OUR TEAM

Jean Abel Pierre, PhD
President/CEO

Born and raised in Haiti, Jean Abel believes that no one should ever be deprived of their sense of dignity. He is a Sociology Professor and has been a teacher at Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the U.S. Department of State since 2012. Jean Abel received his PhD in Sociology from University Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) France. He also attended Baylor University (Texas/USA) where he completed, as an exchanged student, a joint training program in Theological studies and Social work from Truett Seminary. He currently serves as Assistant Pastor at Haitian Missionary Baptist Church (HMBC) in Miramar/Florida. He also serves as President of Mission Centre Chretien Mont des Oliviers, a network of twelve churches dispersed in different regions in Haiti. Jean Abel also co-founded and served as Administrative Director of Stone of Help Haiti, a Christian organization working mostly in rural Haiti in the fields of Education and Health. His formative years and experience have earned him a mastery of knowledge and insight in community building and development. He worked on a variety of development projects in Haiti. As a Sociologist, he commands a complex understanding of the socioeconomic challenges faced by his people. His research focuses on social norms and beliefs, community development, public policy and governance. He has authored several articles and book chapters and delivered many national and international conferences.

Roger A. Georges
Vice-President

Born and raised in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, Roger Georges is a long-term believer and advocate for the dignity of the person. He is currently a respiratory therapist at Veterans Hospital in Miami/Florida. He is well known and highly respected in the Haitian community of South Florida for his ability to take on tasks that require important leadership skills. Roger is passionate about Haiti and embodies the true meaning of “Giving back”.

Osline Pierre
Education Program Director

Born and raised in Cabaret, Haiti, Osline Pierre, M.Ed., believes education is the most effective tool to shape minds. She is a certified Florida educator who has spent the past decade helping low-income families in south Florida. Osline has served as a Head Start consultant, Special Education teacher, and curriculum specialist. As president of non-profit Save the 21st Century Children, her focus is on enhancing children’s mental well-being and equipping parents with the tools and strategies to face the challenges of the digital age. Growing up, Osline witnessed her mother’s strength and determination in the face of life’s challenges. Convinced of her nation’s potential for greatness and armed with her passion for writing, she aspired to be an agent of change. Her hope is to embolden other Haitians to recognize the power they already possess to turn their wildest dreams into great achievements.

Dr Mario Toussaint
Curriculum and Grants Coordinator

Dr. Mario Toussaint is currently a mathematics instructor at P.K. Yonge developmental research school (University of Florida Lab School). He served as a mathematics teacher at J.P. Taravella High School (Broward County Public School) for three years. He worked at Florida Atlantic University as a Graduate Research Assistant, Course Migration Coordinator, Research Specialist, and Adjunct Mathematics Instructor. He also served as an adjunct mathematics instructor at Miami Dade College and Broward College for over seventeen years. He co-authored several published articles and presented at various regional and international co9nferences. His research interests include academic service learning, distance learning, and the use of technology to increase students’ success, especially in mathematics.

Obrillant Damus, PhD
Education Program Specialist

Born and raised in Haiti, Obrillant Damus is a Professor at the State University of Haiti and Quisqueya University. He received his PhD in Educational Sciences from Université Paris 8 in France. He currently serves as President of the Ligue pour la Recherche sur l’Éducation Autochtone (LREA). Expert in indigenous knowledge of the Americas, Obrillant is also the National Representative of the UNESCO Chair in Education and Health in Haiti. He also currently serves as the Director of the Collection “La Documentation haïtienne” for the French publisher, L’Harmattan. His field of research includes preventive health education, development of local knowledge in medicinal plants. Obrillant is passionate about Haiti. He brings a distinctive expertise to Dignity Ground’s team and is poised to leverage more than 15 years of community organizing and work in rural Haiti.

Zephyr Gilner
Community Organizing Program Specialist

Born and raised in Haiti, Gilner Zéphyr is a dedicated civil servant in his country. He serves both as Administrator of a public hospital. He is well-known for his engagement in community building and social actions. Gilner obtained his MBA degree from Université Autonome d’Haiti in a joint program with Laval university/Canada. He also obtained a bachelor degree in Social work in the State university of Haiti. Gilner has been engaged in community development over the last two decades. He is currently doing a distance master’s degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Management with Kalu Institute in Spain. He believes that any change in our communities or the society at large begins with the awareness and respect of the dignity of the person.

Perold Pierre
Volunteer Coordinator

Perold Pierre is a clinical social worker with the State of Florida. His practice is focused on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional and other behavioral disturbances. Perold obtained a double master’s degree in this field from Florida International University. He also attended Greenville College in Greenville Illinois where he obtained a double major in Sociology and Psychology and a minor in Pastoral Ministry. Later on, he also obtained a teaching certification from the Florida Department of Education that covers Pre-K to 12th grades. He currently serves as Member of the prestigious National Association of Social Work (NASW). He is also a member of Broward school Board Volunteer Club in Florida. Perold brings with him a unique set of skills and experience to Dignity Ground from his more than 20 years of social work with children and youth in South Florida communities.