About Us Foundation News Foundation Events Our Mission Our Story Board of Directors Chris Ireland - Board Chairman Rachael Althaus - Board Vice-Chairman Rachael Althaus is very honored to be on the board of the Jennifer Ireland Foundation. Currently she working as a district manager for Auriga Pharmaceuticals located in Kansas City. In her spare time she enjoys kickboxing, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She knew Jen and her brother Jordan from high school and loves her two sweet daughters. Melanie Reece - Treasurer Jan Velander - Secretary Jan Velander has had the ultimate privilege to be Jennifer’s mom for 27 years. She is the devoted wife of Dr. Bob Velander, and loving mother to her grown children Jason, Robin and Jordan. She is blessed with four incredibly sweet and smart grandchildren, Emma, Lilly, Peighton and Dylan. She has an MA in Elementary Education and teaches 2nd grade at Sunny Pointe Elementary in Blue Springs, MO. "I’m honored to be on the board of The Jennifer Ireland Foundation. Jen was a truly remarkable daughter. She was so thoughtful and loving, and being a good wife and mother were two of the most important goals in her life. Keeping her memory and spirit alive by helping other young families affected by cancer would be something she’d definitely endorse. I sincerely thank all of you for helping keep my daughter’s memory alive." Dr. Robert Pluenneke - Director of Outreach Born in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Pluenneke attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas. He earned his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he was named Outstanding Intern and received the L.J. Byer Award in Hematology. He also completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Pluenneke has served as a Clinical Instructor in Internal Medicine and Hematology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, in addition to his practice with Kansas City Cancer Centers. He has actively participated in research studies and has given several Oncology presentations. Dr. Pluenneke is married and has three children. Brian Cole - Director of Communication Brian Cole currently is working remotely as a software implementation specialist for a software company in Minnesota. He has a MBA in Business and Marketing from UMKC in Kansas City and an MA in Developmental Child Psychology from the Universtiy of Kansas. In addition, Brian owns his own web design and marketing firm called Sticky Web Works. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and running and training for marathons. Harold Scott - Director of Development Monika Totoraitis - Director of Financial Aid