residents, leading tours of the building, fielding resident concerns, assisting residents with annual recertifications/lease renewals, and providing informal counseling. Charlie says of his time at CLT: “I really enjoy working with both staff and residents at Bowdoin Manor. Everyone has been friendly and patient with me as I do what I can to help out.”
ERIC PHOUTHAVONG
A resident of Massachusetts, Eric is working as a case management intern at CLT’s Mass Ave properties. He is a senior at UMass Boston studying sociology and criminal justice. Aside from social services, Eric has a wide array of interests ranging from music and concerts to traveling and reading. At CLT, Eric assists with various tasks, including providing informal counseling, drafting progress notes, organizing resident activities, assisting clients in completing required documentation, and providing general support. Eric describes his time at CLT saying: “I’m learning a lot from my supervisor, Case Manager Shara Lowe, as well as the rest of CLT staff and residents. I find it rewarding whenever I help someone even if it’s in a small way. Working at CLT has made me consider a career in human services.”
STEPHANIE ATWOOD
A Boston native, Stephanie is a sophomore at Oberlin College majoring in psychology and violin performance. As a supportive housing intern, she has a variety of responsibilities, including assisting residents with annual recertifications/lease renewals, creating newsletters, editing documents/website content, and completing general administrative tasks. As for her time working at CLT, Stephanie says: “I’m excited to be working in an environment where the interactions I have with others will not only directly assist vulnerable populations, but also will help me to learn and grow as a person.” In her free time, Stephanie enjoys water sports, cooking, and playing the violin.
NATE WILLIAMS
Nate is a Maine native and a junior studying political science and history at Tufts University. As a development and communications intern at CLT, Nate has a variety of responsibilities, from contributing to website content and managing social media profiles to conducting grant research. While he spends most of his time at the main office, Nate has thoroughly enjoyed visiting the housing sites and meeting residents. Nate says of his time at CLT: “I’m truly lucky to work at CLT. From receiving advice from staff to the time I’ve spent with residents, CLT has already offered me far more than I expected from an internship.”
JON KAUFMAN
A resident of Massachusetts, Jon Kaufman graduated from UMass Amherst in 2011 with a BS in computer science. After helping develop CLT’s website, Jon continued to volunteer at CLT supporting and improving the site. “Technology changes quickly,” Jon explains. “I’m here to help the website adapt to the latest and greatest!” Jon’s technology interests include modern web technologies, computer graphics, and robotics. When he is not hanging out on the computer, he enjoys skateboarding, running, and biking. As for his time working with CLT, Jon says: “It has been refreshing to see the passion everyone at Commonwealth Land Trust brings to the table. I have really enjoyed contributing!”