ALISON GRIMM

The First Star ISU Academy is a college-preparatory program for high school foster youth. Scholars stay on ISU campus for two weeks and participate in classes, workshops, check-ins, group discussions, and team building.

• Conducting regular check-ins with scholars as well as follow up check-ins to assess scholars progress.
• Leading group reflections and life skills workshops with scholars.
• Supervising activities and developing positive relationships with scholars, other college coaches, professors, and caregivers.
• Providing one on one emotional support when necessary.
• Participating in staff meetings to plan activities and ceremonies.
• Writing reports on current foster youth research for future use in the program.
• Assessing and reporting on scholars behavior, academics, and progress throughout the program.

Our mission is to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection.

• Work as a team to create a welcoming environment and provide food/drink services.
• Opportunity to connect with the community and create relationships with a diverse group of people.

Worked in a group therapy setting with students ages four to twenty-two who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Provided weekly care to a total of ten groups.

• Improved clients social skills, coping abilities, and emotion regulation through practicing social interactions, emotion identification, coping, and conversations with peers. Clients experienced noticeable improvements such as higher participation in sessions, increased confidence, improved interactions with peers, and improved ability to identify and cope with emotions.
• Assessed client needs through data collection, assessments, and client-clinician interactions.
• Collaborated with a team to create session plans and brainstorm helpful and engaging activities for clients.