Young Professionals Committee

Joseph Coopersmith

Emily Barkann

Matthew Barkann

Theresia Kody is a 2011 psychology graduate from St. Joseph’s University. Throughout Theresia’s time at St. Joe’s University, she committed much of her time to service, developing volunteers, and fundraising; this included serving in leadership roles where she was able to develop new initiatives, manage events, and increase funds to serve more people.

Currently Theresia serves as the Greater Philadelphia area as a Business Service Representative with Educational Data Systems, Inc (EDSI) for a contract known as PA CareerLink Philadelphia.

“I am blessed to be a part of this Foundation and strive to do all I can to serve the incredible families of our community. This Foundation is truly a family, a family I am excited to see grow.” – Theresia Kody

To quote Mother Teresa: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

Jason Torrance grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and relocated to the Philadelphia area in 2008. He is a graduate of Cabrini College and is currently pursuing his Masters of Leadership Development degree at Penn State Great Valley.

Jason and his wife Lauren, a fellow Young Professionals Committee member, reside in Phoenixville. Jason is a finance professional at Vanguard where he has worked since 2012.

In his spare time, Jason participates in multiple recreational softball and flag football leagues in Chester County. He is an avid sports fan and also enjoys playing golf and traveling.

Jason was introduced to The Barkann Family Healing Hearts Foundation during its inception in 2012 and is an original member of the Young Professionals Committee. He has participated in and organized many foundation events over the years and was asked what being a part of the foundation means to him.

“The foundation is an opportunity to give back. It provides prospective in life. Often times we get caught up in the day to day grind and lose sight of what is really important in the world. The foundation has shown me what matters most in life and has allowed me to impact many lives through the events that we’ve hosted over the years. I have an extended family in the foundation and for that I am grateful.” – Jason Torrance

Lauren Torrance grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and currently resides with her husband, a fellow Young Professionals Committee member, in Phoenixville. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Penn State University.

Lauren has been with Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment firms, since 2008. She is currently a Project Lead overseeing change management and communications for large projects.  

Outside of work you can find Lauren coaching cheerleading for Phoenixville Middle School or at Lincoln Financial Field cheering on her beloved Eagles with fellow season ticket holders.

At its inception in 2013, Lauren jumped at the opportunity to join the Barkann Foundation Young Professional Committee.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been intimately involved with a charity, and I could not be happier that I chose the Barkann Foundation. I am so grateful that I get to see firsthand the impact we have on so many families.” – Lauren Torrance