Karissa Short

California State University Channel Islands Volunteer Intern

Karissa Short is a dedicated volunteer intern at Alternative Action Programs (AAP), where she plays an integral role in supporting the organization’s mission of providing community-based intervention and rehabilitation services. Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Juarez and Dr. Kevin Volkan, she actively contributes to program coordination and administrative operations, gaining invaluable experience in the field of mental health.

With a strong academic foundation in psychology, Karissa is deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate their journey toward healing, growth, and recovery. Her work at AAP aligns with her long-term aspiration of working with children and adolescents in clinical psychology, with a focus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Through her internship, she is expanding her expertise in intervention strategies, forensic rehabilitation, and psychoeducational programming.

Karissa’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, coupled with her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and compassionate nature, makes her a valuable asset to the AAP team. She is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for both clients and colleagues, ensuring that AAP’s mission continues to make a lasting impact in the community.