My name is Grace, and I had the privilege of serving as a Community Coordinator at Karis Community while completing the second year of my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Denver. Today, I work as a full-time therapist, supporting individuals managing serious and persistent mental illness. As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that my internship experience at Karis was not only a stepping stone but also a foundation that shaped my approach to practicing within the field of community mental health.
Learning Through Leadership and Care
One of the first lessons I took away from Karis was that excellent care is rooted in compassionate and intentional leadership. At every level, staff modeled what it means to create a culture of safety, empathy, and accountability. I witnessed how a supportive work environment—where staff treat one another with respect and Community Members with unconditional positive regard—naturally fosters a community where healing can occur.
Building a Clinical Foundation
During my time at Karis, I developed a strong clinical foundation in facilitating group therapy and evidence-based interventions. I had the opportunity to design and facilitate weekly groups, drawing on therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Each group session challenged me to research, adapt, and creatively apply interventions for the Community Members. The freedom to take initiative, combined with guidance from staff, allowed me to grow into my clinical voice. I quickly came to see group therapy not just as a treatment tool, but as a powerful medium for building skills, connection, and resilience.
A Unique Residential Model
Karis is distinctive in its approach. It blends freedom within a residential setting with consistency, structure, and accountability. Community Members are encouraged to take ownership of their lives and choices, supported by a program design that promotes responsibility and self-determination.
What stood out most to me was how community itself became a catalyst for recovery. Community Members supported one another through sharing their life experiences and unique perspectives. I was continually inspired by the powerful insights that Community Members shared within the group setting. Furthermore, I was reminded of the strength that exists within each individual as Community Members demonstrated their vast array of artistic and creative talents through music, visual art, writing, and other creative pursuits. The expression of these gifts enriched the community and is a reflection of an environment where individual strengths are recognized, appreciated, and nourished.
Healing Through Environment and Connection
The physical environment at Karis also contributes to its restorative nature. From the moment you walk through the front door, there is a sense of calm and grounding. The open backyard—with its pond, stonework, fire pit, picnic tables, and community gardens—provides a natural sanctuary where Community Members and staff alike can take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, reflect, and connect.
Support That Makes Growth Possible
As an intern, I learned quickly that strong supervision and guidance are the keys to a meaningful training experience. Karis operates with a small staff, and it is certainly mighty. Led by Executive Director Annie Wharton, LCSW, LAC, and Dalia Rubenstein, LCSW, the leadership team models compassion, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to individualized care.
Each Community Member’s journey is unique, and Karis’ staff meet individuals where they are, crafting personalized approaches that honor both challenges and strengths. For interns, this same philosophy applied: staff created an environment where we were encouraged to develop our skills, build confidence, and take initiative—all while knowing we were supported every step of the way.
Carrying Karis Into My Career
Now, as a full-time outpatient therapist, I draw on the skills and values I cultivated at Karis. My foundation in evidence-based interventions, my understanding of the power of community, and my appreciation for compassionate leadership all continue to shape my clinical approach.
Karis has been a cornerstone in my professional development, and its impact reaches far beyond my personal journey. Since its founding in 1976, the legacy of Karis is one of hope, resilience, and community. It offers a rare and beautiful balance: therapeutic support paired with life-skills development, and individual growth enriched by collective belonging.
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for my time at Karis. It was more than an internship; it was a formative experience that taught me how to approach mental health care with both compassion and creativity. The lessons I learned there continue to guide my practice and affirm my belief in the power of community as a force for healing.
Written by Grace Brown
Community Coordinator/Intern (Fiscal Year 2024-2025)