Spotlight Internship

Meet Ashleigh Barnaba, our Spring 2026 Social Work Intern! Ashleigh is from Gulfport, Mississippi and is currently a senior at Mississippi College, graduating in May 2026 with her bachelor's in social work and a minor in Psychology.

Ashleigh’s experience with Southern Christian was diverse and active. She has had the opportunity to work with every program the organization offers: Foster Care, Transitional Living, Prevention, Development, Counseling, and Group Homes. Through these experiences, she has had the chance to see firsthand how the material she’s learned in the classroom is applied in the field.

Ashleigh has actively contributed to the organization's mission to serve vulnerable youth and help them become self-sufficient. During her internship she has taken initiative while working alongside staff, building relationships with clients, and organized events such as the reality fair.

When asked about her favorite part of interning here, Ashleigh shared, “Just knowing I was part of a team who genuinely cares about their clients and is willing to put in the effort to better them and the agency. I’ve been poured into so much by being given different opportunities that have given me tons of experience and knowledge I can carry with me to my next step.”

Ashleigh, thank you for your hard work and dedication this semester! Your passion for serving others and your heart for this field has truly made an impact. We are so grateful to have had you and can’t wait to see where life takes you next!