Christopher Stanley – A Journey from Ministry to Social Work

At CMAP, we are fortunate to have had Chris as an intern, bringing not only his academic expertise but also his compassionate heart to our community. From his background as a former pastor to his current studies in social work at Rutgers, Chris’s journey is one of deep empathy and dedication to helping others. Through his work with older adults, he has witnessed the power of human connection and the importance of listening. Today, Chris shares his story, his experiences at CMAP, and the valuable lessons he has learned about aging and caregiving.

Q: Chris, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing you work closely with our older adults and the team. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in health and wellness for older adults?

Chris:
Before starting at the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, I served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church for about eight years. During that time, I realized my passion for helping people through struggles and difficult times. However, after the pandemic hit in 2020, I began to reflect on my life and the impact I was making. I decided to switch gears and pursue a career in social work. Working with older adults has always been something I’ve been drawn to, and my experience in ministry — especially with older adults — felt like a natural transition. I’ve always believed in the value of helping others, and social work gives me the opportunity to walk alongside people and offer support during challenging moments.

Q: Balancing your graduate studies at Rutgers with your work here must have been challenging. We also know you have a young, playful daughter. How do you manage your time between school, your internship, and family life? How has this internship influenced both your academic and professional development?

Chris:
The key to managing my time has been the incredible support from my wife, Rachel. She’s been an amazing partner, especially when it comes to balancing my responsibilities. There were weeks when I had big projects or papers, and Rachel would step in and take on more of the parenting duties for a few days. Her support has been invaluable. I also made some personal adjustments — like deleting Facebook — to help me focus. With everything going on, it was actually nice to disconnect from social media. Time management, with Rachel’s help, has really been the cornerstone of balancing all my roles.

Q: You’ve shown such kindness and empathy toward the older adults during your time here. Was there a particular experience that deeply impacted you or changed your perspective on aging or senior care?

Chris:
One of the most significant things I’ve learned during my time here is the financial vulnerability many older adults face. I remember meeting someone who was living off Social Security, and after talking with them about the challenges they were facing, I was struck by how little they had to live on. That experience really opened my eyes to how financially difficult life can be for many older adults. I’ve also seen how much people value simple conversation. Often, they don’t want advice or solutions — they just want someone who cares and is willing to listen. That’s been deeply moving to me. Emotional support is just as important as any other kind of care.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your internship at CMAP? Is there anything in particular you’ll miss once the internship ends?

Chris:
The most rewarding part has been engaging with older adults and providing a space where they feel seen and heard. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives, even briefly. I’ll definitely miss the relationships I’ve built — with both the participants and the team. Having meaningful conversations with older adults about their challenges and life experiences has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not always easy, but knowing you’re making a positive impact makes it all worth it.

Q: We’re always looking for ways to improve. Do you have any feedback on how we can enhance the experience for older adults or expand any of our services?

Chris:
One thing I’ve noticed is that there are two sides to CMAP: the programs at the main center and the social services provided at places like Princeton Senior Living (PSL). Sometimes, those sides feel a bit disconnected. I think it would be great to bridge that gap and get more PSL residents involved in the amazing events happening at the center. Many people at PSL may not be aware of all the resources CMAP offers. A little more outreach could really help strengthen that connection.

Q: What advice would you give to others considering a career in social services or working with older adults?

Chris:
I’d encourage people to approach this field with curiosity and an open mind. There are so many stereotypes about aging that simply aren’t true. I remember when I told a friend I was going into geriatric social work, they said, “Oh, that’s so neat — I love playing bingo with older people.” That’s such a limited view of who older adults are. They’re incredibly diverse and have so much wisdom to offer. If you go into this work ready to listen and learn, you’ll grow just as much as the people you’re supporting.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your professional goals? How has your experience at CMAP and your education at Rutgers prepared you for the next step in your journey?

Chris:
I’m still figuring out exactly where I want to go, but I’m really interested in case management and possibly counseling or therapy. There’s a lot of overlap between ministry and social work, and that’s been helpful in shaping my direction. My time at CMAP, along with my education at Rutgers, has helped me see how broad and impactful social work can be. I’m excited to keep growing and to continue finding ways to make a meaningful difference.

Sarah Christensen, A Heart Full of Empathy and Service

Q: Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue a career in health and well-being for older adults.

