Reference 1: Gala Shelburne
Title: Infant and Toddler Connection of the Heartland Service Coordinator/ Supervisor
Email: shelburnega@longwood.edu
Phone Number: 434-665-7793
Jaelyn Jenkins is currently completing a 500 hour internship in early intervention services with Infant and Toddler Connection (ITC) of the Heartland. I provide her supervision with a focus on service coordination.
Jaelyn has shown professionalism in her role of Intern and a desire for learning in all areas of early intervention. She has experienced working with professionals from various disciplines and has provided direct services to children and families throughout her internship. She has utilized various skills, including communication skills.
She is a team player, dependable and flexible. Jaelyn accepts feedback graciously and makes changes in her work as needed. She is motivated to continue her education in social work.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Gala Shelburne, M.S., CFCS-HDFS
Assistant Director for Service Coordination
Infant and Toddler Connection of the Heartland
Reference 2: Shayla Walker
Title: Longwood University Professor
Email: walkerse4@longwood.edu
Phone Number: 434-395-4898
I am one of Jaelyn’s social work professors at Longwood University. While I cannot speak to “how” Jaelyn organizes her day and work-related tasks, I can share that Jaelyn effectively completes tasks and assignments according to expected timelines.
Jaelyn has a great personality. In my time knowing Jaelyn, I have seen her bloom from being seemingly shy and reserved to being an active and engaged participant in class. She is fun, creative, and enthusiastic. She completes assignments, asks meaningful questions, connects with peers and professors, and balances work, school, and extracurricular responsibilities.
Jaelyn handles challenges with grace. She can problem-solve and make appropriate decisions. There are many stressors and challenges associated with being a college student. However, Jaelyn seemingly handles them in stride. She requests support as needed but seems to be very independent and resilient, and she takes initiative.
Jaelyn appears to have strong relationships with her peers and professors. It has been a joy having Jaelyn in class as she offers unique contributions. Her peers speak highly of her and have noted that they use her as a resource and social support.
I am enthusiastic about the positive contributions I anticipate Jaelyn will make in her career.
Shayla Walker, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Reference 3: Dr. Kendall Lee
Title: Infant and Toddler Connection of the Heartland Director
Email: leekl@longwood.edu
Phone Number: 434-298-7824
During the spring 2024 academic semester, I have had the opportunity to serve as one of Jaelyn’s internship supervisors at the Infant and Toddler Connection (ITC) at Longwood University. Jaelyn is a valued teammate and she has been an outstanding social work student intern throughout this semester.
Jaelyn is a fast learner and her work performance is exceptional. She is self-disciplined and organized which enables her to accomplish her responsibilities without much assistance. Jaelyn is also thoughtful and maintains a passion for serving others. In addition to her administrative support tasks, Jaelyn is responsible for meeting with families to complete infant and toddler developmental screenings. This opportunity allows Jaelyn to reflect on the social work competencies, build her communication skills with co-workers, and advocate for children and their families.
Since Jaelyn’s first day of joining the ITC team, her quality of work and dedication to each responsibility demonstrates her commitment to those we serve. Jaelyn is diligent, responsible and innovative, and understands that it takes creativity to be a leader in the field of social work. She is also a forward thinker and a problem-solver. For example, Jaelyn collaborated with another senior level intern to co-host an annual meeting for families transitioning from early intervention to the public school system or other programs/services. She helped to coordinate the event, designed marketing materials, and assisted with the virtual presentation.
Jaelyn’s success outside of the classroom Jenkins is solid proof that she has the unique qualities needed to continue to demonstrate great promise. I am confident Jaelyn will make a positive contribution to the field of social work for many years to come. I highly recommend Jaelyn for admission.
Thank you,
Kendall L. Lee, Ed.D.
Director, Infant and Toddler Connection of the Heartland