RISE offers an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in social work, social science, human services, or psychology. The internship program offers students clinical and administrative rotations for a macro and micro view of the philosophies of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered planning.
This National Intern Day, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of interns like Coletta, who bring compassion, dedication, and lived experience into their internships at RISE Housing and Support Services. Coletta completed her internship at RISE Above Residential Rehabilitation Program last spring. Then because she joined the works at RISE Above so much, she joined the team as a relief worker while she completes her education. She made and continues to make a meaningful mark every day in her interactions with the RISE Above residents.
A Journey Rooted in Service
Coletta is currently pursuing two degrees at Schenectady County Community College, majoring in Human Services and Chemical Dependency Counseling. Her long-term goal is to earn her both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and eventually open her own therapeutic counseling practice.
Coletta’s passion for the field is deeply personal and professional. With over 12 years of experience working at Rehabilitation Support Services — including time as a program manager — she came to RISE with a solid foundation and a strong desire to grow.
Life as an Intern at RISE Above
At RISE Above, Coletta served as a Counselor Assistant Intern, where her responsibilities include:
- Conducting phone screenings and reviewing admission packets
- Presenting new potential residents to the treatment team
- Monitoring client phone calls
- Facilitating group sessions
- Supporting day-to-day structure and therapeutic routines
She gained valuable insight into the structure of inpatient recovery programs, learning everything from the importance of safe admissions protocols to the detailed expectations of client routines and group participation.
Learning, Leading, and Listening
Coletta says the most surprising part of the experience has been just how much is involved behind the scenes. From processing new intakes to team-based clinical decision-making, she saw first-hand how each piece of the substance use recovery journey matters.
She especially enjoyed facilitating groups and connecting with clients. Coletta explains, “In teaching these clients, I’m also learning things I might not have known before. I enjoy the conversations, and the staff has been so supportive.”
Coletta shares that she also appreciates RISE as an agency, where cross-program collaboration, hands-on mentorship, and room for growth are part of the culture.
Passion with Perspective
Coletta brings not only her education and work experience to the table, but also her personal life perspective. As the spouse of someone currently in recovery and the mother of three young children, she brings deep empathy, understanding, and resilience to her role.
“I think my personal experiences make me more supportive and empathetic. It gives me perspective.”
Both her progressional and personal experiences give her a powerful lens through which she can both support clients and advocate for those who may not yet be able to speak up for themselves.
Self-Care and Strength
Coletta knows that doing this work also means knowing how to take care of yourself. She de-stresses by getting her nails done, bowling, listening to music, journaling, and even therapeutic shopping trips (shoutout to Five Below!). She’s discovered that even stores and simple tools like stress balls, fidget spinners, and self-love journals can help her — and those she serves — find calm and clarity.
Words from Coletta
“I am very compassionate, and I’ve always gone above and beyond. I hope to be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves or who need help advocating for themselves.”
This National Intern Day, we’re proud to honor Coletta’s commitment, courage, and care. She’s an inspiring example of what it means to turn experience into empathy — and passion into purpose. Thank you, Coletta, for all you do!