Welcome Kaz McCarthy, MSW Candidate to Touchstone Foundation!
We’re excited to welcome Kaz McCarthy to the Touchstone Foundation team! Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Millersville University, Kaz brings us an established foundation in social work and a passion for supporting students and underserved communities. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work (BASW) at Millersville, where she developed a deep interest in the intersection of mental health and equity.
During her time at Millersville, Kaz worked with the Integrated Studies Program, supporting students with intellectual disabilities as they navigated internships, classes, and campus life. She also served as a Graduate Assistant in the Exploratory Studies and Student Development Department, where she provided guidance to students exploring majors or working to get back on track academically. These experiences have shaped Kaz’s dedication to helping others grow, thrive, and feel supported on their journey.
At Touchstone Foundation, Kaz will be our Programs Intern where she will lend her skills to several key initiatives, including the Student Symposium and the Rise Above Program. She’ll also help update our resource list to include trusted mental health supports for the LGBTQIA+ community, analyze participant feedback, and create tools to regularly track and measure program impact.
Kaz’s work is deeply rooted in her commitment to uplifting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized groups. Kaz developed research tools, including a scale designed to assess the needs of transgender and gender-diverse college students, helping to identify and close gaps in support. For Kaz, advocating for communities with intersecting identities is an essential part of strengthening mental health systems.
When asked what mental health means to them, Kaz shared, “Mental health is the foundation of a person’s well-being. It affects every area of life, and it’s especially important to support the mental wellness of those in marginalized or underrepresented groups.”
Outside of work and school, Kaz enjoys creative pursuits and quiet moments alike. A proud trans woman, she loves writing stories and listening to music, finding inspiration and reflection in both.
Please join us in welcoming Kaz as she shares her talents and insights to help us continue elevating the mental well-being of youth and communities in Lancaster County!
