MSW Intern of the Year Clinical Practice: A Q&A with Denise Perez

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Denise Perez, and I am from Houston, Texas, but spent most of my adult life in Austin (graduated from UT Austin in 2015). I’m a first-generation American—my parents were born in Mexico—and I’m also the first in my family to pursue higher education and social work. 

When did you start classes at Baylor? Why did you choose Baylor Social Work?

I began the Baylor online MSW program in May 2024. Aside from being able to complete my MSW degree 100% online as I was a working professional, I chose Baylor because of its emphasis on faith and spirituality. My faith has always been an important part of who I am and how I view service, compassion, and human dignity, so I appreciated that Baylor recognizes the importance of integrating spirituality into social work practice in a thoughtful and ethical way. I felt that Baylor’s values aligned closely with both my personal beliefs and my professional goals of serving individuals, families, and communities with empathy, advocacy, and respect.

Why did you choose social work? Would you say social work is your “calling”? 

I chose social work because of both my lived experiences and my deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma and adversity. As a survivor, I understand firsthand the long-term impact that trauma can have on individuals and families. These experiences, combined with my professional background in child welfare, policy, and behavioral health, have shaped my passion for creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments for those who have experienced trauma. I am especially passionate about working with children, families, and survivors of abuse, violence, and complex trauma. I am also deeply committed to addressing systemic issues and disparities, such as inequities within child welfare systems and barriers to accessing mental health care and healthcare. My goal is not only to support healing at the individual and family level, but also to advocate for more trauma-informed, equitable, and responsive systems of care.

I do believe social work is my calling because this work aligns deeply with my values, faith, personal experiences, and sense of purpose. Social work allows me to combine compassion, advocacy, clinical practice, research, and systems change in a way that creates meaningful impact for individuals, families, and communities. It is work that feels deeply personal to me, and I truly believe I was called to use both my experiences and my voice to help others heal and feel seen, supported, and empowered. I hope to leave the world a little better than when I came into it.

Tell us about your internship experience: what have you enjoyed and what have you learned?

I completed my internship at Texas Children’s Hospital within the hematology service line. During my internship, I conducted psychosocial assessments, provided emotional support and resource navigation, and worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to support children and families facing complex medical and psychosocial challenges. One of the biggest things I learned was the importance of meeting families where they are and recognizing how deeply social, emotional, medical, and systemic factors intersect. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of empathy, advocacy, social justice, systems change, and trauma-informed care in healthcare settings. My experience at Texas Children’s Hospital sparked an interest and passion for me which I plan on pursuing as part of my research interests in my PhD journey.

What was your favorite social work class and why?

It’s a tie between Research for Social Work Practice and Social Work Practice and Advocacy with Children and Families. Research for Social Work Practice was especially meaningful because Dr. Brianna Lemmons made a significant impact on me as both an instructor and mentor. She challenged me to think critically about research and its application to real-world social work practice, while also encouraging me to see myself as a future scholar. Her guidance truly solidified my decision to pursue a PhD in social work and ignited a strong passion for research as a tool for advancing practice, policy, and equity for underserved populations.

Social Work Practice and Advocacy with Children and Families was equally influential because Dr. Kayte Thomas also served as an important mentor throughout the course. She helped deepen my clinical thinking, strengthen my advocacy skills, and further shape my commitment to working with children and families impacted by trauma. Her support and mentorship helped me clarify my professional direction and reinforced my desire to continue advancing my education at the doctoral level.

Both professors played a pivotal role in my development—not only academically, but professionally and personally. Their mentorship helped influence and affirm my decision to pursue a PhD in social work, while also shaping the practitioner and scholar I am becoming.

What does this award mean to you?

This award means so much to me because it represents both my hard work and the resilience it took to get through my MSW internship journey. Being named MSW Intern of the Year is incredibly meaningful, especially because my internship at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Hematology service line challenged me to grow both professionally and personally in ways I will carry with me throughout my career. This recognition also reminds me that the work I put in—showing up for families, providing support during crises, completing psychosocial assessments, and advocating for resources—truly matters. It reflects not only my commitment, but also the trust placed in me by my amazing supervisor (Carrie Beckham), team, and the patients and families I served. Ultimately, this award reflects growth, perseverance, and purpose. It motivates me to continue advancing in the field of social work, stay committed to advocacy in healthcare settings, and carry this experience forward.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to obtain my LMSW and continue working in a medical or clinical setting, where I can provide trauma-informed care to children and families. I will also begin my PhD in Social Work at the University of Houston this fall. My primary research interest centers on intergenerational trauma in Latinx and Black communities, particularly early childhood adversity, child maltreatment, attachment disruption, racial disparities, and how systemic inequities contribute to long-term mental health and health disparities. I am interested in integrating neuro-developmental frameworks, and trauma-informed policy, into child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and community-based systems. Long-term, I hope to conduct community-engaged research and program evaluation that strengthens local programs, informs policy reform, and interrupts the school and foster care-to-prison pipeline. My vision is to transform research into actionable practice and practice into equitable policy, helping to build compassionate systems that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, live a long and healthy life, and pursue their full potential.

Any advice for those coming after you?

My advice for those coming after me is to stay open to growth, even when the experience feels overwhelming or uncertain. The MSW journey, especially during internship, will stretch you in ways you don’t always expect—but those challenges are where the most meaningful learning happens.

I would encourage future interns to fully lean into the experience, ask questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes. Be present with your clients and allow yourself to learn from them as much as you learn from your supervisors and professors. The relationships you build during this time—both with colleagues and the populations you serve—can be incredibly impactful.

I would also say to advocate for yourself and stay grounded in your “why.” There will be moments that feel emotionally heavy or professionally challenging but remembering your purpose will help carry you through those times. Having strong mentorship, like I experienced during my time at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Hematology service line, can make a huge difference—so seek out those connections and learn from them.

Most importantly, trust that you are becoming the social worker you are meant to be, even when you don’t feel fully ready yet. Growth in this field is continuous, and every experience is shaping you for the work ahead.

What others say about Denise:

"Throughout her internship, Denise has consistently demonstrated excellence in performance and a high level of professionalism, all while balancing a full-time academic schedule and personal responsibilities. When Denise is on site, her focus is fully dedicated to patient care and the overall well-being of children and families experiencing prolonged hospitalizations and the complex psychosocial challenges that accompany them. Her commitment, presence, and intentional engagement with patients and families reflect both her strong work ethic and her deep dedication to the social work profession. 

Denise has shown strong competence in applying social work knowledge, values, and skills to assigned learning experiences. Her clinical skills and understanding are evident well beyond what is typically expected of an internship student. She approaches assessments with care and intention, delivers thoughtful and responsive interventions, and connects with patients in a way that is grounded in genuine empathy and respect." 

Are you interested in a master's degree in Social Work? Learn more about our programs and about the Garland School of Social Work here.