We asked Alina a few questions to get to know her better.

What is your new role at FAPAC?

As an intern at FAPAC, I will be assisting the team members in creating a program for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents to promote a safe and successful transition to adulthood from youths’ current living environment. This will include educating families on the importance of self-identity, self-determination, and self-esteem, as well as interpersonal relationships and life skills such as financial and home management.

Can you tell us more about the educational program you are in?

I am currently a 3rd year occupational therapy doctoral student at Howard University. The role of an occupational therapist (OT) is to promote independence and success in an individual’s daily living activities. An OT can help to manage physical and mental health needs and aid in developing healthy daily routines to increase overall well-being. This can include hands-on interventions, education, and providing resources.

What do you hope to learn more about and achieve at FAPAC?

I hope to learn more about the foster care system and how I can best support foster youth transitioning into adulthood. I want to learn about the experiences foster youth endure and what their most important needs are in relation to occupational therapy and their overall well-being. I hope to work collaboratively with foster youth and their families to create a program that will benefit everyone and fill gaps in the areas of need.

What drew you to FAPAC?

My mother is a social worker and I grew up volunteering alongside her at foster care events and learning about the foster care system through her professional lens. I was drawn to FAPAC because of the work they do to advocate and support foster, kinship, and adoptive families, especially families of color, which is an area that is often overlooked and underserved. By learning more about the support systems in place, I hope to create a program that best serves this community.

Anything else we should know about you?

I grew up in Massachusetts but have lived in DC for almost three years. I love it here and want to continue to support this community as an occupational therapist upon graduation!