Amelfi E. Dirocié de López is originally from San Juan, Dominican Republic. Since a young age, she has always been interested in helping people and social services. After completing her nursing technician credentials, she studied at the University Autònoma de Santo Domingo to receive her degree as a General Doctor. Her continued medical training includes services for pregnant women, pediatrics, as well as chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
As the primary doctor for the non-profit HADAC, Dr. Lopez focuses on prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyle, as well as follow-up care for those with chronic diseases. She is experienced in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments, leading the HADAC clinical services in Puerto Plata and different communities where needs arise. Dr. Amelfi’s integrity and enthusiasm are evident to everyone she works with.
She and her husband, Rikelvin, have two beautiful children.
Terrisita Grant-Galli has been involved with HADAC for over 11 years, managing the Medical Clinic and Pharmacy at Monkey Jungle. She provides pharmaceutical support and education to our Patients, and acts as a liaison with visiting groups. Terrisita also solicits, organizes and distributes the medical equipment and medicine as it becomes available to our Care Partners.
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Terrisita has a background in Health Care as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Advocate/Educator, providing front-line support for those affected, political activism, as well as organizational development and Community building. A lifelong volunteer, Terrisita believes that “Service is Love in Action.” She says her days at the Monkey Jungle Clinic are her favorite days of the week.
Manise Theodore
Danielle
Dr. Wally worked at the HADAC Monkey Jungle Clinci from 2011 – 2019. Our non-profit founders, Candy and Chuck Ritzen recognized Dr. Wally’s potential when they met him through the Dream Project. Understanding the need for local Haitian doctors, the couple funded Dr. Wally’s remaining medical education.
Throughout his time at University, Wally served our clinics at Monkey Jungle, both as a dental assistant, then as our Doctor, traveling from Santiago every Saturday.
He graduated with his Doctorate in Medicine from Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago, in July 2016. serving the HADAC Clinic every week, as well in the community clinics of Barrio Blanco and Batey Cangrejo, and the Medical Community on the North Coast.
His dedication, expertise, patience and kindness are much appreciated by all. Dr. Wally has since started another clinic with other doctors.
High in the mountains above the city of Cap Haitien is a small village called Calvaire where lies the school Ecole L’Union built by Live Different. HADAC frequently provides food and Medical supplies.
Our Medical Clinic at Monkey Jungle was founded to bring much-needed basic health care services to the very poor, underserved Haitian and Dominican families on the North Coast, as well as provide practical support and medicine to individuals and groups providing relief services in Haiti and the D.R.
In 2019, we were blessed to add complete eye equipment units donated to HADAC. We have had several optical teams from Fayetteville and Washington, North Carolina travel to the D.R. to conduct eye clinics.
It is truly amazing to watch the patient’s faces when they are first fitted with the correct glasses, like this before and after of a beautiful young lady that no longer struggles with extreme headaches, and who can now see the board in school.
