Rachael Althaus – President

Rachael Althaus is very honored to be on the board of the Jennifer Ireland Foundation. Currently she working as a physician Oncology Liaison for Kansas City Cancer center.  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.

Dr. Robert Pluenneke – Vice President

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.

Melanie Reece – Treasurer

Monika Totoraitis – Director of Financial Aid

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."

Brian Cole

Brian Cole has an 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 Jump to the Web. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and running and training for marathons.

Jennifer Althaus

Jamie Brown

Ginnelle Ries

Angie Eaton