Anna Brendle Kennedy is the Executive Director for Touchstone Foundation. Anna holds a master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of California- Irvine, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Penn State University. Anna brings 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management.
Anna serves as the Pennsylvania Health Funders Collaborative co-chair, on the Board of the Partnership for Public Health, as a sustaining member of the Junior League of Lancaster, PA (and past president), and on the Coalition for Common Health steering committee. She is a founding member of Let’s Talk, Lancaster: changing the conversation about mental health. Anna also volunteers as Girl Scout troop leader.
Amy Swanger is the Operations Manager for Touchstone Foundation. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Project and Supply Chain Management from Penn State University and her MBA from Penn State University.
Amy contributes to our team with a wealth of experience, leadership, and project management skills from her career in the U.S. Air Force. She has previously served as an Independent Duty Medical Technician, Clinic Manager, and as Operations Coordinator in the Defense Attaché Offices at the U.S. Embassies in Niger and Russia. Amy serves as a Committee Person on the Hempfield Area Democratic Committee.
Casey Flores is the Communications Manager for Touchstone Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Arts and Entertainment Management from the Santa Fe College of Art and Design. With over 15 years of experience in community building, events, and programming, Casey brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She relocated to Lancaster from Denver, CO, nine years ago and has been deeply involved in the community ever since.
Casey has a passion for bringing people together, always aiming to create meaningful and impactful experiences with each program and event she produces. She looks forward to supporting the mental health and well-being of the youth in Lancaster, aligning her mission to create a fostering community for youth as Chair of the West Lancaster Jewels Neighborhood Committee.
Madeline Mitchell is the Programs Manager for Touchstone Foundation. Madeline holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shippensburg University. Madeline is a Master of Social Work student at Millersville University expected to graduate in May, 2025. Madeline will graduate as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Pennsylvania after passing her Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s level exam in March. As a student at Millersville University, Madeline worked as a Complex Evaluator for the School of Social Worker, the Social Media Assistant for the Office of Financial Aid and as the Graduate Assistant for the Doctorate in Education and Leadership Program. Madeline completed Practicums in School Social Work at the School District of Lancaster and the Workplace Violence Prevention Program at the Coatesville VA Medical Center.
Madeline brings expertise working with children, families and communities who have experienced trauma. Madeline began her career in behavioral health then transitioned to child welfare before working as a Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate in Child Advocacy Centers in Pennsylvania.
Madeline serves on the Millersville University School of Social Work Advisory Board and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers Pennsylvania Chapter.
Lindsay is our Programs Assistant Intern. She is pursuing her master’s degree in social work (MSW) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and holds an undergraduate degree in Organizational Psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
In her role, Lindsay contributes to several initiatives, including Mental Health Career Scholarships, the Mental Health Access Assistance Program, and Mental Health Clinical Fellowships. Additionally, she plays a vital role in outreach, policy, and advocacy efforts to create a meaningful impact in our community.
When she’s not making a difference in her professional life, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs. Originally from Ohio, she has a soft spot for a good ranch dressing, loves getting lost in great books, and can often be found birdwatching along local hiking trails.
Hope is our Communications Assistant Intern. She is a December 2024 cum laude graduate of Millersville University with a bachelor of science in business administration, with a focus on management. In this role, Hope assists in creating and managing our social media content across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. She creates, updates, and organizes our program materials for events and campaigns. Hope is helping us with website updates and content creation, especially writing and editing news articles and newsletters about our programs and current projects, including our mental health resources page. Hope is supporting our Communications Manager with several special projects.
Board Chair
RETIRED
Dr. Pat Anderson serves as our Board Secretary, and he serves on our Talent Pipeline Committee. Dr. Anderson was a family physician at Lancaster General Health Physicians/Penn Medicine (Red Rose Family Physicians and Oxford Medical Center) from 1987 until his retirement in 2021. From 2018-2021 he was Managing Physician of the practice. Previously, Dr. Anderson served as a United States Air Force Flight Surgeon.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Delaware and a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at Community Hospital of Lancaster, followed by training as a flight surgeon at the U.S.A.F. School of Aerospace Medicine. Dr. Anderson then returned to Lancaster to complete his residency in Family Medicine at Community Hospital of Lancaster and entered private practice.
