Home - safety, security, good night’s sleep, we take it all for granted. We must encourage donors to think of people who don’t feel safe. The challenge is to put yourself in the shoes of refugees. Try to imagine what it is like. We must challenge people to empathize.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

PAUL BREDA

Paul is committed to the causes of immigration and public education, both being fundamental to a brighter future for our country and local communities. He has served RAMP's housing efforts to access safe and affordable housing, ensuring RAMP families can become self-sufficient. He currently works in the areas of donor relations and community outreach, seeking to expand and develop RAMP's base of faithful supporters.

Paul is a long-time board of education member, and lay leader/preacher at Brookside Community Church in Mendham. He lives in Wharton with his wife, stepson, and two dogs - and spends as much time as possible with 5 grandchildren.

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. 

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 BRADFORD

 Mary started her involvement in RAMP in 2016 attending general meetings, then the following year joined the Family 2 Team driving a very eager and intelligent language learner to ESL classes once a week. She has helped out in different Family Team roles as her schedule would allow since then.  She has been working with our volunteers to build Family Teams to support our refugee families since 2024.  "Working with the Family Development and Training Support team members and RAMP volunteers to support the families we serve is a truly rewarding experience. 

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. 

ADRIENNE VACANTI