At Pathways, one of the most impactful ways we live our mission is by nurturing the next generation of hospice and bereavement professionals. For many years, our internship programs have offered students the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the care of patients and families during some of life’s most tender moments.

Internships at Pathways provide a unique and mutually rewarding experience. Advanced students apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, while patients, families, and our team benefit from their fresh perspectives and compassionate support. This collaborative model creates a powerful “win-win,” as interns gain invaluable hands-on training while enriching our care with their presence.

Guided by experienced mentors, Pathways interns come from a variety of disciplines, including Bachelor’s and Master’s-level Social Work, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Healthcare Administration. Interns join us from universities and colleges across the country, with our strongest partnership being with Colorado State University.

This season, we are proud to host the following talented interns:

• Social Work/Bereavement: Cassy Johnson, Sarah Kouns, Melanie McKinley
• Music Therapy: Aubrianna Gerdes, Brenden La Raja
• Occupational Therapy: Callie Grawe (pictured above)
• Healthcare Administration: Astrida Beqa

In conversations with the current group of interns, a few common themes emerged: growth, insight, and a deeper appreciation for the holistic approach of hospice care. Interns have had the opportunity to shadow across Pathways’ interdisciplinary team, learning from nurses, social workers, chaplains, nurse aides, volunteers, bereavement counselors, and managers.

Brenden La Raja, a Music Therapy intern, likened the interdisciplinary teamwork at Pathways to the inner workings of a clock.

“This experience has taught me how to better adapt and adjust to different patient and family dynamics,” Brenden said. “When people hear I’m interning at a hospice, they often assume the work must be emotionally heavy. But I’ve actually found the opposite to be true. There are so many meaningful, even joyful, moments. Most conversations aren’t about death—they’re about celebrating life.”

The internship program is overseen by dedicated Pathways team members: Beth Mosko, Music Therapist; Jen Tanguay, LCSW; and Deb Hayman, Volunteer Coordinator. The program is further supported and guided by Brooke Rambold, Clinical Manager. Together, they ensure that interns receive the supervision, mentorship, and support needed to meet their academic and professional goals.

“I love mentoring students,” Beth Mosko shared. “It not only helps them learn and grow, but it also teaches me. It keeps me reflective and open to new ideas, which ultimately benefits the patients and families we serve.”

For more information about the Pathways internship program, including how to apply, please visit www.pathways-care.org.

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Providing Compassion and Care

A terminal illness doesn’t just take an emotional toll—it can create overwhelming financial strain for families already facing one of life’s most difficult journeys.

The Pathways Family Assistance Fund provides essential support to hospice families, offering grants for non-medical expenses such as food, travel, mortgage or rent payments, and other urgent needs. These grants help relieve financial burdens, allowing families to focus on what truly matters—cherishing precious time together.

For many, the final months of a loved one’s life come with impossible choices: missing work to be by their side, struggling to afford necessities, or falling behind on bills. The Pathways Family Assistance Fund ensures that no family has to navigate this journey alone.

Your generosity can make a real difference. Donate today to help hospice families find comfort, stability, and peace of mind when they need it most. You can donate to this fund here.