Touchstone Foundation is proud to welcome Madeline Mitchell as our new Programs Manager.
Madeline brings with her a wealth of experience in psychology, social work, and trauma-informed care that aligns perfectly with our mission to improve mental wellness among Lancaster County’s youth. She holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shippensburg University, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Millersville University, where she is expected to graduate in May 2025. Having recently passed the ASWB master’s level exam, she will be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Pennsylvania.
Madeline’s professional background centers around supporting children and families impacted by trauma and violence. She has worked in behavioral health, child welfare, and most notably, served as a Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate in Child Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania. In this role, she conducted trauma-informed interviews with children who experienced or witnessed severe crimes, while collaborating closely with mental health and legal professionals to ensure survivors received the support they needed.
“I’ve interviewed over a thousand children throughout my career,” Madeline shared. “Through that, I’ve learned just how resilient children can be. But I’ve also seen the many barriers they and their families face when it comes to accessing mental health services. As professionals, it’s our responsibility to support their resilience by improving the systems around them and removing obstacles to care.”
Madeline’s commitment to systemic improvement is evident in both her professional and academic roles. At Millersville University, she served as a Complex Evaluator for the School of Social Work, a Social Media Assistant for the Office of Financial Aid, and a Graduate Assistant for the Doctorate in Education and Leadership Program. She also completed practicum placements at the School District of Lancaster and the Coatesville VA Medical Center’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program.
In her new role at Touchstone Foundation, Madeline is excited to deepen community connections and help shape programs that increase equitable access to youth mental health services. “I value relationship-building and collaboration,” she said. “I’m especially looking forward to outreach and listening closely to what the community needs so we can meet those needs effectively and compassionately.”
Madeline currently serves on the Millersville University School of Social Work Advisory Board and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Pennsylvania Chapter. Beyond her professional achievements, Madeline is a first-generation college graduate, a parent to young children, and a spouse to a combat veteran—roles that give her a personal appreciation for balance and wellness.
“For me, mental wellness is multidimensional. It includes the whole person and the systems they’re a part of. I find peace through hiking, gardening, sipping herbal tea, and unwinding with a good book,” she said.
Please join us in welcoming Madeline Mitchell to the Touchstone Foundation. We are confident her passion, insight, and dedication will help us further our mission of supporting youth mental health in Lancaster County.
