On behalf of TREE’s Board of Directors and broader community, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Laurel Boytim to the permanent role of Executive Director, effective May 2, 2022. 

Laurel brings significant practical experience and academic training in restorative justice, conflict transformation, trauma and healing, coaching and peace research. She has worked in the Waterloo Region as a consultant to the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy team, and Circle keeper. As an entrepreneur, facilitator and educator, Laurel has worked in schools and community youth programming, and is an instructor in the University of Guelph-Humber’s Faculty of Justice Studies.

Laurel’s dedication to advancing peace and justice has contributed to her success in community work, and we look forward to working together towards our mission for peaceful and just communities.

Tim O’Connor, Board Chair
On behalf of The Ripple Effect Education

Reporting to the Board of Directors, The Ripple Effect Education is seeking an Executive Direction to lead all aspects of the organization’s work. The role will operationalize TREE’s mission and vision, by leading programming, managing staff and volunteers, stewarding relationships with key partners, leading fundraising activities, and overseeing the administrative activities.

For the full job description and application information, visit our Get Involved page.

After 5 years building The Ripple Effect Education as a local and highly respected charity providing peace based education across Waterloo Region, Katie Gingerich will be stepping down in the Spring of 2022.

Katie’s dedication to sharing her knowledge of peace and justice with youth has rippled across this community.  We are so grateful for the passion, professionalism and collaborative spirit that she has brought to this role.  Katie will be missed and we wish her all the best.

The Board of Directors will begin a search in early 2022 to find a replacement Executive Director who will lead and grow this critical work.

Tim O’Connor, Board Chair
On behalf of The Ripple Effect Education Board of Directors

When we began initial research and design in 2015, I could not have dreamed how TREE would take shape. I am proud of the community we have formed and the ways we have supported young people in building skills to transform conflict and seek justice over the past six years. As I move on to new opportunities, I will carry this work and the stories of our team and the community we support with me. The peace education work that TREE does with children, youth, families and educators will continue, and I am grateful to our committed board, staff and volunteer teams for the ways they will continue to envision peaceful and just communities through relationships.

Katie Gingerich, Executive Director
The Ripple Effect Education

For anyone wishing to learn more about TREE’s work,
please direct inquiries to: hello@therippleeffecteducation.ca