Public schools
are the backbone and promise
of America.

Diane comes from a family of teachers. Her grandmother taught her father in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Maryland. Her mother became one of the first special education teachers in the state. For Diane, the classroom was always home.

She spent more than thirty years teaching elementary school — grades one through six in Fairfax County, Virginia, and in underserved communities in Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Education from Cambridge College, before becoming a reading specialist. In that role she found her deepest purpose: helping young students read at grade level and beyond, and watching early literacy change the course of a child's life.

Certified in creative writing, she published anthologies of her students' work. As a resource teacher she mentored fellow educators, led professional development, and helped shape curriculum — earning “Outstanding” evaluations and a seat on superintendent roundtables and textbook committees. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping launch and lead a successful K–3 public charter school that exceeded district benchmarks in parental involvement, attendance, school climate, curriculum, and achievement.

About ten years ago, Diane retired and moved to Horry County. But her passion never retired with her — and now she's stepping up to serve the community she calls home.