Paul Breda - Member, Board of Trustees
Refugee Assistance Morris Partners is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who strive to give refugee families and individuals hope for a better future by building a "Bridge to a New Life" in the United States.
In 2023, RAMP brought on new trustees “who have energized us and who give us a bright sense of the future,” according to RAMP President, Carol Graham. New committees are looking at ways to better support the teams that help families while tackling tough issues for families soon after they arrive, such as: finding affordable housing and securing employment.
CAROL GRAHAM
Carol joined RAMP early in 2017 to be a part of the second family team as the medical volunteer. She assisted her husband, Tom, when he became the coordinator for the third family in the fall of 2018. She became president of RAMP in March of 2023 after serving on the Steering Committee and the Board of Trustees as Vice-President. She retired in 2018 from Morris County School of Technology after 31 years as a teacher in Adult High School, GED, and Basic Skills for English and Social Studies. She is also a member of Dover Randolph Quaker Meeting and Women in Unity.
MARY GANNON
Mary, and her late husband Gerry, felt that children should not have to suffer the devastation of war, motivating them to co-found RAMP and saving over 20 children since 2016.
"Once You Knew - What Did You Do?" is an inspiring quote for Mary who encourages individuals to join the RAMP volunteer team and experience a fuller life where you meet like-minded people who are all part of building a "Bridge to a New Life" for refugee families.
MEG KIMBERLAND
Born in India, Meg was raised in New Jersey and, as an adult, has lived in Massachusetts, Virginia, New York and Texas. Her two children were born in NJ, raised in NJ and Texas and currently live in Seattle and Tokyo.
She received degrees from Smith College (B.A., Geology, 1976), University of Virginia (B.S., Engineering Science, 1978) and Columbia University (M.B.A., Finance & Accounting, 1981). Since retiring in 2012, Meg has volunteered with several organizations.
KATHLEEN CAROZZA
Kathleen was a professor at St. Elizabeth’s, overseeing their program for Nutrition and Dietition students. She was RAMP’s first Operations Manager and chairs the Training & Support Committee. She joins the Board as Secretary and chair of the Governance Committee. She started with RAMP as a volunteer for family 8 helping with education and transportation. Kathleen is married, has two adult children and lives in Rockaway. She is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Morristown where she leads the Faith in Action Committee.
PAUL BREDA
Paul has an abiding interest in immigration and has devoted his professional life to education. He is currently serving as the Board liaison to the Housing Committee which consists of members who know about real estate - realtors, landlords, property owners and managers - responsible for finding safe and affordable housing to ensure families can become self-sufficient.
GAYLE SHEPARDSON
Gayle has been a long-time RAMP volunteer since 2016 and is forming RAMP's Education Committee to form a team of ESL tutors and assist families with other educational needs.
Gayle teaches Social Studies at Chatham High School, and is a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
JOAN BELZ
Joan has a life long commitment to immigrant families and securing a new life for them in the United States. From Viet Nam, Syria, Gambia, Afghanistan, El Salvador, and Ecuador, Joan actively strives to support RAMP's mission of helping refugee families transition to productive lives of dignity, safety, and hope and proving that
"Our work DOES make a difference!"
REBEKAH CONROY
Rebekah is an experienced trial attorney who represents businesses and individuals in diverse matters. Rebekah is an Officer of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (AFBNJ) and regularly participates in volunteer legal activities. She served as a volunteer attorney for Trial Lawyers Care, providing pro bono legal representation to 9/11 victims and their families. She also is a volunteer attorney with the District of New Jersey’s federal prisoner re-entry program, ReNew. She brings her passion and extensive experience to support RAMP's mission.
JONATHAN GOLDEN
Jonathan is the Director of the Center on Religion, Culture and Conflict at Drew University, where he also serves as Associate Professor of Teaching in the Drew Theological School and convenes Drew’s program in Conflict Resolution.
In addition to his work with RAMP, Golden works closely with the International Rescue Committee, organizing a career and college prep program for refugee teens.
CHARLES COURTNEY
Charles is a retired professor of Philosophy and Religion at Drew University. He has written and lectured on many topics, including the impact of poverty. Charles is forming a committee liaison with our religious and civic partners to seek their assistance as needed and provide information on RAMP activities.
JON MESSIER
Jon has served RAMP since 2021, initially as a volunteer and later as a trustee. His service has focused on standing-up the organization and promoting refugee employment. Outside of RAMP, Jon dedicates time to his family, faith, work, and community. He holds and has held board positions in other organizations, including as past chair of a state bar association section and past trustee of a Morristown nonprofit during its historic building restoration project.
Subscribe to Friends of RAMP and be the first to receive updates, refugee stories, news, and ways you can support RAMP's mission to build a "Bridge to a New Life" for refugee families and individuals to transition to productive lives of dignity, safety, and hope!
Refugee Assistance Morris Partners Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
RAMP, PO Box 1544 Morristown, NJ 07962
Copyright © 2024 Refugee Assistance Morris Partners, Inc - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.