Our Interns

David Benitez, MS
Albizu University- Miami, FL
Adult Track

My decision to pursue a clinical internship at URMC stems from the program’s extensive array of clinical opportunities, coupled with its commitment to integrated, evidence-based clinical practice. I was particularly drawn to rotations that thoughtfully incorporate multilingual considerations in treatment, as well as those centered on inpatient medicine in psychiatry, with a strong emphasis on keeping research at the forefront. URMC’s dedication to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly compelling, as it ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted training experience for doctoral interns. I am fully committed to URMC’s approach to the assessment and treatment of a diverse spectrum of culturally and psychologically varied populations. This focus not only provides advanced training across a broad range of psychopathology but also reinforces a sophisticated understanding of multiculturalism in clinical practice.

Alexander Broekhuijse, MA
Roosevelt University
Adult Track

I was drawn to the internship program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine by the opportunity to cultivate both specialized knowledge and general skill. Through my rotations, I will be able to work with patients experiencing serious mental illness across the diagnostic spectrum and course of illness, in clinical high risk, first episode, and inpatient clinics. At the same time, URMC’s academic medical center setting offers in depth training in evidence-based psychotherapies and access to cutting edge clinical research. Collectively, URMC’s training curricula support my goal to become a clinical psychologist who pursues higher quality and more efficacious care for individuals who experience psychosis. 

Jordan Kocon
New Mexico State University (Las Cruces)
Adult Track

The URMC Adult- Lazos Fuertes internship aligns with my interdisciplinary approach to mental health, which prioritizes culturally and racially responsive care. With a background in integrated behavioral health and bilingual (Spanish/English) counseling from New Mexico State University (NMSU), I am dedicated to supporting individuals', families, and underserved populations. My clinical experience, enhanced by the training at NMSU, includes neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and disability assessment, all of which will inform populations my work at URMC.

Mayra Rivera-Santiago, MS
Albizu University- San Juan, PR
Adult Track

​I found that the commitment of URMC-Adult track Internship program to demonstrating respect for and understanding of cultural and individual diversity is well-aligned with my interests and professional values. I believe that the URMC-Adult track Internship program will provide the advanced training and supervision I need to further expand my acumen for addressing a wide variety of medical and psychological challenges faced by patients. The extensive opportunities offered in the program will enhance and promote our shared goals for providing integrated evidence-based interventions in patient care.

Ana Luisa Barbosa Torreao Dau, MS
University of Connecticut
Child and Adolescent Track

I am very interested in early childhood development and emotion regulation, as well as in the impact of maternal mental health and trauma on attachment, parenting and early childhood development. I believe psychotherapy must begin with a trusting collaborative relationship and I am passionate about providing strengths-based, culturally informed interventions to children and families. I have worked with this population across a variety of settings, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve families and to expanding my clinical skills in the collaborative environment of the URMC psychology doctoral internship.

Shelley Gresko, MA
University of Colorado Boulder
Child & Adolescent Track

​I am passionate about providing culturally informed interventions to address the growing need for effective mental health treatment for children and families. I look forward to expanding my clinical skills and working with young patients in intensive treatment settings as a URMC psychology doctoral intern.

Angela Santee, MA
University of Rochester
Child & Adolescent Track

I am thrilled to complete the next stage of my training at URMC on the Child and Adolescent Track. Ultimately, I aim to build a career in which I leverage my skills as a clinical scientist to enhance mental health service quality, increase patients’ access to supports, and improve social and emotional functioning among youth and their families. This internship offers a range of opportunities that align with my goals, including completion of a leadership project to aid in clinical service program development and evaluation, exposure to diverse multidisciplinary treatment settings, and ample opportunities to provide evidence-informed care to adolescents and caregivers.

Kate Senich, MA
University at Albany
Child & Adolescent Track

​I believe understanding the interaction between physical and mental health is crucial to improving wellbeing. I am particularly passionate about serving children and families, and I have worked with this population in a variety of settings. I am looking forward to expanding my clinical skillset as a URMC psychology doctoral intern and ultimately becoming a more effective clinician.