Intern Spotlight: Maggie Dries on Growth, Mentorship, and the Future of Mental Health Care

At St. David’s, our internship program is an investment in your future, and in the next generation of mental health professionals. We seek rising professionals who are not only passionate about serving children and families, but who are eager to grow, challenge themselves, and deepen their clinical expertise in a relationship-based, inclusive environment.

Meet Maggie Dries, a Master of Social Work student at   who joined our Family Place program as a clinical intern. Below, Maggie shares her journey—from what drew her to St. David’s to how this experience has shaped her professional future.

What drew you to pursue a Master’s in Social Work at St. Thomas?

Before entering the MSW program at St. Thomas, I was working with children and adults with disabilities at the Jewish Community Center in the Twin Cities. It was a meaningful experience, but I knew I wanted to grow and explore. The field of Social Work stood out because it encompasses so much, all within one field.

As I began searching for a clinical internship, I wanted something that would challenge me and allow me to work with youth, while also giving me strong clinical experience. At the time, I was completing my foundational placement at Harley Hopkins with Hopkins Public Schools, where I happened to share an office with St. David’s staff supporting the Autism Day Treatment Program. After learning more about the agency and hearing positive things from the team, I decided to apply. I’d never worked in a day-treatment setting, and I knew it would push me to strengthen my clinical thinking, while staying grounded in a person-centered approach.

Can you share a bit about your clinical internship at St. David’s? What have been some of the highlights so far?

One of the best parts of my internship was that I learned something, every single day. Whether it was a new therapeutic technique or simply a fun fact about a client, each day brought growth. I came in not knowing what to expect, and I left having built real connections with the children, and their families, over time.

I had a unique experience because almost our entire group graduated during my nine months here. That meant I got to witness the full arc of group development and see each child’s individual progress—while still making space for fun and play.

You mentioned wanting to work with marginalized communities. What inspired that focus for you?

During my time at St. Thomas, I was fortunate to participate in two unique scholarship programs. One was the Trauma-Informed Interdisciplinary Practices Program, which prepares individuals from many communities to serve children with disabilities through early childhood special education and social work. The other, the Integrated Behavioral Health Program, focuses on expanding behavioral health access for medically underserved communities.

Both programs deepened my understanding of how different communities experience mental and physical health systems. What drives my passion is the belief that everyone deserves access to care that’s supportive, person-centered, and culturally attuned. I’ve had that kind of care in my own life, and I want to be part of a system that makes sure others do, too.

What was your experience like interviewing with your supervisor, Mel Williams? You noted it was inspiring—what stood out to you?

Mel is incredible. From the moment I met her, I could sense her deep passion for Family Place and the families we serve. It was that first interview that made me think, I want to be here.

What stood out most was when she said, “It’s my job to make sure you’re a prepared clinician when your internship is over.” I had interviewed with at least four other agencies, and no one else had said anything like that. It was clear she cared not just about the work, but about me and my development—about the profession as a whole. After that conversation—hearing about the program, the team, and the overall environment—I knew this was the right fit.

What have you learned from working with children and families from diverse backgrounds?

The most important thing I’ve learned is that beneath everything a child or family has been through, there is a shared desire to live a happy and healthy life. Holding onto that truth has been essential—especially when navigating the barriers families often face trying to access care.

Before joining St. David’s  , I understood that some families struggled to find culturally responsive services. But being in this role helped me grasp the depth of those challenges. It expanded my understanding of what it means to truly meet families where they are and respond to what they need.

How do you hope this internship will shape your future as a mental health professional?

When I started my MSW program, my goal was to become a school social worker. I knew I wanted to work with kids, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like outside of a school setting.

Through this internship, that vision changed. I discovered how much I love milieu work, creating environments where clients can thrive. That’s because the clients I worked with in Family Place showed me how fulfilling and impactful this setting can be. Looking ahead, I hope to continue offering creative, collaborative, and supportive services to children and families—and to walk alongside them as they work to strengthen their relationships.

Grow Your Career with Purpose
Maggie’s story is just one example of how a St. David’s internship can shape your professional, clinical future. Our programs are grounded in meaningful mentorship, clinical excellence, and a shared commitment to equity, relationship, and collaboration. We’re proud that so many of our interns go on to become employees—and even leaders—at St. David’s.

If you’re a future clinician looking for a place to grow, to belong, and to make a difference: join us!

Learn more about internship opportunities at stdavidscenter.org or follow us here on LinkedIn to hear more stories like Maggie’s.

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