New Staff Member Spotlight: Alyssa McCarthy

Alyssa McCarthy comes to Purchase with nearly a decade of experience in disability services, most recently at neighboring Manhattanville College. 

As the director, McCarthy works in collaboration with the Office of Disability Resources team and campus partners to provide equal access to all programs, services, and activities for students with disabilities as well as supporting the college’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).

Get to know McCarthy a little better through the Q+A below.

What drew you to apply to Purchase?

Having spent so much time just a mile up the road at Manhattanville College, I have heard a lot about Purchase College over the years. One of the ways in which people have described Purchase to me is as a place where people are just unapologetically themselves.

I was excited for the opportunity to be a part of a community in which diversity is accepted and appreciated. In addition, I was a music major as an undergraduate, and many of my hobbies are centered on the arts. For these reasons, I felt that I would thrive in the Purchase community and I hope that I do!

What are you most excited about since joining Purchase?

I joined Purchase College at a time when the Cornerstone Program was being restructured. With my background in directing a number of fee-based programs, it has been incredibly exciting to be able to bring that knowledge to the table as we make meaningful changes.

What is a fun fact about you?

If I were a Ninja Turtle, I would be a combined version of Michelangelo to encompass my goofy side/sense of humor, and Leonardo to capture my sensitive, caring personality

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my wife and our fur babies (Dexter and Penny (dogs), Oliver (cat)). I enjoy working in the yard and doing little projects around our home. In addition, I am a huge family person and thoroughly enjoy spending time with my parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family!

While I am very much a homebody, I enjoy retreating to my family cabin where I can disconnect and recharge through activities such as riding quads through winding trails and massive mud puddles and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.