About Diana
“Hi, my name is Diana”
When I had children of my own I started volunteering at their school. I enjoyed the experience so much so that ten years ago I went to work for our school district. I wanted a vocation where I could learn to make a difference in children’s education. Little did I know then when I applied at the district that I would eventually be placed as an assistant in the special education program working with remarkable and unforgettable students in our autism program at our school. That unexpected opportunity opened a new door for me, one that ended up making a giant difference in my life.
In our classroom I saw the struggles our students with autism had in social situations such as making eye contact and learning to say “hi”. It was a skill we spent much of the year learning and practicing over and over again. Learning how to make friends was difficult for many of our kids. I could completely empathize with our students because of my own experiences in childhood. I felt a level of understanding and familiarity with our students that spoke to me and reached my heart.
We all have special needs and challenges that we work to overcome. As a child, I attended three different elementary schools in six years which made having to meet and make new friends each time a challenge for someone extremely shy like me. I struggled in large social situations, though others may not have recognized how I was feeling. I was a resourceful child and taught myself a valuable social skill, to smile. Smiling was one way I learned to cope with uncomfortable moments. My smile became my super-power. Each of us has a super-power. What’s yours?
I am thankful I was given an opportunity in the classroom to participate in social skills groups, teaching and modeling the positive behavior our kids needed to encourage their successes. Each little step toward opening up to others was a GIANT step for our students. To see the pride of achievement in each child’s face was priceless and extremely rewarding.
During that time, we searched for different teaching tools to help us with our lesson plans. We struggled to find age appropriate books for our students that had a storybook feel. That quest inspired me to write my book about a lone little boy with autism who overcomes his challenge and learns the steps to say “hi” and make friends. Through my story about Andy, I hope to give children the tools to increase their confidence and improve communication skills with those around them.
My mom was also a major influence for writing a book. When I was a child my mom read many storybooks to me. Finding a character in a book to identify with inspired me to find my own hero within to face and conquer my own struggles. Reading together was a source of comfort for me and a bonding time for us. My debut children’s storybook, A Giant Step for Andy represents these values and goals.
I continue to work in special education, always finding a new challenge and adventure with the students. I live in Nevada with my ever-supportive husband, two sons and our two cats. I am currently capturing my ideas for Andy’s next step with Tusker and putting pen to paper for my next book.