At various times throughout his career, Dr. Anderson held positions at Community Hospital such as Chairman of Family Practice Department; Medical Executive Committee; Joint Advisory Committee; Board of Directors; and Credentials Committee. He was also President of the Lancaster Osteopathic Medical Society.
Vice Chair
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER, THE HERSHEY COMPANY
Chris Lesser is currently the Senior Marketing Manager for The Hershey Company’s International Commercial Growth Office. Over his successful 16-year career in professional marketing, including 9+ years at The Hershey Company, he has focused on unlocking new opportunities rooted in consumer insights, developing brand strategies, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver top and bottom-line growth.
Chris received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona and his MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
Board Secretary
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO), ANABAPTIST PROVIDERS GROUP
Phil currently serves as CEO of the Anabaptist Providers Group. In 2022, he retired as President of WellSpan Philhaven and Senior Vice President of the WellSpan Health System. As a senior administrator in the WellSpan health system, Mr. Hess led all phases of behavioral health care related strategy, operations, regulatory compliance, new business development, budget development, and fiscal management. Mr. Hess began his career at Philhaven in Mount Gretna in 1988 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer before leading the affiliation and integration of Philhaven into WellSpan Health system.
He earned his BA in Biology from Goshen College and his Master of Health Administration from Duke University. Mr. Hess also serves on the Board of the Lebanon County United Way, Ephrata Area Social Services, Garden Spot Community, and the Ephrata Area Education Foundation. Previous Board service includes Advanced Metrics, LMC Legacy Foundation.
Treasurer
Chief financial officer, Lancaster County Community Foundation
Wayne Groff serves as our Board Treasurer, and he serves on our Audit Committee, as well as on our Finance & Investment Committee. Mr. Groff currently serves as Chief Financial Officer with the Lancaster County Community Foundation. Prior to that, Mr. Groff worked as Audit Manager for Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP and KPMG LLP. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Messiah University and maintains his CPA license. He was Board Treasurer of Lancaster Central Market and is a 2013 Leadership Lancaster graduate. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In his free time, he enjoys the beach, ultimate frisbee, Christmas, and spending time with his friends and his Springer Spaniel, Baxter.
Board Member
LICENSED PSYCOLOGIST AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR IN TEH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM AT PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH
Dr. Amanda Katchur (she/her) is a Licensed Psychologist and Associate Director in the Family and Community Medicine Residency Program at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. She holds a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in healthcare management from West Chester University. Dr. Katchur has extensive experience working in community mental health, where she held several roles, including clinician, clinical supervisor, and program coordinator for a school-based outpatient therapy program. She has also taught psychology courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
An LGBTQ+ affirming clinician, Dr. Katchur has a particular interest in working with the perinatal population and with individuals who have experienced trauma. She is passionate about advocacy, especially in the areas of mental health, equitable access to healthcare, and disability rights.
Board Member
OWNER, SOLIMAN PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Sam Soliman is a professional digital media creator with experience in photo, film, content creation, and project development. He is known for his adaptability and creative solutions. Sam works as a freelance digital media creator and consultant, on social media campaigns with partners such as Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, and the City of Lancaster. He has created original film and photo content for generating online presence for businesses and other professional entities. His portfolio includes an Extra Give Music Video in 2022.
Sam also works as a photographer and videographer with Photole Photography, assisting in creation of digital marketing collateral for entities such as the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and High Industries. He is also the co-founder and Creative Director of The Hood Hippie Love Yourself, where he produces marketing strategies and content for clothing products. Sam’s notable works include Times Square Billboard for an Artist, Worldwide Wednesday, Culliton Park Promotion for the City of Lancaster, and the Rise Above youth summit with Touchstone Foundation. Sam is a 2016 graduate of JP McCaskey High School.
Board Member
CLINICIAN,STEPS TO RECOVERY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Jacquelyn Palm serves on our Access Committee and as a co-facilitator for our “Helping the Helpers” project this year. She leads group therapy and individual therapy sessions for clients with substance use and mental health disorders at Steps to Recovery Behavioral Health in Lancaster. She has worked as a counselor at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Advancement in Recovery Program and most recently as Program Therapist and Clinical Operations Manager at Blueprints for Addiction Recovery. Outside of her passion for mental health, she enjoys exploring nature with her family, baking, reading, and thrifting for unique treasures.
