In February, Maddi McKay was appointed as the Care Coordinator for the office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The Hawk wrote to McKay to learn more about their new role.
The Hawk: What roles and responsibilities are included in your position as the care coordinator for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?
McKay: My job title is “Care Coordinator/Psychotherapist.” As a staff therapist, I see students for therapy in CAPS just like the other therapists on staff here. As a care coordinator, my role is to do clinical case management work for CAPS. Often, this entails connecting students with off-campus resources when needed. I work with students to identify what type of services they’re looking for, to assess what barriers might stand in the way of accessing services (finances, transportation), and to help ensure that students get connected with the services they need. This could look like providing referrals for off-campus therapists, connecting students with specialized providers for specific types of treatment or assessment, or giving some tips and tools for getting connected to care back home.
The Hawk: How does this position compare to other positions you’ve held in the past?
McKay: This is the first job I’ve had where I am working exclusively with college students. I’m enjoying being able to focus on this particular time of life and all the challenges, milestones and exciting things that come with it.
The Hawk: What are your current and future plans as the new care coordinator?
McKay: My primary goal as the care coordinator is to work to make off-campus services as accessible as possible to students. It’s really challenging to find and connect with different types of providers for anyone, and it becomes even more difficult for people who hold various marginalized identities. I am working to ensure that students will be able to get connected with quality care that is accessible, affordable, and affirming of their identities.
The Hawk: What has been your favorite part of this new position so far?
McKay: I love working with the students here! Getting to know different students and working collaboratively with them toward their goals (whether as a therapist or a care coordinator) has been really rewarding.
The Hawk: What led you into this career, whether that may be education, prior experience or just your overall interest?
McKay: One of my majors in college was gender and sexuality studies, and I have a background in organizing and social justice work. When I began feeling an interest in working as a therapist, I chose to pursue a degree in social work, because of the way clinical work is embedded within broader socio-political contexts, and because of the legacy of organizing and political work in the field.
The Hawk: What are some of your interests, hobbies or passions outside of St. Joe’s?
McKay: Outside of St. Joe’s, I’m also a visual artist! These days, my primary medium is weaving. I also love the outdoors, and enjoy hiking and camping.