An Internship - A Look Ahead

ACC is now working with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to provide an internship for one of their students. Learn more about this program and meet Andrea Bachl, ACC’s first intern.

“There have been times over the years when I have been asked about ACC providing an internship experience for someone,” Dr. Verga said. “Either because of staffing concerns or space constraints, the timing never seemed right until now. One of our own staff, Rebecca Lowry, is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell so I am familiar with their program. It seemed like the perfect time to give something.”

Andrea Bachl received her undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill in English but went on to work in banking for several years. When she considered graduate studies, she thought first of business. “I quickly realized that the Lord had a different direction in mind for my life,” she shared. Instead, she began pursuing her degree in counseling at Gordon-Conwell’s southeast campus in Charlotte, NC.

When asked how she first learned about ACC, Andrea replied, “I have some close friends who invited me to one of the annual banquets a few years ago. I was impressed by what I learned. I have attended each one since then. When it came time to line up internships, I simply felt lead to call ACC and ask.”

The seminary’s program, a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, takes about 2 ½ years to complete. In addition to class work, 720 hours of training are required. Now in her 4th and final internship experience, it is clear to Andrea that she would like to work in a Christian setting where her faith is viewed as an asset as she walks the journey toward healing with clients. Andrea will graduate in December and then begin the process of state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.