Sarah:
My name is Sarah, and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Rutgers University, along with a certificate in aging and health. I was also a fellow in the Aging Fellowship at Rutgers. My interest in social work was sparked by my upbringing—I’ve been surrounded by older adults my whole life. My mom is one of eight children, and I was always part of a close-knit family. My dad’s aunt, who’s 101, has been an immense role model for me, and I’ve learned so much from her about aging. It’s people like her, along with the rest of my family, who inspired me to focus on older adults and pursue a career in this field.

Q: Balancing your studies at Rutgers with your work here at CMAP must have been challenging. How did you manage it all?

Sarah:
The key was having my practical days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, which allowed me to dedicate those three days fully to CMAP. This structure helped me organize my week, and once I was finished with my practical work, I felt like I had completed everything for the week. The support at CMAP was also crucial. If there was something I didn’t finish or needed help with, I felt comfortable turning to anyone here, whether they were my supervisors or not. Having two other interns to work with was also invaluable. We helped each other, shared ideas, and there was a real sense of understanding between us, which made the experience both rewarding and manageable.

Q: You’ve shown so much empathy during your time here at CMAP. Was there a particular experience that deeply touched you or changed your perspective on aging or the senior community?

Sarah:
One of the most impactful moments for me was when a senior called for feedback on a program she had attended. She talked at length about how much CMAP meant to her and her friends, describing it as a “beacon of light” in their lives. Hearing this really reinforced the importance of what we do here. It wasn’t just about the programs—it was the sense of belonging and support the seniors felt. It made me realize how crucial organizations like CMAP are for older adults who might feel isolated or overlooked by society. It also made me think of my own family, especially my aunt, and how important it is for older adults to have spaces where they can feel welcomed and valued.

 

Q: From your perspective, what makes CMAP special for the seniors who participate in our programs?

Sarah:
What makes CMAP truly special is the community it fosters. The relationships between the seniors, staff, volunteers, and interns create an environment of warmth and mutual respect. The seniors here are incredibly welcoming, they always ask about our studies, our lives, and genuinely take an interest in us. There’s a unique connection here that goes beyond just the programs. It’s the sense of belonging and the support we offer each other. Whether it’s through shared experiences in groups or casual conversations, it’s clear that CMAP is more than just a place—it’s a community.

Q: Is there something personal that has connected you even more with the seniors here or inspired you in your everyday life?

Sarah:
The phone call from that senior has stayed with me. She talked about how CMAP had become a “beacon of light” for her and her friends. This made me realize the power of what we do, not just in providing services, but in offering a sense of purpose and connection. I think about her words often, and they continue to inspire my work here. It also reminds me of my aunt, who is turning 80, and how important it is to have spaces where older adults can feel supported and connected. CMAP provides that, and it’s something I deeply value.

Q: What advice would you give to other young professionals who want to get involved in health, well-being, or community service roles?

Sarah:
My advice is to be open to learning from the people you work with, not just passively, but actively seeking to understand their experiences. In social work, you get as much as you give. Don’t make assumptions about people’s needs or experiences. Just because someone might be at the same stage in life doesn’t mean they experience things the same way. Embrace creativity and think outside the box. People like to learn, and sometimes trying new things can lead to unexpected rewards. And most importantly, be open to learning from the people around you.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations? How do you feel your experience at CMAP and at Rutgers has prepared you for what’s next?

Sarah:
Looking ahead, my professional aspirations center on intergenerational relationships and program development. I believe that both older adults and younger generations thrive when they connect—it’s about breaking down stereotypes and fostering mutual learning.

With the foundation built through her studies at Rutgers and her internship at CMAP, Sarah is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of older adults. Her time at CMAP has given her a deeper appreciation for the power of community and the many ways we can support and empower older adults.

She also highlighted the value of working alongside other interns, calling it one of the most rewarding aspects of her experience: “From the very start, we were all navigating this new experience together, and it created a real sense of camaraderie. We shared challenges, ideas, and questions, and there was a strong feeling of mutual support. I also learned so much from my fellow interns—especially from Chris, who often asked insightful questions that made me reflect more deeply on the work we were doing. That sense of teamwork and shared purpose made all the difference.”

When it comes to family, Sarah lights up: “They’ve been my biggest supporters. I always joke that my success is thanks to them! Many of my assignments involved interviewing family members, and I’ve ended up asking almost all my aunts and cousins for help. They constantly tell me how proud they are, and I love teasing them whenever I get a good grade on something I interviewed them for, saying they deserve some of the credit! Their support has been invaluable, I know I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”