Dee Galen currently serves as the Director of Student Services for the Penn Manor School District, a role she has held for the past three years. With over three decades of experience in educational leadership and special education, Dee has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive environments and advocating for student success.
Prior to joining Penn Manor, Dee spent 30 years with the Hempfield School District. Her extensive tenure there included 13 years as the Director of Special Education, three years as the Coordinator of Elementary Special Education, and 14 years as a Learning Support teacher. Her expertise in the field also led her to serve as an adjunct professor at Elizabethtown College, where she helped shape the next generation of educators.
A lifelong resident of Lancaster City and a proud graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School, Dee’s commitment to her community is deeply personal. She earned her undergraduate, graduate, and supervisory degrees from Millersville University, where she was also a member of the women’s basketball team. Her passion for athletics continued when as she served as a basketball coach for Hempfield for a few years.
Dee resides in Lancaster with her two sons, Parker (25) and Trevor (22), both of whom followed in her footsteps as McCaskey graduates. Parker is an alumnus of the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, and Trevor is a graduate of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Outside of her professional life, Dee is a creative entrepreneur. She co-owns Second Act, a holiday-themed side business with her best friend, where they design and sell custom Christmas creations at various craft shows throughout the fall. She also enjoys staying active and spending quality time with her family.