Who we are
Children of Galapagos is a non-profit organization created to support the growth, health, and vitality of children living in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.
We were established in 2010 in response to the needs of Galapagos children with disabilities. Today, we participate in the lives of all island children and their families through our support of enriching programs and projects and assistance with individual cases.
COG has 501 (c) (3) tax status in the United States of America and is registered as a public charity.
Our vision
Children of the Galapagos Islands have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our mission
Children of Galapagos seeks to join with families and support community efforts that provide opportunity for children to reach their full potential.
The three branches of COG are:
Case by Case
Special Projects
Collaboration
Children of Galapagos provides support on a case-by-case basis to connect children to resources and care not available in the islands, through a network of local, national, and international individuals, businesses and organizations.
Children of Galapagos joins with and supports special projects that benefit the island children.
Children of Galapagos – “CoG” - serves as a bridge, or “cog in the wheel” connecting people, programs, and projects.
Olga Doumet
Olga is a fashion designer from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the founder of Olga Doumet Couture and the Ispirato Corpo Foundation, an organization that connects artists and designers in support of the arts in Ecuador. Olga is dedicated to community service, volunteering in various projects that help those who do not have access to medical care. Olga and her family, who have long-standing ties to the Galápagos, provide on-going support to Children of Galápagos. Olga is the mother of two young children.
Jason Gallardo
Jason, a third generation islander and an American/Ecuadorian, runs a family business in the Galápagos, and is the father of two young children.
Jason's passion for creating an enriching and unique environment for all children comes from his understanding of being from two cultures. Jason's American education and his desire to improve the community by improving the quality of life for children is his inspiration to serve on the Board of Children of Galápagos.
John Garate
John is a third generation Galápagueño and has been a Naturalist Guide for more than 20 years. He also owns and manages his vacation rental property business in the islands. John is a champion for the protection of the islands and for the fair treatment of the citizens of the Galápagos, especially children. John is the proud father of an American/Galápagueño son.
Jeanette Hoyer
Jeanette, a resident of Holland, Michigan, USA, is the Executive Director of "Pathways, MI", a counseling agency that works with adults, children and families. Jeanette has extensive background in the non-profit world and with programs benefiting children. She serves as Vice President of the board.
Charles Langdon
Charlie lives in Seattle, Washington, USA, and is retired from a life devoted to helping children, working primarily for non-profit organizations.
He most recently was the Executive Director for the Children’s Home Society in Seattle, providing foster and adoption services. Charlie is a specialist in Strategic Planning for non-profit businesses. Charlie is serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the board.
Andrew MacDonald
Andy, a resident of Seattle, Washington, USA, is a successful entrepreneur, and the former owner and Chief Executive Officer of ECG Management Systems, a company that provides financial, business, and strategic planning to health care organizations nationwide. Andy has credentials as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Consultant.
Treecy Meier
Treecy is the founder and Executive Director of Children of Galápagos. Treecy previously worked in Michigan, USA, as an educational consultant, a teacher of special education students, a high school guidance counselor, and she is a clinical counselor. Currently she resides in Ecuador.
Treecy first visited the Galápagos Islands in 2009 on vacation. Her encounter with the limited services and opportunities for island children sparked her passion for justice for children and inspired her to create Children of Galápagos. Treecy's intent is to bring greater awareness to the life conditions of the future caretakers of these delicate islands.
Sharon Osborne
Sharon, from Seattle, Washington, USA, is currently president and Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Home Society of Seattle. Sharon's devotion to improving the lives of children has led her to serve as president of the National Children’s Home Society of America, and on the Board of Directors of the International Forum for Child Welfare (IFCW), an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the rights and well-being of children globally. The IFCW has consultative status with The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Lola Villacreses
Lola is a Biologist and Naturalist Guide, living in the Galápagos Islands since 1994. She also manages her own company in Marine Safety.
Lola obtained a Master's degree in non-profit administration in Spain in order to realize her dream of helping non-governmental organizations in the islands.
Lola's deep respect for the natural environment combined with her desire to help improve the lives of it's inhabitants has led her to serve on the Board. Lola was one of Treecy's first acquaintances and has been providing invaluable advice, assistance, and support to Children of Galápagos since its inception.
