Who Is Heidi Ripka?
After going through her own divorce a decade ago, Heidi Ripka understands firsthand the need and desire of couples seeking a way to end their relationship in the least disruptive, amicable, dignified and affordable way possible. Since her divorce, Heidi and her former husband learned the importance of developing a new relationship as co-parents. They work together in a positive, respectful way that has flourished into a very healthy relationship and serves as a role model to their daughters of how adults can move through conflict and rise above the controversy of their past. Their goal always was, and always will be, to do what is in the best interest of their children.
Since their divorce, both have moved on into new marriages and are the true definition of the modern, blended family. Together, with their new spouses, they celebrate their daughters' birthdays together, attend special events, camp visiting day and even some holidays together. They discovered that despite being divorced, they will always be family with their girls as their number one priority.
With over 25 years of experience in the corporate world, Heidi has cultivated the artful skill of negotiation, has learned the importance of understanding and working with different cultures, and has mastered relationship-building by diffusing tension. Through her experiences, she understands how to work with people in conflict, helps individuals peacefully have difficult conversations, and is an accomplished listener.
Heidi graduated from Hofstra University with a BA in Sociology as a member of the Sociology Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Upon graduation, Heidi enrolled in Paralegal studies and became a Certified Paralegal with a particular interest in Family Law guided by her experience in her undergraduate studies course, Marriage, and Family. In addition, Heidi spent time volunteering at a shelter for battered women and their children in Mesa, Arizona. That experience of helping people, listening to their issues, and understanding their need to move on in their life has always stayed with Heidi. After her own experience and being passionate about helping others advance into the next chapter of their life as seamlessly as possible, Heidi realized that there was a need to work with families and help them achieve a peaceful, amicable, more cost-efficient divorce. Heidi received certifications in Basic Mediation and Advanced Matrimonial Mediation through Stalder Mediation, a Part 146 course approved by the New York State Courts, and certification from the New York Center for Interpersonal Development's Community Dispute Resolution Center ("CDRC").