She has participated in Touchstone Foundation programs and services and is currently a Mental Health Careers Scholarship recipient. Jacquelyn graduated from Elizabethtown College in May 2024 with her bachelor’s degree in Human Services. She recently obtained her Trauma Informed Level 1 Certification through the Trauma and Attachment Network and is currently enrolled at Millersville University to obtain her master’s in social work furthering her passion for helping others find healing.
Board Member
TEACHER, CONESTOGA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Ramon Rivera teaches middle school life science at Conestoga Valley School District and has taught at the School District of Lancaster previously. Mr. Rivera has dedicated his 28-year career to serving all students in public schools, leading field trips, serving in leadership roles, and spearheading initiatives to support marginalized students. He has mentored staff members and promoted science literacy programs in his career.
Ramon is a collaborative, supportive educator who focuses on empowering others to foster self-sufficient, capable, contributing members of our community. He has served on the Manheim Township Policy Advisory Committee and coached basketball and soccer for the Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department. He is a bilingual English/Spanish speaker and enjoys spending time with his wife and their five children.
Board Member
SENIOR TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST, THE FEDERAL OFFICE FOR VICITMS OF CRIME PROGRAM
Angela is a leader in trauma-informed care and practice. Her current position is Senior Training & Technical Assistance Specialist at the Federal Office for Victims of Crime. She is also the founder of Eclipsing Trauma and a Consultant with the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team as a Certified Trainer and Crisis Responder. Previously, Angela worked in Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordination with Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, a program of Community Action Partnership in Lancaster. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Harrisburg Area Community College and as a Restorative Justice Program Coordinator for Advoz in Lancaster. Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology and Social Change, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy.
Board Member
WRITER FOR THE NATIONAL BOARD OF CERTIFIED COUNSELORS
Valerie’s professional expertise in clinical counseling includes a current position as exam writer for the National Board of Certified Counselors. She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Elizabethtown College in Research Methods in Counseling, and with Grand Canyon University for practicum and internship and group supervision for counseling students. Valerie also volunteers with the National Board of Certified Counselors as a subject matter expert, on the Examination Sensitivity and Bias Committee. Previously, Valerie served as Program Director with Samaritan Counseling in Lancaster. Valerie is a mother and volunteers with her church. She holds a doctorate in psychology, with an emphasis on cognition and instruction, a master’s degree in professional counseling, emphasizing marriage and family therapy. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, a nationally certified counselor, and an advanced drug and alcohol counselor.
Board Member
EMPLOYMENT AND LITIGATION GROUPS, BARLEY SNYDER
Joshua is a partner in the Employment and Litigation groups at Barley Snyder, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout Central Pennsylvania. Since moving to the area in 2009, he has served on the governing boards of the Fulton Theatre, where he was the Education and Community Engagement Committee chair, the City’s Public Art Advisory Board, College Hill Children’s Center, Creative Works of Lancaster, and, most recently, Lancaster Public Library, where he recently completed his term as President. Josh is also a local actor and singer, performing throughout the area whenever a director is willing to cast him and serving as the High Holiday cantorial soloist at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, where he and his family are also active members. Josh lives in Lancaster with his wife, Carey Faulkner (a professor at Franklin & Marshall College), and their children Eli and Casey.
Board Member
TREASURER, ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES
Jay serves as Treasurer with Armstrong World Industries, in Lancaster. In this role, Jay is responsible for providing direction and oversight across the functional areas of Treasury and Risk Management for AWI. Jay oversees the financial planning to support operating and strategic plans and growth for the company. He also updates the board and its committees on treasury policies and strategies. Previously, Jay worked as an independent consultant providing advisory services in treasury for clients such as Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, United Technologies Corporation, and Harsco Corporation. Prior to that, Jay served as Assistant Treasurer with The Hershey Company. Jay earned his master’s of business administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in government and economics.
Board Member, Deceased
PARTNER, APPEL, YOST, AND ZEE llp
Bill Zee served on our Access Committee and is Chair of the Appel, Yost, and Zee’s Education Law Group. He represented public and private schools, intermediate units, higher education institutions, and community benefit organizations throughout Pennsylvania for over 18 years. Bill had a special focus on trauma-informed and restorative practices, student mental health efforts, and public-school policy.
His recent community involvement included board member and president of the national Attachment Trauma Network, locally with Aaron’s Acres, and previously Leadership Lancaster. Bill received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law. His bar admissions included state and federal courts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and the United States Supreme Court.
