Dr. Donna C. Martinez is a seasoned professional with 15 years of broad experience  in education that includes serving as Director of The GW HEATH Resource Center, teaching  both youth and preservice teachers, consulting on grant projects, supporting families seeking improved educational supports/services for their children, and advocating for improved  policies and legislation at the national, state, and local levels. Dr. Martinez recently earned her doctorate from The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development in special education – with honors. Her undergraduate study at the California University at Sacramento was in cultural anthropology.

Dr. Donna Martinez is especially interested in transition from public school to postsecondary education. Her experiences of living abroad in South America and of being a parent of a young man with an intellectual disability provides her deeper insight and personal awareness into issues that families may confront while living abroad with children with disabilities. Areas of her expertise include:

• Transition planning for career and college, including youth with intellectual disabilities
• The college application process
• Accessibility and accommodation issues
• School options in overseas posts
• Cultural transitions and resiliency
• Twice exceptional (GT/LD)