Meet the NASW-CA Interns

Sarah Lindner

Sarah is a compassionate, seasoned professional (she likes variety and flavor), whose passion for social justice through mutual collaboration (she finds two minds are better than one) brought her to NASW-California chapter for her second-year internship. Sarah has served in multiple volunteerism positions (she feels volunteering feeds the soul) and in 2011 was nominated for Salt of the Earth Volunteer of the Year.

A synopsis of her diverse experience encompass a range of service populations including criminal, victim — survivor, and youth. While earning her BA in social work, she embraced such endeavors as interning for TLCS serving the beautifully aging population and for CASH serving the sex trafficking population. Soon (she’s optimistic) she will secure an MA in social work, complimenting her BSW and AA in psychology and community studies. Thereafter, she will journey wherever she is able to contribute the most in change-efforts geared toward destigmatizing AOD and/or criminal rehabilitation.

Mona Kazemi

Mona says the fact that we aren’t all the same “gives a little spice to life.” Mona grew up in a diverse community in Los Angeles and enjoys the differences in people. As an Iranian-American citizen she is able to fluently speak Farsi, and builds bridges through her language skills. Mona is aware of the impact that culture has on community development and policy formation. She is drawn to social work because she is a problem solver by nature. Her life experience has heightened her awareness of the problems of institutional poverty. It is natural for her to be empathetic, seeing the strengths in people she works with, and finding a way to advocate for those who are struggling.

Mona received a BA in social work from California State University Los Angeles in 2010. She interned for L.A. County DCFS and worked with at risk youth. She also has worked with people who manage dual diagnosis in addiction and mental health. Mona is keenly aware how mental health challenges can impact substance abuse. Mona worked as a case manager for Child Care Resource Center in Chatsworth, California. She was promoted to lead case specialist and analyzed policies that related to subsidized child care. Through her work, she grew in her understanding of the importance of all levels of social work, and how policy impacts the delivery of social services.

As well as being an intern for NASW-CA, Mona is also part of a team researching the eligibility requirements for low income families receiving subsidized child care services. Mona encourages social workers to take care of themselves by spending time in nature. She is passionate about hiking weekly, and also enjoys fishing, cooking, writing, and reading the poetry of Rumi.

Mari Erlandson

Mari’s grandmother lived to be a 102. Not only did she live a full and bright life, but she undoubtedly had a huge impact on her granddaughter’s life. Mari describes her role model as possessing a flexible mind, always curious and open. “She lived with a sense of purpose,” Mari explains. Those same descriptive phrases can be used to describe Mari, herself. She believes living with purpose is the key to good health — physical, mental, and spiritual. Throughout her rich life, Mari has always found joy through working and interacting with people who are faced with challenges and struggle. She considers this a privilege, yet understands that with privilege comes responsibility. This sense of responsibility keeps her in what she describes as a “beginner’s” state of mind, a philosophy that emphasizes the fact that there is something to be learned from every situation.

In 1976, Mari graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor’s degree  in interdisciplinary studies, a program comprised mainly of philosophy, theology and history courses. She then went on to receive her master’s in pastoral ministry from the University of San Francisco. Mari explains her affinity towards spirituality as one that is based on respect for all faith. She takes a humanistic approach in her practice and in her life. She has extensive experience in both education and wellness and recovery. She taught at a local independent college prep school for 11 years, specializing in feminist theology. Mari then decided to take the next step in re-enrolling in school with University of California, Sacramento in the MSW program because she felt the need to obtain a broader understanding of systems and communities. Mari brings compassion, respect, intelligence, and a vast array of knowledge to the field of social work.