Vision
At Touchstone Cares, we believe in a future where every child — regardless of background — can thrive with purpose, dignity, and hope. Since 2019, we have partnered with The Transforming Lives Association in Brazil to nurture and empower children from underserved communities through a Christ - centered, academically rigorous education.
Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty by equipping children not only with strong academic foundations but with spiritual guidance, emotional care, and life - changing opportunities. Today, 155 children from Pre - K through 8th grade are growing in a safe, joyful environment where they are loved, challenged, and inspired.
This transformation is not limited to the children alone — it radiates through families and communities, sparking hope and change. Our commitment is long - term, and the impact is already evident in the lives touched, the stories shared, and the futures unfoldi ng. Together, with faith and compassion, we are raising a generation that will go on to transform the world around them.
Ted, along with his wife, Patty founded Touchstone Cares as a way to support the Association Transforming Lives, a vibrant community initiative based in Northeast Brazil. The project operates a school that provides faith-based education to 175 children, helping them grow academically and spiritually. Fluent in Portuguese, Ted is married to Maria Patricia Dos Reis—a Brazilian psychologist and president of the Association Transforming Lives. Together, Ted and Patty are deeply committed to transforming young lives through compassionate service, education, and faith.
A Westminster College (Pa.) alumnus, Ted holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance with a minor in economics. As an undergraduate at Westminster, he played center on the college’s 1989 National Championship football team. He received the 2002 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the college, which recognizes alumni of 15 years or less for significant accomplishments professionally, through community service, or service to Westminster. He serves on the Westminster College Board of Distinguished Visitors. Ted also has completed postgraduate work at the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado, where he earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification. He is also an alumnus of Trinity School for Ministry (Pa.), where he is working on his thesis toward a Master of Arts in Religion degree in Christian Ministry and Missiology.
In addition to his professional activities, Ted has realized a variety of personal accomplishments, including completing the Pittsburgh Marathon, publishing an Amazon 5-star rated novel titled Killing Time, A Parable for the Present Age, and earning his private pilot certificate and second-degree black belt in taekwondo. He enjoys exploring the world and has traveled to 35 states, numerous U.S. territories, and many foreign countries. He resides in Miami, Florida but also spends significant time in Pittsburgh with his wife, two children, and two dogs.
Patty, a native Brazilian, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and serves as the founder and president of the Association Transforming Lives (ATV) in Brazil. In addition to her current role with the ATV project, she boasts extensive experience in sales, having dedicated over seven years to the lighting fixture industry as a sales representative.
Patty possesses a strong penchant for innovation, continually generating fresh ideas, and enthusiastically embracing new experiences. Physical activity is an integral part of her daily routine, encompassing weight training, cycling, and outdoor walks.
She is happily married to Ted Kerr, fluent in Portuguese, proficient in Spanish, and in the process of mastering English. She shares her life with two beloved dogs and nurtures a deep love for globe-trotting and exploration. Nevertheless, her most profound passion remains dedicated to her project in Brazil.
Mary Ann brings a wealth of experience to Touchstone Cares, with a dynamic career spanning both large financial institutions and small businesses. In recent years, she has specialized in the wealth management space, where she has been instrumental in helping emerging RIA firms scale and thrive.
Joining Touchstone Cares has added a new dimension to her professional journey. With a lifelong dedication to education and service, Mary Ann has discovered deep fulfillment in giving back—particularly in areas that align with her personal and professional values.
A graduate of Duquesne University, Mary Ann lives in Collier Township with her husband of 37 years. Outside of work, they are avid supporters of Pittsburgh’s sports teams and enjoy traveling to spend time with their three grown children and grandchildren whenever they can.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in optometric practice management and higher education, Michelle Snyder currently serves as Vice President of Team Development. For Touchstone Capital, Inc. In this role, she focuses on building aligned, high-performing teams by improving communication, developing leadership, and streamlining systems for sustainable growth. She was honored as BambooHR’s 2024 HR Experience Makers Problem-Solver for her work implementing strategic systems and cultivating a strong, values-driven team culture.
As a board member, she contributes expertise in strategy, operations, and HR development to help the organization grow with intention and structure.
Chris is a longtime client of Touchstone Capital and a proud supporter of Touchstone Cares, with its noble mission of supporting education, community development and basic human needs both domestically and internationally for Christian-based non-profit institutions.
As a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), a non-profit international organizational which supports women’s education through loans, grants and scholarships, Chris has witnessed how the impact of access to education and strong community support impacts and improves lives.
Chris is the author of two books, publishes a monthly newsletter and speaks to a wide variety of audiences on the subjects of self-care, friendship and connection to others. She is also the proud mother of two grown sons and grandmother to one adorable grandson.
Kevin spent the majority of his career in Pharmaceutical Sales with Pfizer Inc. During his tenure he was inducted into the Pfizer Sales Hall of Fame (2019). Now retired and enjoying giving back to the community, Kevin volunteers his time helping others.
With a diverse professional background spanning corporate law, hospitality, and pharmaceutical sales, Andrea brings decades of expertise and leadership to our board. Her career includes roles as a Paralegal, Convention Service Manager, Hotel Sales Manager, and Professional Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, where she has honed her skills in organization, communication, and client relations.
Deeply committed to her community, she has served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, and has held key positions as Treasurer and Secretary on her Homeowners Association board.
With a lifelong dedication to caregiving, Gaye is a retired Physical Therapist, devoted parent and grandparent, and active volunteer with Stephen’s Ministry. She brings decades of experience in mentorship and international nonprofit leadership, serving as a Board Member. Her commitment to service is reflected in her work with Touchstone Cares, where she continues to support people and communities in Brazil. Guided by compassion and a willingness to respond to needs near and far, Gaye embodies the spirit of service that defines her personal and professional journey.
Beth Rupert’s life’s work has been guided by one unwavering belief: every child—no matter where they’re born—deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. As an international best-selling author, visionary educator, and founder of the award-winning Solid Foundations Academy, Beth has dedicated her career to building transformative learning environments that nurture the whole child, empower families, and uplift entire communities.
Now, as a proud board member of Touchstone Cares, Beth brings her decades of expertise and deep-rooted passion to a mission close to her heart: building schools in Brazil. Her commitment to equity and access in education doesn’t stop at national borders. For Beth, supporting Touchstone Cares is about creating opportunity where it’s needed most, standing beside children and families with love, dignity, and the tools to build a brighter future.
From her early days as a classroom teacher to becoming a nationally recognized leader in education, Beth’s journey has always been about impact. Joining Touchstone Cares is her way of giving back globally—because when one child’s potential is unlocked, the ripple of that hope can change the world.