Iris Whitlow

Pre-OT sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Psychology with a minor in Medical Anthropology whose passion is working with children and individuals with developmental needs. Seeking to build hands-on experience in a clinical setting while supporting children and families through therapy.

Recreation Intern at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (2026-05 – 2026-08)

• Managed two cohorts of 20-40 children ages 3-7 and 8-15 throughout an 11-week summer program, adapting activities and supervision to various ages, abilities, and developmental needs
• Supported an inclusive camp environment for children with a range of developmental and special needs, including children with autism and Angelman syndrome; worked with the counselor team to ensure every child could participate
• Provided additional supervision and attention to children requiring greater behavioral or safety support, including monitoring children prone to wandering from designated activity areas
• Collaborated with a 12-person counselor team to coordinate daily activities, communicate participant needs, and manage daily logistics such as transportation, lunch distribution, attendance, and communication with parents

Co-Lead Coordinator (Newman Student Ministry Leader) at Newman Center (2026-08 – Present)

• Lead groups of 5-20 volunteers in weekly outreach to approximately 10-15 unhoused individuals on Franklin Street, distributing water, food, and hygiene products while emphasizing respectful, person-centered interaction
• Coordinate grocery runs, calculate items needed, and budget purchases; aligning product distribution to seasonality; consider requests for certain foods or supplies from individuals receiving services
• Engage in sensitive and emotionally heavy conversations with unhoused individuals; build ongoing relationships with those we interact with; connect individuals with resources when appropriate; and educate volunteers on respectful outreach practices
• Developed and delivered a presentation promoting the ministry at a Catholic Night event, created a GroupMe to facilitate participation and communication, and grew the ministry's GroupMe to approximately 43 members

Volunteer at Newman Center (2025-08 – 2026-05)

• Participated in weekly community outreach on Franklin Street, distributing food, water, and hygiene supplies while engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness

Volunteer at Newman Center (2026-08 – Present)

• Prepare and cook meals with a volunteer team for Newman Center community outreach and events; serving 150+ attendees every Wednesday

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2029-05)