Meet Lyndsey: Connecting Mental Health, Education, and Youth Advocacy
Meet Lyndsey: Connecting Mental Health, Education, and Youth Advocacy
At Touchstone Foundation, our Programs Assistants bring valuable perspectives, professional interests, and lived experiences that strengthen our work with young people and the Lancaster County community. This summer, we are excited to welcome Lyndsey, a Lancaster County native and graduate student in School Psychology whose passion for mental health, education, and advocacy closely aligns with Touchstone Foundation’s mission.
Through her time with Touchstone, Lyndsey is gaining experience working directly with youth while exploring how schools, community organizations, philanthropy, and mental health professionals can work together to create stronger systems of support.
A Foundation in Psychology and Education
Lyndsey’s path to Touchstone Foundation began at Gettysburg College, where she studied Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies, graduating magna cum laude with honors. Her honors research focused on accessible mental health interventions for stress management among college students, specifically exploring the use of outdoor spaces.
Today, Lyndsey is pursuing her graduate degree in School Psychology at Millersville University, where she is particularly interested in the intersection of mental health and accessible education and how schools can better support the whole student.
As a Conestoga Valley High School graduate and Lancaster County native, returning to serve young people in the community where she grew up makes the experience especially meaningful.
“I am very excited to give back to the community I grew up in and support efforts that promote the mental health and well-being of local youth,” Lyndsey shared.
Finding a Career at the Intersection of Mental Health and Education
Lyndsey’s professional interests have been shaped by a longstanding passion for psychology, education, and advocacy. Rather than seeing those interests as separate career paths, she ultimately found a field that allows her to bring them together.
“As a School Psychologist, I aim to apply my passion for mental health and education to support students’ educational journeys, fostering environments that promote resilience, curiosity, and self-driven success,” she said.
For Lyndsey, education is also closely connected to a young person’s sense of independence and possibility. Addressing learning differences, supporting mental health, and removing barriers to education can give students more opportunities to develop confidence, critical-thinking skills, and ownership over their futures.
Why Touchstone Foundation?
Touchstone Foundation offered Lyndsey an opportunity to explore the issues she studies from a broader community perspective.
“I was drawn to Touchstone because its mission sits at the intersection of so many things I care about: youth, mental health, education, and community,” she shared.
Her interest in Touchstone is also informed by more than two years working in the business operations of an outpatient mental health private practice. That experience provided firsthand insight into both the impact of mental health services and the barriers that can prevent individuals and families from accessing care.
It was also through this work that Lyndsey became familiar with Touchstone Foundation and the impact its programs have on individuals and Lancaster County’s broader mental health community.
Now, she is excited to move from behind-the-scenes administration into opportunities to work more directly with young people and support programs designed to strengthen youth mental wellness.
Learning How Communities Create Change
During her time at Touchstone, Lyndsey hopes to expand her understanding of what meaningful change looks like beyond an individual classroom, school, or clinical setting.
Her academic experience has taught her to examine mental health through research, while her School Psychology program provides a framework for understanding mental health within educational environments. At Touchstone, she is adding another perspective.
“I’m excited to learn more about the role that community partnerships, advocacy, programming, and philanthropy can play in filling gaps and creating more accessible support for young people,” she said.
That systems-level perspective is especially important as communities consider how schools, families, mental health professionals, nonprofits, and other partners can collectively support young people.
Helping Young People Find Their Voice
One area of youth mental wellness Lyndsey is particularly passionate about is helping young people develop a sense of agency over their own well-being.
That includes helping youth recognize their strengths, understand when they may need additional support, and feel empowered to ask for it.
“I think it is important to move away from the idea that mental health and education are separate,” Lyndsey explained. “A young person’s ability to learn, build relationships, develop confidence, and envision their future is deeply connected to their well-being.”
It is a perspective that closely connects with Touchstone Foundation’s work to help young people develop greater self-awareness, strengthen their voices, and access the resources and relationships they need to thrive.
Supporting Youth Beyond the Classroom
Lyndsey ‘s commitment to young people extends well beyond her graduate studies.
She is a swim coach with Lancaster Aquatic Club, primarily working with novice swimmers who are just beginning their journey in the sport. She especially enjoys helping young swimmers move beyond fear, develop their technical abilities, and gain confidence.
Lyndsey also volunteers with Scouting America, an organization that played an important role in her own childhood. She and her sister helped pave the way for girls entering the organization, and Lyndsey is proud to be a member of the First Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts.
And there is another unique part of Lyndsey ‘s story: she is a triplet! Along with her two triplet siblings, she has an older brother and enjoys cheering them on as they each pursue their unique interests and accomplishments.
When she has time to herself, Lyndsey enjoys being outdoors, swimming, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and relaxing with her two cats, Pippin and Merry.
We are excited to have Lyndsey contributing her perspective, experience, and passion to Touchstone Foundation. As she continues her path toward a career in School Psychology, we look forward to seeing how her commitment to education, accessibility, advocacy, and youth mental wellness continues to shape her work in Lancaster County.
