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About GEEC
Learn about our mission and team
Our Story
Gettis Exceptional Education Corporation (GEEC) was founded with a single promise: Every child deserves the chance to reach their fullest potential.
This mission began with Elena Gettis, a visionary special education teacher whose lifelong passion is helping children with autism and special needs thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Her years in the classroom revealed a reality faced by many families and teachers: limited training, limited resources, and limited support, especially in underserved areas.
Seeing these needs firsthand, Elena made a commitment to do more than teach in one classroom—she set out to transform classrooms everywhere, starting with one of the regions most in need of specialized support: The Dominican Republic, particularly the underserved central region including the city of La Vega.
Our Mission
To empower children with autism and special needs by training teachers, supporting families, and strengthening communities—beginning in the Dominican Republic and expanding globally.
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of diagnosis or circumstance, receives the specialized support they deserve and can reach their highest potential.
Our Core Values
Inclusion
Every child belongs
Compassion
We meet children and families where they are
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in training and care
Sustainability
We build systems that last beyond our presence
Cultural Respect
We honor and adapt to the communities we serve
Innovation
We use modern tools, AI, and research-based strategies
Our Leadership Team
Passionate experts committed to transforming special education
Elena Gettis
Founder & CEO
Elena Gettis is a trailblazer in special education whose compassion, expertise, and dedication have transformed countless lives. With decades of teaching experience, Elena specializes in autism support, inclusive classroom design, and teacher development.
Duane Gettis
Director of Operations
Duane brings organizational leadership, program design, and strategic planning to international efforts. He oversees mission preparation, volunteer recruitment, curriculum implementation, and on-the-ground logistics.
Derwin Correa
Assistant Program Coordinator
With a background in biology, accounting, and multi-site business development, Derwin supports program logistics, volunteer management, and coordination between teams in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
Russel Smith
Curriculum Director
Russel brings deep expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, and teacher training. He oversees the creation and refinement of courses, ensuring they meet international standards.
Julia Heyne
Communications Specialist
Julia specializes in messaging, outreach, and communication strategy. She ensures that the voice is clear, compassionate, and consistent across all public-facing materials.
Ramon "Rey" González
Dominican Republic IT & Community Liaison
Rey provides essential support as the on-the-ground liaison in the Dominican Republic. His local insights, school connections, and technical expertise facilitate operations and training programs.
Advisory Board
Strategic guidance from leading experts in education, nonprofit management, and international development
Lic. Dilia Ileana Bonilla Salas, M.Sc. (c)
Special Education Policy Advisor
Vice President, Sociedad Dominicana de Terapia Ocupacional (SODTEO)
Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Dr. Rodriguez is a leading expert in inclusive education policy and curriculum design. With over 20 years of experience in special education reform across Latin America, she advises governments and NGOs on implementing evidence-based practices for students with diverse learning needs.