At Friends of PEB, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty. Since 2008, Friends of PEB has supported schools in Pakistan that are transforming lives, especially for girls, by opening doors to opportunity, dignity, and hope.
We work alongside the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) in Pakistan, a trusted, long-established organization that operates 25 schools in the Punjab region of Pakistan. These schools provide high-quality, values-based education to over 5,500 students, many of whom come from underserved communities where access to education—particularly for girls—is limited or discouraged.
Transforming lives in Pakistan through supporting Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) schools to provide inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education.
Educating Pakistan’s future generations to promote positive change in the world.
Ensuring that no student is turned away because of financial need, opening the door for children from all backgrounds to receive a quality, values-based education.
Constructing and maintaining classrooms where students can learn, grow, and thrive in secure, well-equipped environments designed to support their success.
Covering teacher salaries, utilities, and essential operating costs so that schools remain strong, sustainable, and focused on delivering excellent education every day.
In Pakistan, millions of children are out of school, and most of them are girls. But when a girl receives an education, her entire future changes. She is more likely to earn an income, raise healthy children, and lift her family and community out of poverty. Every scholarship and every safe classroom has the power to spark that transformation.
Friends of PEB’s Board of Trustees meets every other month remotely and a 3-day, in-person retreat is held annually. If you believe in the power of education to transform lives and want to be part of a mission that supports students and schools in Pakistan, please contact info@friendsofpeb.org for more information about joining the board. No prior board experience needed; just a desire to help make a difference.
Cheryl believes passionately in the power of education to transform lives and communities. With more than 30 years of teaching and training experience in the Atlanta, GA area and abroad, she has seen that this is true regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, or gender.
When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies (in the theater!) and traveling. Her belief in God’s call to service and command to love God’s people has led to meeting and building relationships with people all over the world.
Cheryl’s connection with the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) of Pakistan began in 2004 when she moved to Lahore, Pakistan and began working for Forman Christian College. Over the next 16 years, she also spent time supporting PEB through reading to students, participating in teacher training, and serving three terms on the PEB Board including one as the Board Chair.
In 2020, she returned to the US and moved back to the metro-Atlanta area to be near family. She joined the Board of Friends of PEB in Spring of 2022 and began working as the Executive Director in Spring of 2023. She is excited to be working with Friends of PEB and continuing her connection of supporting education in Pakistan.
Since 1998, Veda Gill has served as Executive Director of the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan (PEB). A 2-year commitment turned into a long-term effort to strengthen PEB schools and to fulfill the mission of providing quality education to the poor. Veda oversees all the activities of the PEB office in Lahore and 25 schools throughout the Punjab province of Pakistan. Additionally, she supervises the SHE (Struggle-Hope-Empowerment) project for at-risk women and girls and community development programs of literacy, vocational training, and personal improvement. A former teacher of high school math and physics, Veda holds a BSc degree in Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics and a Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Business Administration.
Veda’s connection with PEB began many years ago. When her maternal grandfather died, it left her grandmother with a large family and no means of support. One of the children, Veda’s mother, was offered a scholarship to a Presbyterian boarding school in Sangla Hill. Her schooling and boarding were paid by scholarships from American donors. She went on to college and after graduation, she became a teacher. She married the controller of the school, and they had two daughters. Veda and her sister attended mission schools and then graduated from Kinnaird College in Lahore. Both women became teachers and earned Master’s degrees. Veda’s story is a true testament to the power of a scholarship to change a life and to give hope through the generations that follow.
Veda regularly travels to the United States to spread the good news about the PEB schools and to seek support for continued growth of the schools. Veda and her late husband Javaid have four adult sons and three beautiful granddaughters.
Tina Marshman attended Harrisburg Area Community College for an Associates in Business Administration degree and completed the Chartered Financial Planner and the Chartered Financial Consultant curriculum through the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She joined the team of Friends of PEB in September of 2019 as the Bookkeeper and the following year took on the additional role as Scholarship Coordinator. Previously she worked many years in the corporate finance industry serving high net worth clients at The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA.
Tina has a grown daughter and a 10-year-old grandson. She is also the caregiver for her 88-year-old mother. She attends the First Presbyterian Church in West Chester and has been involved with the Miner Street Bell Connections, which is a 25-member intergenerational handbell ensemble.
