Jean Ripley Foundation for Child Development Board of Directors

Karen Ripley

Karen lives and works downtown London ON. She is the Financial Advisor for the Foundation with the help of her family.

Karen believes she learned to look at all things with beauty and positivity through her Grandmother, who always loved something 'different'. She remembers 'Grams' secret drawers of games, colouring tools and toys for any child that came to visit.

Karen says she can only strive to be as compassionate as Jean.

Mary Fran Goddard

Marilyn Brown

Jean Ripley hired me in 1976 to assist in the "Fun With Friends" pre-school program that she co-ordinated. Our mutual love of children and family resulted in a cherished friendship that lasted over thirty years.

Her ability to laugh at herself and her ability to make her friends feel that they were "one of a kind" made her a friend to many.

Scott Buchanan

Jennifer Ripley

Jennifer and her husband Scott live in Cochrane, AB and assist with the work for the Foundation that can be done via distance.

Memories of "grams" include playing with prisms, learning about birds, and a genuine appreciation for natural beauty in its many forms . Through it all was the constant reminder of the importance of education.

The JRFCD has helped Jennifer in the healing process and it brings great joy to know that future generations will be inspired through education to accomplish great things in life and great things for people.

Meet the Board of Directors

Collectively, the Board of Directors brings extensive experience in early childhood education, financial management and reporting, project planning, research, and decision making.

Bob Ripley

Bob knew Jean as mother and friend; ardent critic yet loyal fan. “She made me wear boots when it wasn’t raining and a coat when it wasn’t cold. Then again, she worked for hours in the garage making a papier-mâché elephant head so I could be Elmer the Safety Elephant for Halloween and take first prize.” Bob is thrilled that Jean’s passion for instilling self-confidence and creativity in the very young will continue through the Foundation

Deb loved her mother-in-law for countless things, including her courage, strong individuals, sense of humour, and faith. "Jean always had a smile and an encouraging word for every child she met". This empathy for the young will live on through the Foundation in Jean's name, and Deb "appreciates" how much that means.