Ayanda (Yanda) McGill is a friendly face to many students in the Lancaster area. Her hard work in college and grad school earned her 2 bachelor’s degrees and a masters in Social Work. Bench Mark Program is lucky to have Yanda’s excellence and kindness in our family.

Name & Background: My name is Ayanda but everyone calls me Yanda. I graduated from LockHaven University in December 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, I graduated again from Lock Haven in December 2019 with a Bachelors in Social work and I graduated in may 2021 from Millersville university with a Masters in Social work. I am the assistant varsity coach for the girls basketball team at McCaskey high school. I have a 1 year old yorkie shih tzu named Dior and I have been at Bench Mark Program for almost 10 months now.
Title/Responsibilities: I am the Case Manager here for Bench Mark Program. I am responsible for our referral process into our Strength-Based Skill-Building program. I'm also responsible for providing services to each student involved in Bench Mark Program!

3. What is one of the best things about being a part of the Bench Mark Program team? The family atmosphere. I have never been a part of an organization that is so family oriented. I look forward to work each and every day and seeing all the students' faces. When we don't see someone for a while at the gym, we will reach out to make sure they are ok! Everyone here CARES!

4. How have you seen Bench Mark Program impact the community? Students that I have encountered while working here speak about how Bench Mark Program is like a second home to them. I constantly see people wearing Bench Mark Program shirts proudly. This organization has provided a family to many of the individuals we have encountered.

5. What are some of your hobbies?Hanging out with my family, eating, traveling, shopping and watching my sister's games!

6. Where did you grow up and what did you like best about your childhood? I grew up here in Lancaster. The best thing about my childhood was how competitive everything was. My parents would make my sister and I play 1on1 in basketball for the smallest things like who could sit in the front seat for a week.

7. What would be your dream place to take a vacation? Any place that is hot! I love summer and traveling.

8. What is the craziest thing you have ever eaten? I had calamari for the first time 4 years ago, and I thought it was so cool that I ate it. I quickly realized that it's very common.

9. What is one goal you would like to accomplish in your lifetime? Travel to all 50 states and go out of the country every year! I have been to 27/50.