Julia Calli is a counseling intern and psychology student at James Madison University, where she is also pursuing a minor in family studies. She has a strong interest in working with children and families, particularly through creative and nontraditional therapeutic approaches. Julia is interested in how early relationships and environments shape emotional development and the ways children express and process their experiences.

As an intern, Julia is in the early stages of developing her clinical skills and is eager to learn approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She is drawn to modalities such as play therapy and music-based interventions, recognizing that children often communicate and heal through expression and creativity rather than words alone. She values creating a supportive and engaging environment where children feel comfortable exploring their emotions in ways that feel natural to them.

Julia’s interest in mental health is also reflected in her leadership experiences. She served as the president of her high school’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter, where she helped promote awareness and reduce stigma among her peers. She currently works as a team leader for SafeRides at James Madison University, supporting peer safety and well-being within her community.

Julia is excited to continue learning and gaining hands-on experience through her internship. She is committed to developing the skills needed to support children and families with empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to help others feel understood and supported.