Programs Intern Spotlight: Welcoming Leiahna Garcia
We’re excited to welcome Leiahna Garcia our Programs Intern to the Touchstone Foundation team! As Leiahna enters her final year studying social work at Millersville University, she brings a strong sense of purpose, lived experience, and dedication to supporting youth mental wellness.
A Path Driven by Purpose
Originally beginning her college journey in psychology, she quickly discovered that social work offered a more direct and impactful path toward her goals. With guidance and exploration, she made the switch—and hasn’t looked back since.
While her initial dream was to become a child therapist, her studies opened her eyes to broader systemic needs. Today, she is especially passionate about working in child welfare and supporting marginalized communities, including traumatized children, immigrant families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.
She plans to pursue her Master’s in Social Work immediately after graduation, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and continuing to serve those who need it most.
Inspired by Family and Real-Life Experience
Her motivation for this work is deeply rooted in her personal life. As the oldest of five siblings, she naturally stepped into a supportive role early on—helping her brothers and sisters navigate challenges with anger, anxiety, and communication.
Through these experiences, she became a trusted listener and source of support, especially during difficult moments shaped by family dynamics and transitions. Those conversations—often lasting hours—sparked her realization that she wanted to help other children and teens feel heard, understood, and supported.
Aligning Passion with Purpose
Touchstone’s mission to elevate youth mental wellness strongly resonates with her both personally and professionally. She shared that creating spaces where young people can openly talk about mental health is critical—especially during the formative years when identity, relationships, and self-worth are developing.
Having witnessed and experienced challenges like bullying, isolation, and peers struggling with serious mental health concerns at a young age, she is driven to ensure today’s youth have access to the support she wishes had been more available.
Looking Ahead
During her time with Touchstone, she is excited to expand her macro-level social work skills—gaining experience through research, grant writing, networking, and understanding nonprofit systems.
She’s especially looking forward to working with the Rise Above program, where she can engage more directly with youth. Being part of a program she wishes she had growing up makes this experience even more meaningful.
Her passion currently lies in direct service and mental health advocacy, and she’s eager to contribute in ways that make a tangible difference.
Beyond the Work
Outside of her internship, she’s deeply involved in music. For the past two years, she’s been part of an a cappella group on Millersville’s campus called Chromatic—and this year, she’s proudly serving as president.
From competing in ICCA events to performing on and off campus, music has been a constant in her life. She’s helped contribute to albums and EPs available on streaming platforms and continues to find joy in building community through singing.
We’re thrilled to have her on our team and look forward to the impact she’ll make both within Touchstone and in the communities she serves. Join us in welcoming Leiahna.
