This summer, five Experience Springbrook interns immersed themselves in the daily life of The School at Springbrook. We had the chance to speak with three of them—Emily Lobb, Annabelle Zollars, and Jaison Tucker—who shared impactful takeaways, lasting memories, and new skills.
For Emily Lobb, the experience was unique because every day brought something new. She learned to be dynamic in her work and discovered the importance of building strong, positive relationships. “Overcoming challenges and building rapport with students was a turning point for me in developing my skills,” Emily shared. She credits teacher Samantha Lebo as a role model, noting her ability to encourage student independence and engagement through best practices. Emily’s advice to future interns? “Be open-minded. Be ready for new experiences.”
Annabelle Zollars described her time as empowering, offering her a fresh perspective on working with people and leaving her feeling fulfilled. A memorable moment came when she was asked to switch rooms and had to quickly adapt by retaining key details about students to provide better support. Her confidence, communication, and collaboration skills flourished. She was inspired by teacher Anna, whose gentle yet firm approach demonstrated the value of truly knowing each student. Annabelle’s advice for others: “It’s about the people you support. Every day is different, and experiences like this will teach lessons you can use for the rest of your life.”
For Jaison Tucker, the experience was monumental. What he expected going in was vastly different from what he gained, but most notably, a deep respect for the staff and a new level of patience. One of his most memorable days was stepping into leadership responsibilities when his lead teacher was out, which strengthened his adaptability and problem-solving skills. He credits Megan and Kennedy as role models for their ability to manage a classroom while maintaining both structure and care. His advice to future interns: “Be open to different experiences and expect the unexpected. Use your resources, keep an open mind, and do not take things too seriously—you might miss the small, impactful moments.”
The Springbrook Experience is more than just an internship—it is a chance to grow professionally, connect personally, and make a real difference. For Emily, Annabelle, and Jaison, it was a journey of discovery, adaptability, and meaningful relationships that will stay with them long after their time at Springbrook.
Emily Lobb
Annabelle Zollars
Jaison Tucker