Tina considers it an honor to work for a non-profit organization that helps the underserved of the world. She enjoys listening to music which includes attending her grandson’s piano recitals. In her spare time she likes to garden both indoors and out (currently having 10 palm trees and assorted others in her home office.) She likes to hang out in Ocean City, NJ, Hershey, PA. and Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.
Eleanor Ray earned her B.A. in Communications from Corban University and has built her career in the nonprofit sector. She joined the team at Friends of PEB in February 2022 after spending several years in church communications and later digital strategy with The Salvation Army. In February 2025, she traveled to Pakistan with Friends of PEB, where she saw firsthand the challenges students face and the hope that PEB schools provide. The trip deepened her commitment to the mission and strengthened her resolve to use her skills to help children in Pakistan pursue their dreams.
Eleanor lives with her husband and their two energetic boys in a suburb of Portland, Oregon. Her sons often pop into her meetings, adding joy (and occasional chaos) to her workday. In her free time, Eleanor enjoys playing pickleball and spending time outdoors with her family and dog, an energetic and fluffy Goldendoodle named Edison.
Kayden Clenney earned her B.S. in Business Administration from San Jose State University, where she focused on digital marketing and communication. She joined Friends of PEB as the Social Media and Travel Coordinator, bringing several years of experience in social media strategy, creative direction, and community engagement. Before joining the team, she worked in both nonprofit and church communications, helping organizations strengthen their digital presence and connect with broader audiences. Alongside her role at Friends of PEB, Kayden also serves as a private Social Media Growth Coach, supporting individuals and businesses in expanding their reach online.
Kayden lives on the Central Coast of California. Faith is central to her life, and she loves Jesus deeply. She is the middle child in her family and thrives on movement and exercise, especially when it means being out in the sunshine. A creative at heart and left-brain to the core, she is passionate about design in all its forms, whether digital, graphic, interiors, clothing, or even jewelry. She values authenticity, collaboration, and creativity, and considers it an honor to use her skills to further the mission of providing education and opportunity for children in Pakistan.
Greg and his wife Lois retired to Palmyra, Pennsylvania in 2007 to be near their son Marc, daughter-in-law Sheila, and grandson Michael, who plays the violin and viola and is a senior in high school.
After attending Wheaton College, Western Illinois University, the University of Illinois, and Governor’s State University, Greg worked in the Chicago area with autistic and mentally delayed children for 35 years as a School Psychologist and Principal.
Greg and Lois are active members at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey, PA. Greg has
served as a Ruling Elder, Chair of the Personnel Committee, and he is currently Chair of Worship, Music and Arts and sings in the Sanctuary Choir. Greg was interested in and felt called to the Carlisle Presbytery and its connectional ministries. He served on the Administration Committee and the Personnel Subcommittee, and served as the 2018 Moderator of the Presbytery.
Greg sings with the Susquehanna Chorale and just completed 4 years as Board President for the second time. He and his wife enjoy traveling, and went on a trip to Egypt in 2018 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. For relaxation, he tries to fit golf into his schedule around board and committee meetings.
In the Fall of 2019, Greg and Lois accompanied a group of 12 people from Derry Church to visit the Presbyterian Education Board in Lahore, Pakistan, lead by Veda Gill, Margy Trimble, and Debbie Hough. They were inspired by the work of the staff to provide educational opportunities for the Muslim and Christian children in the surrounding area.
Caroline was born and raised in Kingstree, South Carolina and attended college at Furman University in Greenville, SC. There she majored in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. After graduation she moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area. Caroline worked for Gwinnett County Public Schools as a kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and ESL teacher for almost 25 years.
During that time, she earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and a National Board Certification. She also obtained ESOL endorsement with the school system, as the student population became more diverse over the years. As a kindergarten teacher, she taught in England as an exchange teacher, and have been to Germany and Japan through educational grants.
