By Caitlin Kelley
Each summer, Goodwin Living opens its doors to the next generation of professionals through its internship program. Over the course of ten weeks, the interns benefit from opportunities to gain first-hand experience in the senior living and healthcare industry while developing practical skills in their field of study. This year also marked the fourth consecutive year that the Goodwin Living internship program was recognized by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) as one of Virginia’s Top Employers for Interns.
So, what makes the Goodwin Living internship program so great? We think there are many reasons, though here are a few that make us most proud:
Is the internship paid?
Yes! Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Goodwin Living Foundation, we pay our interns for their work.
When do we offer internships?
Year-round! With cohorts each spring, summer, fall and winter, the Goodwin Living internship program offers multiple opportunities for students to intern in a range of departments.
What departments host interns?
Dining Services, Human Resources, Health Administration, Facilities Management, Life Enrichment, Marketing & Communications, and more depending on the season.
Does the intern program offer mentorships?
Yes! And it’s part of the Goodwin Living internship program that nearly every intern says is most meaningful to them. Every intern is matched with a Goodwin Living resident from one of the Goodwin Living Senior Campuses. Through these mentorships, inters often enjoy support that extends beyond the internship itself.
Does the intern program offer professional development workshops?
Yes! Goodwin Living department leaders lead several professional workshops throughout each intern season. Interns receive guidance on networking, resume building, interviewing and being an effective spokesperson.
Who can apply?
High school and college students. As of August 2026, we’ve welcomed 158 student interns and partnered with nine schools across Northern Virginia since launching the program in 2022.
If you are interested in applying for an internship with Goodwin Living, we encourage you to apply today!
Reflecting on Experiences Gained and Relationships Built
This summer, Goodwin Living hosted its largest internship cohort to date, welcoming 20 high school and college students seeking to gain professional experience. As the summer comes to a close, we asked interns to reflect on what they learned, the relationships they built and the impact they made through their time as an intern with Goodwin Living.
Editor’s Note: We received such overwhelming response from our Summer 2026 Cohort that we will publish their stories in two blogs. This is part one of our two-part series. Read more to hear directly from interns about how their time interning with Goodwin Living has influenced their professional growth, future career and personal journeys.
What’s it like interning with Human Resources Engagement and Outreach at Goodwin Living? Iman Najeeb Shares her story.
School: James Madison University, rising senior
Major: Health administration
Minor: Business administration
“Since my long-term goal is to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA), the opportunity to shadow LNHAs and learn from such a welcoming, diverse community made Goodwin Living the perfect fit for me,” Iman said.
As the Engagement and Outreach intern with the Human Resources Department, Iman conducted phone screenings and reference checks and gained firsthand experience with recruitment. She also gained an understanding and appreciation of team member benefits, many of which are supported by the Goodwin Living Foundation. Iman said witnessing the organization’s investment in its people gave her a deeper appreciation for the role human resources played in building and maintaining a strong workplace.
“Seeing the positive impact these benefits have on team members has made the experience even more meaningful,” Iman said.
Beyond the professional experience, Iman shared that the relationships she built made this internship especially rewarding. She enjoyed connecting with fellow interns, collaborating with leaders across the organization and hanging out with her resident mentor.
One of her biggest surprises was discovering how different Goodwin Living was from the type of workplace she initially expected.
“Going into the internship, I expected a typical corporate environment, but it’s so much more than that,” Iman said. “Goodwin Living isn’t just an office space; it’s a home for older adults.”
As she prepared for the next step in her career, Iman felt this summer with Goodwin Living had confirmed that she was on the right path.
“It’s the perfect place to build a strong foundation for a future in long-term care,” she said.
What’s it like interning with Life Enrichment at Goodwin Living? Tabassum Hamidi tells her story.
School: Alexandria City High School, rising senior
Throughout her internship, Tab explored her interest in health sciences while working alongside team members to engage residents in activities that support their physical, emotional and social well-being.
She said one of her biggest surprises was how diverse the community at Goodwin Living was.
“Everyone has different stories and comes from different backgrounds, and it is interesting to hear about all of them,” Tab said.
While she gained valuable experience in senior living and healthcare, Tab said the relationships she built with the residents were the highlight of her experience at Goodwin Living.
“Building connections and connecting with the residents has been the most meaningful part of my internship,” she said.
As she looks toward a future career in senior living and healthcare, Tab said the internship strengthened both her professional skills and her perspective on the aging services.
