Welcoming New Leadership: Touchstone Foundation Announces New Board Members and Honors Outgoing Leaders

At Touchstone Foundation, our strength lies in the people who guide our work and champion our mission to elevate youth mental wellness across Lancaster County. This season, we are thrilled to welcome new leaders to our Board of Directors—professionals whose experience, compassion, and commitment will help shape the next chapter of our impact. We are equally grateful to honor the dedicated service of outgoing Board members who have helped build the foundation we stand on today.

A Warm Welcome to Our New Board Members

Dr. Tracey Lavallias

We are honored to welcome Dr. Tracey Lavallias, a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership across behavioral health, psychiatry, addiction medicine, crisis services, and integrated care.

Dr. Lavallias currently serves as Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Service Line at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, where he leads strategy, operations, and financial management across inpatient and ambulatory psychiatry, integrated behavioral health, crisis access, and interventional psychiatry. His work includes the development of a 126-bed behavioral health hospital through a 50/50 joint venture with Universal Health Services, as well as the expansion of integrated behavioral health services across 39 primary and specialty care sites.

Previously, Dr. Lavallias served as President & CEO of Northern Children’s Services and held senior executive roles in public-sector behavioral health systems. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, a master’s degree in education, and a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice, along with executive education in nonprofit management from Harvard University.

His board and committee service includes the American Hospital Association Health Outcomes Advisory Committee, the AHA Committee on Behavioral Health, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital Board. Dr. Lavallias brings invaluable systems-level expertise that will strengthen Touchstone Foundation’s work to support youth mental wellness and the behavioral health workforce.

Kathleen Royce

Joining us with extensive human resources leadership experience, Kathleen Royce brings a deep understanding of workforce development and organizational wellbeing. As Director of HR at Landis Communities, Kathleen leads recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring high-quality care and compliance across the organization. Her previous work with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health further strengthened her expertise in managing teams in both primary and specialty care settings.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gordon College and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from West Chester University. Her passion for mental wellness and community care aligns beautifully with Touchstone Foundation’s mission.

Dr. Valerie Minnich – Our New Board Secretary

We are delighted that Dr. Valerie Minnich will step into the role of Board Secretary. A Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University, Dr. Minnich brings a rich background in clinical practice and education. She also contributes nationally through her work with the National Board of Certified Counselors and as a subject matter expert on the Examination Sensitivity and Bias Committee.

Her leadership and clinical insight will be instrumental as we continue supporting the next generation of mental health professionals in Lancaster County.

Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members

With gratitude, we recognize the service of Phil Hess, Ramon Rivera, and Amanda Katchur as they transition off the Board.

Amanda reflected on her time with Touchstone Foundation:
“I am very proud of the work that we continue to accomplish and the impact that we have had on youth mental wellness in the community. It has been an honor to serve.”

Ramon, who has accepted a position on the Manheim Township School Board, shared:
“In a world that can often feel dark and uncaring, the staff and board of Touchstone have been a steady, grounding presence—a source of hope for those most in need… I take great pride in having played even a small role in advancing the mission of such an exceptional organization.”

We deeply appreciate their leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping youth and families across Lancaster County thrive.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Wellness

Touchstone Foundation is continuing to grow, and we invite community members who share our passion for youth mental health to consider serving on the Board or one of our committees. We are currently seeking volunteers with expertise in:

• Clinical psychology
• Clinical social work
• Banking and finance
• School administration
• Teaching and education

Your perspective can help us build a stronger, more connected Lancaster—one where every young person has access to the mental health support they deserve.

To learn more about Board opportunities or other ways to get involved, visit: https://touchstonefound.org/home/volunteer-opportunities/

As we welcome new leaders and honor the contributions of those who have served, we remain grounded in one truth: It takes a community to elevate youth mental wellness.
With this dedicated Board, our committed staff, and the support of neighbors like you, we look forward to the meaningful progress ahead.