While in Atlanta, Caroline worshipped at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for many years and was involved in Missions. She had the privilege of participating in several mission trips, including Habitat Global Village trips to Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1999 and to Kenya in 2003. In 2004, Cheryl Burke was instrumental in connecting her with PEB and she learned of the need to provide professional development for their teachers. That summer, Caroline had the privilege of being the team leader for Peachtree Presbyterian Church to take over American teachers who could share their craft with our Pakistani counterparts. They took teacher trainers over for the next few summers (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010). It was one of the greatest blessings of her life to be a part of those teams and to cultivate friendships on the other side of the world.
Caroline’s life moved from Georgia to Colorado when she got married in November of 2011. Her husband was living out there; so, she joined him in 2012 and gained 2 wonderful step-daughters. Caroline is thrilled to be connected with PEB once again, this time as a board member. She can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store in this opportunity!
Sally is deeply grateful for the support of parents, teachers, and many others who made her own education possible. When she received an anonymous grant during medical school, she never had the chance to thank the donor, but that gift left a lasting impression. Inspired by the generosity shown to her, she is committed to paying it forward by supporting the next generation of students.
She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Fine Arts from Rice University in 1978, her M.S.W. from the University of Houston in 1981, and her M.D. from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1989. After a fulfilling career as a Family Practice physician, she is now retired.
Sally considers it an honor to be part of Friends of PEB. She became a scholarship donor after meeting Veda Gill in 2014, and since then has welcomed Veda as a houseguest and hosted her at church on several occasions. She has also traveled twice to visit Presbyterian Education Board schools in Pakistan and looks forward to a possible return in 2026.
Veda, the PEB staff, and the students in Pakistan continue to inspire her, and she hopes her support will be a blessing to them in their educational journeys.
Kirk Perucca recently retired as ordained minister of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The congregation of Covenant is a racially and economically diverse congregation with a strong sense of ministry and mission in the community.
Kirk is very involved in his community and serves in a number of ways. Kirk serves Heartland Presbytery as the moderator of Mission and Social Justice Division, and is on the Committee on Representation and the Peacemaking Committee. He serves on the board of Swope Corridor Renaissance/Upper Room, a community organization supporting education. Kirk also serves on the Kansas State Advisory Board of the United States Civil Rights Commission.
Currently, Kirk is President of Kirk Perucca Associates, Inc. where he assists organizations to get the optimal value from a diverse workforce and to provide the highest quality services to a diverse client population. Kirk’s entire career has focused on working to leverage the diversity of individuals and organizations. Kirk has done one-on-one coaching for individuals in organizations in New York City and across Kansas, Cornerstones of Care and CASA of Johnson County, and many other organizations.
Prior to his work at Kirk Perucca Associates, Inc. he served as the President/CEO of Project Equality. He served as the named Compliance Officer for the United States Department of Justice for Adam’s Mark Hotels and Resorts. Kirk traveled to Pakistan with the Presbyterian
Education Board in 2015 and is looking forward to contributing as a board member of Friends of PEB.
A native Austinite, John Armbrust is the founder and CEO of Austin Achieve Public Schools. First finding his passion for education through Teach For America (Metro Atlanta ‘04), John has served in a variety of capacities at traditional ISD and public charter schools across the country.
After time out West, where he administered a $60 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to design and implement teacher effectiveness and performance evaluation programs, he returned to his hometown on a mission to give back to his community. Fueled by the jarring educational inequities in Northeast Austin, John set out to open a high-quality neighborhood school to ensure that all scholars had access to a college-ready education– regardless of zip code. Beginning with 104 6th-grade scholars in a local church in 2012, Austin Achieve has grown to serve more than 2,300 Pre-K through 12th grade scholars across two state-of-the-art campuses and will grow to serve more than 7,000 students by 2029.
John is a champion for education and uses his deep understanding of the system to support other schools and organizations to advocate for reform. He presently serves on the board for CharterFolk and the Texas Public Charter School Association and previously served as President for Teach For America Austin Alumni. He is also the founder of Crossbow Educational Consulting, which supports districts and states to implement data driven-based teacher evaluation processes.
Outside of school, John is an avid traveler and queso connoisseur. To balance out his love of Tex Mex, he is a competitive marathon runner and triathlete, completing a marathon distance event, or longer including a handful of Ironman races, nearly 70 times across more than 40 states and five continents. Combining his passion for fitness and community service, he currently serves as the Vice President for the Austin Runners Club and previously served on the board for the Austin chapter of Back On My Feet.