“I will take away stronger communication and teamwork skills, greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for compassionate care,” Tab said. “This experience has prepared me for my future career in healthcare.”
Every person’s experience with aging looks different. Some people want more chances to be around others during the week. Others are living with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia and can benefit from familiar routines, guided discussions and activities that help keep them engaged.
What’s it like interning with Brain Health Thrive Day Program at Goodwin Living? Angel Castellanos tells her story.
School: Virginia Commonwealth University, rising sophomore
Major: Social work
“I had never worked with older adults before, and I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and learn from that population,” Angel said. “Seeing that it [Goodwin Living] is a nonprofit organization with such a strong commitment to serving others made me even more excited to be part of its mission.”
Through her time in the Thrive Day Program, Angel worked alongside professionals in dementia care, art, recreation and healthcare. Her experiences helped her to gain a better understanding of how interdisciplinary teams work together to provide person-centered care.
One of the biggest surprises of this internship for Angel was the variety that each day brought.
“We meet residents where they are, both physically and emotionally. We make accommodations, so everyone feels comfortable, included and able to participate in a way that is meaningful to them,” Angel said. “That level of adaptability [showed] me how important person-centered care truly is.”
What started as an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone has become an experience that expanded Angel’s understanding of social work and reinforced the importance of caring for others through collaboration, empathy and meaningful relationships.
“One of the biggest things I’ll take away from my experience at Goodwin Living is the wisdom I’ve gained from the older adults I’ve had the privilege of getting to know,” Angel said.
That wisdom often came through simple but meaningful conversations. As part of the Thrive Day Program, Angel regularly participated in asking residents “Question of the Day” prompts, such as, “What’s your most prized possession?” or “If you had one wish, what would it be?”
What stood out to Angel was not only the answers, but the values behind them. Rather than focusing on material things, Thrive participants often reflected on time spent with family, friends and the people they loved most.
“Those conversations have reminded me that the things that matter most in life aren’t superficial,” Angel said.” They have helped me appreciate what is truly meaningful, and that’s something I’ll carry with me long after this internship ends.”
For many families supporting a loved one with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia, programs like Thrive provide a helpful bridge between complete independence and more intensive levels of care.
When asked whether she notices a difference in herself because of the program, Joan answered with the honesty of someone who has been there since the beginning.
“I don’t know what I would be like without it,” she said.
Thrive is designed to support those moments of connection and engagement. Time spent with other people, questions that lead to conversation and outings that create shared memories can make a meaningful difference.
What’s it like interning with Dining Services at Goodwin Living? Saddaí Medrano shares her story.
School: Arlington Career Center, rising junior (high school)
“I wanted to gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, improve my cooking skills and learn from experienced chefs while serving the community,” Saddaí said.
Working alongside the culinary team, Saddaí expanded her knowledge of food preparation, flavor development and professional kitchen operations. She said one of the biggest surprises was learning how much teamwork, communication and organization are required to keep a busy kitchen running smoothly.
“The most meaningful part of my internship [was] getting to spend time with the residents and getting to know them while helping prepare and serve their meals,” she said.
By the end of the internship, Saddaí felt she strengthened her culinary skills, built confidence in the kitchen and gained a deeper appreciation for working as part of a professional team.
“I will also remember the connections I made with the residents and the importance of providing care and kindness through food,” Saddaí said.
What’s it like to intern with Assisted Living Administration at Goodwin Living? Anna D’Alessandris shares her story.
School: Virginia Tech, rising senior
Major: Public health
Minor: Health administration
Anna’s passion for serving older adults inspired her to apply for the internship, but her connection to Goodwin Living began long before her first day. Her grandmother was a resident at Goodwin Living, which gave Anna firsthand insight into the organization’s compassionate approach to care. Thus, when the opportunity to intern arose, she knew it was the perfect chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.
During her internship, Anna created a resident satisfaction survey, giving residents at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads a meaningful way to share feedback about their experiences. Through this project, Anna connected with residents, and the conversations she had became one of the most rewarding parts of her summer.
“Through these conversations, I had the opportunity to hear their perspectives and stories and gain wisdom,” Anna said.
While Anna expected to bond with residents, she did not expect to be so touched by the support she received from her supervisors and colleagues. From day one, the Goodwin Living team made her feel welcomed, valued and encouraged as she explored her academic and professional goals.
