Letter from the Head of School

The Diener School is a one-of-a-kind school, grounded in providing a high-quality education that considers the whole child. Each student is recognized as an individual who brings with him/her strengths and challenges that are unique. Diener recognizes this individuality when addressing learning needs and creating customized growth opportunities. As you look through our website and possibly tour our school, I hope you will feel “The Diener Difference“ and notice the effect of collaboration among teachers, parents and community supports.

Diener combines evidence-based teaching methods and small group instruction with collaborative therapeutic supports from Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists infused in the classroom. Children at Diener have their sensory needs met through movement breaks and purposeful sensory strategies. Our classrooms include individualized support for our students to develop and thrive academically while building a stronger understanding of internal cues, flexibility, and organization, as well as meaningful instruction in social thinking. As a result of this unique environment, our students’ self-esteem soars!

Our incredibly talented staff brings energy, creativity, and compassion to the classroom every day. The collaboration amongst teachers, therapists, parents and outside professionals is what makes Diener a school like no other. Perhaps the best way to describe The Diener School is through the words of one of our former students: “Our teachers are better than chocolate!”

For me personally, Diener has become a second family. Over the last 17 years, I have been surrounded by incredible students, committed families, and dedicated staff. I firmly believe that when you walk through our doors you feel the magic, the passion and the inspiration that enables our students to discover their true abilities.

Warmly,

Kathy Chumas, MS OTR/L
Head of School