By Olivia Kemp, MSW Intern

Hi, my name is Olivia Kemp and I am happy to announce that I am the new MSW Intern at GSAN! I will be working closely with our director Katie Landes on various projects and tasks that align with my learning outcomes for my degree. In my time at GSAN, I will be managing the recruitment of potential exhibitors for the 2018 Georgia Afterschool and Youth Development (ASYD) Conference, recruiting new and diverse programs for Georgia’s only out-of-school time map, and developing policy briefs on issues related to afterschool.

Before coming to GSAN, I received my Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from Georgia State University in May 2017 and then was accepted as an advanced standing student into their MSW program. I have several years of experience working with children, youth, and their parents in different capacities. In the BSW program, I interned at The Drake House helping to serve single women and their children experiencing homelessness. I provided assistance to these families through the initial intake of the clients and then in a case management setting as well. I also helped develop partnerships in the North Fulton community to further advocate for affordable housing and higher paying jobs for the women that resided there.

Aside from my former internship, I gained experience working with afterschool programs as a camp counselor for two summers at Doe River Gorge Ministries. I had the opportunity to run and facilitate high adventure and group building activities. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with Cool Girls Inc. in Atlanta. There I was able to work in afterschool programs that empower girls through self-esteem initiatives. When I served in those capacities I was able to see how afterschool programs truly enrich and strengthen the lives of students, parents, and schools.

I am excited to join GSAN in supporting and improving the quality of afterschool across Georgia! I can’t wait to learn more about the importance of quality afterschool programs and the positive impact it has on parents and their children.