“They consistently checked in with me and asked if I [had] questions; they [took] such an interest in my academic and career experiences, even though I [was] just starting out,” Anna said. “I never felt out of place, and I really appreciated these efforts to make me feel a part of the team!”
As she prepared for her senior year and looked ahead to nursing school, she left Goodwin Living with more than professional experience. Anna left the internship with the wisdom shared by residents, the encouragement of her teammates and a stronger understanding of how to provide compassionate, person-centered care.
What’s it like to intern with the Marketing & Communications at Goodwin Living? Braylen Calhoun shares his story.
School: Morehouse College, rising sophomore
Major: Business administration with a concentration in marketing
Minor: Cinematography, TV and emerging media studies (CTEM)
Braylen first learned about the Goodwin Living internship program through a friend who works at Goodwin House Alexandria. Before his interview, he researched Goodwin Living and was immediately drawn to its mission and approach to communicating with older adults.
“I hadn’t seen senior living marketing, but [Goodwin Living’s] immediately felt different compared to other senior living homes I’d visited or volunteered at,” Braylen said.
One of the biggest surprises during his internship was how much he enjoyed the creative revision process. Working closely with his supervisors to refine projects, receive feedback and strengthen ideas became one of his favorite parts of the experience.
That collaborative environment has also led to meaningful workplace relationships.
“At times it feels like I’ve known my supervisors or co-interns for years and years,” said Braylen. “The conversations never feel forced and we banter like siblings would. It’s completely different from what you’d think an office for senior living would be like.”
For Braylen, the internship provided more than hands-on marketing experience. It showed him the value of collaboration, constructive feedback and building genuine connections with colleagues; which are lessons he plans to carry with him throughout his career.
What’s it like interning with Facilities Management at Goodwin Living? Kainat Hashimi tells her story
School: Hollins University, rising freshman
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
“I chose Goodwin Living because I wanted to gain hands on experience, build new skills and learn how different departments work together to support residents every day,” Kainat said.
The internship gave Kainat an insider perspective on facilities management within the context of a senior living and health care. Working alongside experienced team leaders, she learned how Facilities Management contributes to residents’ daily lives.
One of the biggest surprises, she said, was discovering how much happens behind the scenes to keep the community running smoothly, which gave her a deeper appreciation for the planning, teamwork and communication required to support residents and team members.
While Kainat valued the technical knowledge she gained and enjoyed interacting with people within the Goodwin Living community, she felt the most meaningful part of her experience was the mentorship she received from her supervisor.
“I appreciate having someone who guided me, answered my questions and gave me opportunities to learn and grow,” she said.
As Kainat prepares for college, she feels like she is leaving the internship with more than professional experience to add to her resume.
“I will take away the confidence to keep learning and trying new things,” she said. “This internship showed me that every experience is an opportunity to grow.”
Ready to Launch Your Professional Career? Start With an Internship at Goodwin Living!
As the Summer 2026 Intern Cohort wraps up, Goodwin Living celebrates the meaningful contributions of these talented young professionals. We will always appreciate the lasting impact the interns made throughout their time with the organization. To see more of their internship experience, check out our Instagram @goodwinlivng.
Interested in making an impact through an internship experience? Apply and discover how an internship with Goodwin Living could help you launch a meaningful career while contributing to a mission-driven organization.
When should you apply? Pick a cohort!
- Summer Cohort (June – August):
- Applications open: Early in the spring semester.
- Eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled in any college or university.
- Fall Cohort (September – December):
- Applications open: Early in the spring semester.
- Eligibility: Open to all Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University students.
- Winter Cohort (December – January):
- Applications open: Late summer.
- Eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled at any college or university and children of Goodwin Living team members.
- Spring Cohort (January – May):
- Applications open: Late summer.
- Eligibility: Open to all Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University students.
Each intern’s journey is unique, from gaining real-world experience to building connections and developing new skills. We’re proud that these emerging leaders leave our program empowered to continue their professional journeys. This summer cohort was no exception, and we have more stories to share. Check back next month to hear from more interns as they reflect on their experiences, lessons learned and unforgettable moments.
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Caitlin Kelley is completing her undergraduate degree at Northern Virginia Community College to earn her Bachelor of Science in Communications from James Madison University. As the Marketing & Communications Assistant at Goodwin Living, Caitlin has served as a spokesperson, blog writer, event photographer and social media content creator for the organization.
