A Summer of Learning and Impact
Summer Intern Experience
This summer, the Foundation staff were happy to welcome an intern! Ellie, a nursing student from Viterbo University, had the opportunity to experience nearly every program we offer. She attended a Mammographic Quality Initiative meeting in Milwaukee, reviewed resources for GrapeVine health educators and observed First Breath participant meetings—gaining a firsthand look at the breadth of our work. Ellie also explored how the Well Badger Resource Center connects people across Wisconsin to vital health and social services.
Ellie shared that one of her biggest takeaways was the depth of commitment from the First Breath team. She noted how each staff member brings compassion, resourcefulness and a judgment-free approach to helping participants reach their goals. Observing First Breath Health Educator Kalin was especially impactful as she watched her celebrate wins with participants and provided steady judgment-free encouragement.
A highlight of the summer was what Ellie described as a “full-circle moment.” Earlier this year, during her maternity and newborn nursing rotation for her nursing program, she met several patients who could have benefited from the First Breath program. That experience inspired her to learn more about the First Breath program’s reach in her community. Seeing it in action this summer reinforced the value of linking patients in clinical settings to supportive, long-term community programs, such as First Breath.
Ellie’s current interest is to work in bedside nursing with a focus on women’s health or oncology. Her internship reaffirmed her passion for women’s health and sparked an interest in community-based care.
“I’m so proud of the Foundation’s growth and the difference it makes every day,” Ellie shared. “It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that changes lives not just through big moments, but through everyday acts of care, education and empowerment.”
Ellie, WWHF summer intern & nursing student
We are so grateful for Ellie’s contributions this summer, her willingness to jump in and learn. We wish her all the best in her nursing career and know she will make a lasting difference wherever she goes.