About Us

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Founder, CEO/President

For well over three decades Rick has dedicated himself to the goal of improving the health and welfare of individuals with special needs. As a youth, he was first introduced to organizations dedicated to providing assistance, education, and residence to children and adults with special needs. It was at that moment the seed to serve this special community had been planted. Rick knew he had found his lifelong calling to serve these individuals. Since then, he has been actively serving this community and has organized, chaired and successfully implemented numerous fundraising events, programs and activities in support of this special segment of society. Following his determination to help create a better world for individuals with special needs, in 2010, Rick, Wendy,& Chris began Touch My Heart as a 501(c)(3). Because of Rick’s drive to be a voice for others that many times are not heard, he has been able to raise millions of dollars in the form of grants, goods, and services for these special individuals.

Rick has been the recipient of multiple honors and awards highlighting the impact he has made to the Special Needs Community.

Over the years Rick has co-owned several businesses in the high end furniture manufacturing, distribution & retail industries. This career experience allows Rick to bring much expertise to the operating needs of TMH.

Rick and Wendy are blessed to have three wonderful kids and have been married since 1994. They look forward to continuing the journey of life together while helping others along the way.

“I am here for this purpose; to encourage, to include, to advocate, and to serve.” ~Rick

Founder, Creative Director

Wendy has spent the last 30+ years serving the Special Needs Community. As one of the Founders & the Creative Director of Touch My Heart, she has continuously come up with unique and exciting social events, gatherings, outings, and activities that has brought so much joy to this Special Community, their families, and the TMH volunteers. Since social gatherings and events suddenly came to a halt with the COVID 19 Pandemic, Wendy did not let that slow her down and came up with a post pandemic vision of a peaceful, safe, gathering place for all to enjoy. Hence the beginning of the Touch My Heart Farm. She realized early in the pandemic that the isolation felt by many within the Special Needs Community and beyond could/would have long term repercussions. Her vision for the farm was a place of respite that included urban gardening and AAT chickens (animal-assisted therapy). She has spent countless hours researching the mental health and therapeutic benefits one receives through interacting with chickens. She has her certification in Backyard Poultry Education and Animal-Assisted therapy pets with a focus on chickens.

Wendy will tell you that her life's mission is to serve others in a way that brings a smile to their faces and joy in their hearts by enhancing the quality of life through experiences.

Wendy & Rick have been married since 1994 and are the proud parents of three amazing adult children (and a terrific son-in-law).

"There is nothing more contagious than bringing joy to others!" ~Wendy

 Founder, VP of Outreach 

 In 2010, together with Rick and Wendy Montalbano, Chris founded Touch My Heart, NFP to serve the special needs community. Prior to founding the organization, Chris was an integral part of a charitable fraternity assisting the special needs community for over 10 years. As a second-generation volunteer he learned at a young age that it is in giving that we receive. His charitable influence is a result of the examples made by his parents, Julie and Mike. Chris is a degreed engineer and works for a global consulting firm providing energy solutions to public and private entities as a business development manager and principal. He regularly mentors younger members and enjoys helping people grow and exceed their expectations. Chris has owned several businesses in the energy and hospitality industries and is a member of Visitation Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he and his family reside.