Donna Lopez joins the International Peace Garden Foundation as Director of Education

Donna Lopez is the Director of Education for the International Peace Garden Foundation. Donna’s education credentials are extensive. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Foundations efforts to focus on our international youth education and cultural exchange activities.



Donna earned a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology from the University of Dayton. She holds two master’s degrees from NY City College in Special Education and Bilingual Education. She gained teaching experience in the state of Ohio as a kindergarten and second grade instructor. Prior to her retirement she spent 18 years at high school level in the New York City school system teaching students with learning delays and disabilities. She created and administered an Independent Study Program, providing pre-graduation work experiences for students with special needs. Donna served as adjunct teacher in the Reading Department, Department of Education, City College. Donna has also provided private tutoring for children with physical disabilities.
Her non-teaching work experience includes Social Worker at Montefiore Hospital Emergency Room, N.Y.C. Child Welfare Protective Services, evaluating possible child abuse and neglect, and Parole Officer serving drug-addicted clients in NY State Drug Abuse Control Commission.
Her volunteer services include supervised week-end activities in the Recreation Department at Rockefeller University Hospital, reader for Lighthouse for the Blind.
Donna has served as Education Coordinator for the International Peace Garden Foundation since 2004. She organizes and performs in musical entertainment for residents of nursing homes, day care centers and drug treatment in and around the New York City region.