At Wheeler Health, our people are our greatest strength, and that includes the many staff members who are continuing their education while contributing to our mission every day. This month, we’re proud to highlight four dedicated employees who are also completing internships within the organization. Their stories reflect the heart of Wheeler’s commitment to growth, opportunity, and whole-person care.
From crisis response to community-based programs, these interns bring passion, lived experience, and professionalism to every interaction. They embody the belief that learning never stops, and that even while serving others, there’s always room to grow.
Meet Liliam Navarro
As a longtime Wheeler employee and current social work student at Charter Oak State College, Liliam Navarro is experiencing both sides of our mission, learning and serving simultaneously. During her internship, she assists with caseload reviews, facilitates group therapy sessions, helps with discharge planning, and reconnects with clients to ensure smooth transitions and continued care.
After more than five years with Wheeler, Liliam says she’s seen the organization’s impact up close. “I’ve seen the grateful faces, the success stories, and even the tough moments. It never made me want to look away, it made me want to lean in more,” she shared.
Bilingual and deeply committed to her clients, Liliam brings empathy and cultural understanding to her work. She’s pursuing her bachelor’s in social work (BSW) with plans to continue into an MSW program and ultimately become a licensed counselor. “I want to be a positive example for others who may see themselves in me—especially those who’ve faced barriers like I have.”
Meet Jay Facondini
Jay Facondini, BSW, a case manager in supportive housing is doing his internship with the Plainville Walk With Me program while earning his master of social work at Central Connecticut State University. After three years with the organization, Jay is expanding his clinical experience through one-on-one therapy sessions that support members of the LGBTQ+ community, a population close to his heart.
“This internship gives me the chance to make connections and apply clinical skills in meaningful ways,” Jay said. His familiarity with Wheeler’s environment has made the transition from employee to intern seamless, and he’s particularly focused on learning crisis management skills to enhance his advocacy and counseling work.
Outside of work and school, Jay recharges with an annual trip to Salem, Massachusetts.
Meet Mary Barrett
Mary Barrett, a senior counselor with Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS) in Hartford, is extending her experience in crisis intervention as she works toward her master of social work at Springfield College. Through her internship in Wheeler’s Adult Outpatient Program, Mary is shadowing assessments, preparing for group therapy, and expanding her clinical insight beyond her current role.
“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see other options while still supporting Wheeler’s mission,” Mary said. Balancing work, graduate studies, and family life takes dedication, and Mary credits her strong family support system for helping her manage it all.
Known for her compassionate approach and her ability to connect with families, Mary draws from both professional and personal experience to guide others through difficult moments. “I lead with compassion,” she said. “That’s what helps people feel seen.” When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with her grandchildren.
Meet Dayanna Flores-Cruz
For Dayanna Flores-Cruz, a senior counselor in the Intensive Family Preservation (IFP) program, her internship is a chance to deepen her skills while pursuing her master of social work at the University of Saint Joseph. As she approaches her two-year anniversary with Wheeler, Dayanna continues to make a difference for families in crisis by shadowing clinicians in community, school, and home settings, learning to de-escalate situations and assess needs in real time.
“I really appreciate how supportive Wheeler’s leadership and administration are,” she said. “It’s an environment that helps you succeed.”
Born in Puerto Rico and bilingual, Dayanna brings cultural understanding and empathy to her work, helping clients feel seen and heard. “I want to keep building my confidence and my ability to stay calm and effective when supporting families,” she added. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time every Sunday to unwind and connect with friends through volleyball.
A Culture of Growth and Opportunity
These four employee interns exemplify Wheeler’s mission in action: delivering compassionate care while continuing to learn, grow, and advance their skills. By investing in education and professional development, Wheeler not only strengthens its workforce, it builds the foundation for the next generation of behavioral health leaders.
To learn more about career and internship opportunities at Wheeler, visit wheelerhealth.org/careers