Ripley has received two competitive Templeton Foundation Grant awards studying Christian marriage counseling. The first, with Dr. Sells, was successful with over $200,000 for a healthy marriage project in China. She was also the principal investigator for a second grant of over $100,000, studying Christian couple counseling in multiple outpatient practices in the United States as part of the big data Bridges project. She has many smaller grants from sources, such as the Moffit Foundation, Huston Foundation and Regent University faculty research grants.

Ripley has published 57 refereed articles and 183 professional refereed conference presentations and has chaired over 50 dissertations (primarily in the integration of psychology and Christianity as it pertains to marriage). She has two published books on Christian marriage for counselors and pastors and one under contract.

Ripley’s book, Hope Focused Marriage Counseling, has wide use. In a survey of over 600 AACC clinical members in 2009, Hook and Worthington found that her book was the most recognized and used approach to Christian couple counseling and enrichment. It was second in preparation for marriage. As early as 2004, this book was identified by Jakubowski et al. as one of four evidence-based couple enrichment programs when comparing all couple enrichment programs, Christian and secular — and many studies and developments have taken place since then. She has been cited over 2,000 times, according to Google scholar, which is a demonstration not only of the capacity to write and publish, but also of the impact of these publications.

In mentoring students, Ripley has co-authored 75% of her publications with students as co-authors, and 78% of her presentations have involved students. Several students have won awards for their conference presentations: one student was awarded the 2018 National Research Award at Christian Association for Psychological Studies, and three of her students won the 2017 Statewide Research Award at Virginia Association for Psychological Studies.

Ripley’s national recognition includes the Recipient of the Distinguished Member Award, Christian Association for Psychological Studies; elected Member at Large for the Society of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality; selected to serve on both the advisory board and general board of the Continuing Education Committee of the American Psychological Association; a grant reviewer for the Templeton Foundation; editorial board member for Spirituality in Clinical Practice, Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Journal of Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, and Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal.

Additionally, Ripley has edited a special edition of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. She’s also served as conference chair and track chair for multiple conferences with the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.

Ripley is an extrovert who thrives on relationships with students and colleagues. She loves a good theology discussion, wrestling with some of the most difficult issues in Christian integration today, meditative prayer, and analyzing data.

CREDENTIALS

Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

M.S. Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

B.A. Psychology, Nyack College

Licensure/Certification: Licensed Clinical Psychologist