by Catie Ramos
As the number of adults aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, the demand for skilled and compassionate professionals in senior living continues to grow. To help inspire the next generation of leaders in the field, Goodwin Living launched its award-winning internship program in 2022. High school and college students gain hands-on experience in non-clinical roles, giving them a closer look at the wide range of career paths available in senior living and healthcare services. The program has been recognized for excellence three years in a row, receiving the “Top Employer for Interns” award from the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP).
As part of the Goodwin Living Internship Program, Human Resources Engagement and Outreach Intern Domenica “Dome” [DOH-may] Alvear Llerena spent the Fall 2025 semester exploring her passion for connection, community and meaningful engagement. In the conversation that follows, she reflects on her journey and shares key insights and advice for future interns.
How It All Began: Joining the Goodwin Living Internship Program
What first drew you to apply for the Goodwin Living internship?
I found the internship opportunity for Spring 2024 on the Northern Virginia Community College Career Connection platform. What drew me to apply was that I was looking to do something purposeful. I wanted to find a career where I was helping a community, and Goodwin Living was what I was looking for. I applied and was offered the chaplaincy internship. I was excited to try something different, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.
The following summer, I applied for a part-time receptionist position at Goodwin House Alexandria (GHA) and was hired. I really wanted to continue working at Goodwin Living.
In Summer 2025, Team Member Engagement and Outreach Manager Catie Ramos and I sat next to each other on the GHA shuttle. I mentioned that my friend applied for an internship and that I had completed the chaplaincy placement. Catie asked if it was possible for me to do another internship in Human Resources. I applied, went through the interview process and was selected for the Engagement and Outreach internship.
Could you walk us through a typical day as an Engagement and Outreach intern at Goodwin Living?
I come into the office, read my schedule and prioritize the tasks that are related to upcoming events. If we have an event the next day, I’ll print out all the flyers, prepare a suitcase full of giveaways and make sure the presentation is good to go.
If we have an event, we set up all the tables with flyers and giveaways. At these events, I interact with students in middle school, high school and college. I get to share my experience at Goodwin Living and get them excited to apply for an internship or job in the future. Another fun part about events is capturing videos and pictures for the Goodwin Living Instagram.
My supervisor, Catie, and resident mentor, Joanne, have made my experience meaningful and valuable on both a professional and personal level. I had never thought about work in engagement and outreach, and it’s very rewarding.
Goodwin Living Workplace & Culture
How would you describe the workplace culture at Goodwin Living?
I would describe the culture as welcoming, inclusive and diverse. When I started interning here, what surprised me most was that everyone learns your name and the department where you work. I don’t think you get that at other companies; not everyone says hi to you. It’s like a little family.
How does Goodwin Living make interns feel valued and connected?
The supervisors and resident mentors are always checking in and making sure that we feel welcome and that we’re learning.
Goodwin Living also invests in interns by offering workshops and professional development to prepare us to hopefully work at Goodwin Living or work at another job where we can use the transferable skills. The workshops are led by our leaders within the organization. One of the skills I wanted to improve was public speaking, and I used what we learned at the offered workshop in a Goodwin Living presentation, including the poses and breathing techniques.
Gaining Insight into Senior Living and Finding Meaning Through Experience
How has this experience influenced your academic or career goals?
Before interning at Goodwin Living, I never considered working in senior living and healthcare services. I thought it was only for nurses or doctors. After my internship, I realized it’s so much more. There is a lot of room for growth, and there are so many different departments. Personally, it has changed the focus of my career. Now, I would like to keep working at Goodwin Living or in the field of senior living and continue to positively impact the lives of older adults.
Advice for Future Goodwin Living Interns
Would you recommend this internship to others? Why?
Yes, I would recommend this internship. There are a lot of hands-on opportunities that allow interns to gain real-world experience. The skills you learn can translate to any job. The internship is also fun because you get to build relationships with your fellow interns. The role is customized based on the intern’s interests, so there are shadowing opportunities to learn about other departments.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering an internship with Goodwin Living?
First of all, apply! If you’re selected, make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities that Goodwin Living offers. This includes workshops and volunteering at different events, because you never know when you’ll find something that you will like.
A Meaningful and Engaging Internship Experience at Goodwin Living
Dome’s journey reflects the heart of the Goodwin Living Internship program: an opportunity to learn, grow and find purpose while making meaningful connections. Through hands-on experiences, supportive mentors and exposure to a wide range of career paths, interns gain professional skills and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve older adults with compassion and intention.
Want to see more of Dome’s experience in action? Follow us on Instagram @GoodwinLiving to catch behind-the-scenes action, events and fun-filled moments from our internship program. Be sure to check back for updates on when applications open for the next cohort. We can’t wait to welcome the next group of students!
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Catie Ramos, LNHA, MHA has a background in education and transitioned to serving older adults at Goodwin Living in 2018. As the Team Member Engagement and Outreach Manager, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with interns, team members and residents, creating a positive and supportive environment. Committed to excellence in senior living and healthcare, she continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education and professional growth. Catie is a volunteer at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads (GHBC) who leads weekend activities in Assisted Living and teaches fitness classes for Independent Living residents as a Certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor. She also enjoys spending time with her two nephews and niece, often incorporating them into her volunteer work at GHBC to foster intergenerational connections.
