“Educating the mind, without educating the heart, is no education at all.”  Aristotle

Diane, a long-time early years’ teacher in Seven Oaks, retired in June of 2014 so that she could run for school trustee. Diane was successfully elected to the Board for 2014-2018.  As a teacher, Diane’s first priority was the care and safety of her students and thus she developed long term respectful relationships with countless families. Diane’s priority for care and safety has not changed and she wishes to use her ideas and energies for all Seven Oaks Students.

Diane believes that education must reflect current research and that it must be rigorous to provide the skills children need to become successful.  Children must be supported as needed in order that they make the most of their potential as learners and as individuals in order to interact successfully in society.

Diane has always lived and/or worked in the Seven Oaks area. Her schooling, and her father’s before her, was in our schools.  Diane has experienced and enjoyed the changes in our schools as new Canadians become part of our community from many places in the world.  Diane’s schooling began at Centennial School which was named in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the Selkirk Settlers to these parts.  We are still celebrating the arrival of newcomers to Seven Oaks.

Diane has been active in the Education community, most recently serving as a member of the Canadian Association of Young Children (MB), the Reggio Inspired Coalition of Educators, and has through the years been active presenting workshops on literacy, both in Canada and the U.S.  She believes in the education of the whole child with her initial learning in the field of Physical Education supporting this.  Diane followed her first degree with further study in Literacy and Special Education.  Diane believes that Nature should be a part of the experience of every childhood and she is currently serving as the chair of “Friends of Kildonan Park” which supports positive park experiences in our area for all ages. Diane is a member of the Seven Oaks Hospital Daycare Board.

Diane has two adult daughters who grew up surrounded by books and stories and are currently writing their own stories as a psychologist and a political scientist.  Diane has always considered her students her children as well, and looks forward to helping treat the children of Seven Oaks as she would her own daughters.