My name is Cecelia Heer, and I’m interning with First Witness for this 2025 Summer. I’m a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and after this Fall I’ll be an early graduate with a double major in criminology and psychology. I think some past experiences that have led me to this moment include my background in childcare, current employment in the service industry, and growing education on the criminal justice system and mental health field. Starting at 16 years old I became a nanny, which enhanced my communication skills with children and taught me how to be a situational quick thinker. Since then, I’ve also had lots of experience in the restaurant business. Working in the service industry has taught me patience, kindness, and how to work in a fast-paced work environment with sudden and constant change. Not only has personal experience been an aid for my future career goals but so has my education. I’ve been lucky to work with so many wonderful professors at UMD, and I’ve learned a lot about mental health, criminological theories, child development, and much more. I must say, too, I do much more than just go to work or school. In my free time I really enjoy practicing yoga, enjoying the outside, and being around family and friends.
I feel even lucky to be able to learn from and work alongside the First Witness staff! I’m honored to be an intern here, and I look forward to gaining professional experience in forensic interviewing, family advocacy, and more.