Meet Our Interns!

Bethany Augenstein

Behavioral Health Resources for Families Affected by Domestic Violence

Bethany Augenstein is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, focusing on leadership at the University of South Florida. Bethany is interested in better understanding the needs of children in the care of child welfare services who need behavioral health help and support. Through this internship, Bethany plans to focus on families who are victims of domestic violence and what services are currently available to them that research shows to be most effective.


Jocilynne Jepsen

Understanding the Cost and Health Benefits of Early Intervention Efforts at the State and Local Level

Jocilynne Jepsen is pursuing a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health at the University of South Florida. Throughout the program, Jocilynne has focused much of her research on her interests, including prevention measures for children and the need for early intervention. Through her internship, she plans to delve deeper into government and state reports to analyze what research says works and whether it has or has not been implemented for children. She hopes this research can be shared with legislatures in the future to help save money, time, and improve children’s mental health.


Maribel Ramirez Pereyra

Supporting the Mental and Behavioral Health of Children and Adolescent Asylum Seekers

Maribel Ramirez Pereyra is pursuing a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Behavior Health, focusing on leadership at the University of South Florida. Previously, Maribel worked as an International Scholar Advisor at the University of Tampa, where her job was to advise F-1 students on immigration regulations and visa issues. Maribel has also worked in educating Hispanic elementary students in English as a Second Language (ESL). During her internship with the Children’s Mental Health Network, she plans to conduct policy research on programs to support the mental and behavioral health of asylum-seeking children and adolescents.