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.

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.

MICHAEL KELLY

Michael has a background in Family Intervention Services and is a Marine Corps Veteran with a private psychotherapy practice. He joins RAMP leadership and is building the Social Services Committee.

He is married with three children and nine Grandchildren.

Columbia University MSSW, UMASS BBA. 

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.