Introducing a Partnership with USC School of Social Work

Left to right: Kimberly Chavez, Brian Cardona, and Frances Spivey

The NVF is partnering with USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work to provide internships for graduate students. Our first two interns arrived April 30 and will complete their internships in early December. Our newest intern began her internship in September with a visit from NC to our office in LA.

Kimberly Chavez is in her final semester of school, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW). She works in micro and macro level work and research dedicated to supporting the Veteran and Military Community. Throughout her career, she has trained, supervised, and supported diverse teams including service members, their families and civilians. A Marine Corps Veteran, she worked in several roles within Supply and Logistics improving the productivity and reliability of supply sections supporting their mission. As a victim advocate, she provided crucial support to active and reserve Marines and Sailors. Although she “hung up my uniform in 2019,” her husband will serve in the Marine Corps until his retirement in 2028. The Chavez family currently resides in Eastern North Carolina with their two children. 

Kimberly’s future research interests include exploring gaps in care for veterans, the challenges faced by transitioning servicemembers, and the unique experiences of those with intersecting identities, such as being both a mother and a servicemember. She’s also interested in studying the dynamics of dual military couples, the impact of military service on families and children, and the importance of trauma-informed care in supporting veterans in crisis.

Brian Garcia Cardona is a proud Marine Corps Veteran and current Master of Social Work (MSW) student at the University of Southern California. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Brian now calls California home, where he balances his academic and professional pursuits with his role as a devoted father to his six-year-old son. He also enjoys the company of his two-year-old Cane Corso, who keeps him active and grounded.

Driven by a passion for mental health and social justice, Brian aims to become a licensed therapist, focusing on supporting those within the prison system and mental health facilities. His experiences in the military have fueled his desire to provide compassionate care and advocacy, especially for individuals navigating complex personal challenges. Brian is committed to using his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Frances Spivey is a dedicated MSW student at the University of Southern California. She earned her BA in Leadership in the Public Sector from North Carolina State University, laying a solid foundation for her commitment to public service. With 15 years of experience in the North Carolina Army National Guard, Frances brings a wealth of discipline and leadership to her role as an intern. Her military background informs her passion for supporting fellow service members and their families. She supported Operation Enduring Freedom as a medic in Afghanistan.

Frances is married to an active-duty Marine, and together they embrace family life with her stepchildren. In their free time, the family enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

The interns work closely with Board Member Kristine Stanley and with Director of Ops Melanie Alvarez on macro and micro projects along with engaging callers on our Lifeline for Vets. Training includes engagement, warm hand-offs, de-escalation and trauma-informed engagement. They also discuss cases they have collaboratively with the clinician working with the NVF.

Alvarez says, “I am here to talk about clinical issues, other approaches of psychotherapy such as CBT, motivational interviewing, and diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. Our goal is to help them develop tools to use on the hotline and in other settings. We also discuss various avenues of social work, paths that they can take in their careers.”

Melanie approves their hours, meets with their USC instructors, and looks over their reflective summaries, a part of the intern requirement with all universities. For their part, the interns bring new skills to us, and a high level of enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the work we all do.