Lauren Carroll’s Path from Corporate to Community Impact

Lauren Carroll’s journey through Brookdale Community College’s Human Services program is a powerful testament to personal and professional transformation. Having previously enjoyed an 18-year career in marketing and communications, Lauren made the bold decision to pivot toward a more meaningful path rooted in service and empathy. After years of working in the corporate world, she yearned for a new challenge that would enable her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. That desire, coupled with a deep interest in psychology and her innate empathy, led her to pursue a degree in Human Services.

Lauren’s first steps on this journey began at Brookdale, a college she chose for its strong reputation in social work and nursing programs. What made her experience even more special was her ability to build meaningful relationships with the faculty, who guided her along the way. She recalls her first class in addiction studies with Dr. Nicole Jackson Walker, describing it as a pivotal moment that reignited her passion for learning. From there, the mentorship of Associate Vice President Anita Voogt, faculty members like Sara Burrill, and Dr. Franklyn Rother, along with the continual support of Dr. Christine Greco-Covington, helped Lauren chart a course toward a more macro-level focus within Human Services.

Her internship with the Monmouth County Division Department of Social Services (MCDSS) cemented Lauren’s path. In this robust, four-month program, she and five other cohort members gained hands-on experience in the field. Lauren describes the internship as a rotation, not unlike what medical residents go through, allowing her to understand every layer of social service, from income maintenance programs like SNAP and TANF to homeless intake and case management.

“Being able to shadow professionals, ask questions, and be part of such an intensive learning process was incredibly empowering,” Lauren says. “It wasn’t just about learning how the system works but seeing firsthand where the gaps are and where improvements could be made.”

Lauren credits this internship with reinforcing her desire to work at the macro level of human services. While she did not seek employment with the county afterward, the experience opened doors to her current part-time position with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Health Group. Her role with the VNA supports the Monmouth ACTS Navigation Line, a resource that connects Monmouth County residents with essential services like mental health support, housing, and food assistance.

Her current work is an exciting new initiative that aligns perfectly with Lauren’s long-term goal of working in social work through the lens of public health. Reflecting on the opportunities the Brookdale internship afforded her, Lauren expresses immense gratitude for the partnership between the college and the county, noting how both entities were dedicated to offering meaningful, hands-on experiences for students.

For Lauren, the most rewarding aspect of her internship and her ongoing journey in human services is the chance to enact change. “My end goal is to make even the smallest difference in systems that aren’t always working well for people,” she says. “That’s what keeps me motivated, the possibility of improving access to resources and making life a little easier for those in need.”

Lauren’s advice to other Brookdale students considering an internship with MCDSS? “Do it. Whether you want to work at the clinical or macro level, there’s so much to learn. You’ll be exposed to the systems that affect so many lives and you’ll walk away with invaluable knowledge.”

Brookdale Community College’s Human Services program, with its structured support, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for real-world experience, sets students like Lauren on the path to becoming leaders in their fields. As Lauren prepares to graduate with her associate degree this December and transitions to Rutgers University, she is excited for what lies ahead and is confident in the foundation she’s built at Brookdale.