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An internship this past semester has convinced Michael Louderback ’03 (Wayne, N.J.) that he wants to counsel troubled children and adults as a career, and he already has secured a job in the field.
Receiving credit toward his psychology major, Louderback worked at the Rescue Shelter of Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, Pa., under the supervision of Allison Lopresti, who said he had most of the same responsibilities as the licensed counselors at the shelter. Those included answering crisis calls from parents and youths and conducting interviews with those seeking asylum at the shelter. Interviewees ranged from runaways to abusive parents.
“He was definitely helpful,” says Lopresti of Louderback. “He really took initiative.”
“He gained some experience with people less fortunate than [he was], as well as some understanding of himself and his interactions with and effects on other people,” she adds.
Louderback notes that he dealt with some tough situations, and the most challenging thing was to leave the work at the shelter. However, the experience overall was a benefit for him.
“It solidified that this is what I want to do,” he says.
He has already accepted employment with Devereux, a national organization that provides human services to children, adults, and families with special needs that derive from behavioral, psychological, intellectual or neurological impairments.
Last spring, Louderback completed an independent study on learning techniques of pigeons with Robert Allan, associate professor of psychology.
A resident advisor for the third consecutive year, Louderback is philanthropy chair of Delta Upsilon fraternity and captain of the men’s rugby club.