Stefanie Lotti, Spring 2025 Penn State Lehigh Valley alumna and rehabilitation and human services major, applies classroom skills to her internship with Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services.
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Stefanie Lotti always wanted a career where she could help people, though it wasn’t clear what that career would look like, she said.
Lotti earned an sssociate’s degree in human services from Lehigh Carbon Community College and wanted to continue her studies in a similar field. Now, a recent graduate of Penn State Lehigh Valley (PSU-LV), Lotti’s path is more clearly defined. PSU-LV’s rehabilitation and human services (RHS) program was a perfect fit for her professional interests, she said.
“The program exceeded my expectations,” Lotti said. “I have an associate’s degree, so I’ve only been at PSU-LV for two years, but I’ve learned so much. The professors have all worked in the field and really care about your success, and the classes directly relate to your field.”
Lotti’s internship with Lehigh County Aging & Adult Services allowed her to apply much of the information she’s learned in the classroom to the real world. Lotti learned of the opportunity thanks to an assignment in one of her classes.
“There was an assignment in the 'Introduction to Human Services' class that required students to interview a person in the helping field that worked with a population they were interested in,” Lotti said.
She spoke with J.R. Reed, the executive director of Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services, for the interview and inquired about internship opportunities with the agency.
“Shortly after that, he contacted human resources, who reached out to me. I informed them that my internship could not be completed until next year," she said. "When the time was right, I reached out to the HR contact with my cover letter and resume.”
Lotti interviewed with Marianne Werling, intake and referral supervisor, and Anne Milne, senior center supervisor, and was soon offered the position. She reports to both women for her internship. At the senior center, Lotti helps serve lunch, conduct activities and collect data. On the intake and referral side, she is involved in data collection and tracking, as well as referring clients for different services.
Over the course of the semester-long position, Lotti said she has learned more about the various issues facing seniors, such as living on a fixed income and the need for assistance with certain medications.
“I’ve learned about the resources available, and the process some people have to go through to stay in their homes — that’s been a huge piece, and something that’s really important to me,” Lotti said.
She will also learn more about the case management aspect of the role in coming weeks.
Lotti said she feels her courses at PSU-LV prepared her for both her internship and for professional work in the human services field.
“My instructors gave me the knowledge and confidence to go into the field and not feel totally lost. I feel I know what’s going on. The 'Case Management' class was especially helpful,” she said.
A recent PSU-LV alumna, Lotti said she is looking forward to what’s ahead.
“I’m hoping to work with people with disabilities, whether it’s at the Agency on Aging, through the county, or at a nonprofit," she said.
in addition, Lotti’s previous internship at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) sparked her interest in working with the disability community: “Living with a disability myself, I have a personal understanding of the barriers faced by people with disabilities. I am committed to supporting individuals with disabilities to live fulfilled, joyful and independent lives.”
