Alyssa McCarthy (she/her)

Alyssa has been in the field of Disability Services for a decade, and has served in the capacity of Director, both within a private and public college setting. With advocacy and student empowerment at the forefront of Alyssa’s educational philosophy, she has, throughout her career, supported the development, implementation, and expansion of a number of fee-based programs. These efforts have resulted in the ability to serve students above and beyond what is legally mandated under the Americans with Disabilities Act. With a passion to create equal access to education and to foster a welcoming learning environment for all, Alyssa partnered with students to create the first disability awareness club at Manhattanville College, as well as the first exclusively transgender-centered club. Alyssa was acknowledged as Student Organization Advisor of the Year at her previous institution, and after completing her first year at Purchase College, she was recognized for the 2023 Student Engagement Award.