Tracy Donsky is a volunteer attorney working to improve mental health services for foster youth. She is also assisting with NCYL’s Mental Health Court Initiative. Tracy graduated from NYU School of Law in 1998 and practiced as a litigator at two Bay Area law firms until 2007. With a desire to better understand and more effectively meet the needs of underserved populations, Tracy completed an MSW at Smith College in 2009. At Smith, Tracy researched Restorative Justice practices in the U.S and facilitated a project assessing the legal and mental health needs of emancipated foster youth. She also completed a thesis evaluating the relationship between certain mental health and developmental factors in juvenile offenders and their competency to stand trial. Tracy worked as a clinical intern at an adolescent in-patient psychiatric unit and at a specialized community mental health clinic working with at-risk populations. Since graduating from Smith, Tracy has co-authored a book chapter on co-parenting after divorce, and worked with the California Department of Social Services to work more effectively with fathers involved in the child welfare system. She loves cooking, canning, and playing with her dog, Molly, and husband, David.  

Laura Koch is a volunteer attorney at NCYL working to ensure foster children receive necessary mental health care. In 2009, she earned her JD from Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU) and was awarded a certificate in environmental law with distinction. She also served as editor-in-chief of the GGU Environmental Law Review. Laura is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience with many aspects of the mental health and child welfare systems. Prior to law school, she worked as a child and family therapist, foster family agency social worker, child welfare worker, and administrator. Laura graduated cum laude from Mary Washington College and went on to earn her master’s in foreign affairs at the University of Virginia before she found her calling in social work. In addition to her time at NCYL, Laura works for an attorney who specializes in business law and intellectual property litigation. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and listening to live music.