Rev. Dr. Jennie Harrop is Associate Dean of George Fox Digital, an innovative branch of the university that houses accelerated online bachelor degrees, certificates, and industry partnerships. With more than 50 adjunct faculty and an adult degree program that is 35 years old, George Fox Digital provides experiential and transformational online learning experiences for the university’s online students. Jennie has three terminal degrees – a PhD in English from the University of Denver, a Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics from Portland Seminary, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Colorado State University – as well as a BA in Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University. Jennie also serves as coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for the university, Title IX deputy coordinator, faculty lead for the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC) general education offerings, faculty liaison for English dual credit, and project faculty for Portland Seminary’s Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLGP).
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Jennie was a news and crime reporter for several newspapers, including the Chicago News Tribune, The Oregonian, and The Tacoma News Tribune. After transitioning from the newsroom to academia, she taught undergraduate-and graduate-level courses at four universities prior to joining George Fox in early 2013. She has published a variety of essays, book reviews, articles, and short stories over the years, including six books in the past decade: The Jesus Quotient (2019); GFU’s first free-access open textbook, The Simple Math of Writing Well: Writing for the 21st Century (2018); three children’s books with Oxford University Press (2013); and Angling for Repose: Wallace Stegner and the DeMythologizing of the American West (2010).
Jennie is an ordained Presbyterian minister serving as lead pastor of Cedar Creek Church in Sherwood, Oregon, a part-time bivocational position that blends well with her work at George Fox. Jennie also serves as a member of the board of directors for the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, national ambassador for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and chaplain of BSA Troop 116. She enjoyed her first visit to Lahore, Pakistan, in 2023, and she looks forward to many more! She and her husband, Karl, are blessed with five teen and adult kids.
Aized Gill is a Vice President and Private Client Financial Advisor at Citizens Investment Services, where he has served for the past ten years. He maintains a wealth management practice that provides tailored strategies to meet the unique needs of his clients. His comprehensive service offerings include financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, insurance, and estate planning.
Prior to his role as a Private Client Financial Advisor, Aized was a Private Client Relationship Manager at Citizens Bank. In this capacity, he worked closely with the bank's affluent and high-net-worth clients to help them achieve their financial objectives.
Aized holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance from LaSalle University, which he obtained in 2009, and a Master of Science in Risk Management from New York University (NYU), earned in 2016. He has also obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation and holds several financial securities licenses, including Series 6, 63, 65, and 7, as well as a Pennsylvania Life Insurance License. Residing in Warminster, PA, Aized enjoys family life with his wife, Farah, and their two children, Annabel (6) and Isaiah (4). He is an active member of the Abington Presbyterian Church in Abington, PA, where he serves as an appointed elder. Additionally, Aized is a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Daud Nosham was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, and is an engineer and early-career researcher dedicated to advancing healthy buildings and energy-efficient data centers. He brings several years of experience in building construction and mechanical systems maintenance and holds BS and MS degrees in mechanical and architectural engineering. Daud is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and works with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he contributes to cutting-edge projects that advance energy-efficient cooling technologies for data centers. In addition to his research, he has extensive experience in the operation, maintenance, and successful delivery of construction projects.
Passionate about education, Daud is committed to strengthening STEM learning and has taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in building energy systems at the University of Nebraska, emphasizing evidence-based teaching practices. He regularly delivers presentations for the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), guiding students on graduate applications, funding opportunities, and career development. Through mentorship on digital platforms and professional networks, he actively supports aspiring engineers and researchers in achieving their full potential.
Ken LeBlond, MPA has worked in government and non-profit communications and international relations since 2007. He has recently served as an academic director for an international exchange program for Pakistani undergraduate students. He has taught reflective writing to over 150 Pakistani undergraduate and professionals. Ken traveled to Pakistan in 2017, 2019, and 2024 to convene his exchange program alumni and to further business development for the international programs. He has authored several articles for Pakistani media outlets focused on US-Pakistani relations. He also co-hosted a podcast focused discussing culteral relations between Pakistan and the United States. He is an avid reader and has so far read over 50 books on Pakistani history, culture, politics, poetry and fiction.
Ken has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s of public administration from the University of Washington in Seattle.
