This year at ACE, we accepted a new member into our family. Diana DiNardo, our new guidance counselor, came from Broadview to ACE at the beginning of this year. I had the privilege to sit with and interview her to learn more about our newest member of the family.

Alternative Times: What do you think of ACE so far?

Diana: I think it’s great. I love the positive energy I feel from people in the building. I like that it is a small school that allows creativity and individual style.

AT: What do you think of the students here?

Diana: I like the way they express their individuality and at the same time create a sense of community.

AT: What do you hope to accomplish here at ACE?

Diana: To have a strong relationship with the students and faculty and to provide a place where students can share their experience and receive guidance to help them reach their potential.

AT: Why did you go into counseling?

Diana: I think I’ve always enjoyed working with people and after being a teacher for 11 years I realized that a lot of my time was spent listening to students and providing a safe place for them to be themselves. Often academics were put aside to deal with social and emotional issues.

AT: What made you decide to leave Broadview and come to the Alternative Center?

Diana: I came here because I visited ACE for a day and I realized that it was a place where I felt welcome.

AT: What do you do in your spare time?

Diana: I like to go on hikes, I love to read. One of my favorite books is the Tao of Pooh. I love to eat ice cream. I play tennis, I love going out to dinner and I like traveling. I’ve driven cross country, went to Alaska, and backpacked across Europe.

AT: What school did you go to?

Diana: One semester of assumption college in Wooster, Massachusetts. Then I transferred to Clemson University in South Carolina and majored in special education. Later I went to WCSU and earned my masters in school counseling.

All of us here at the Alternative Times welcome Diana to our school. We hope you find your stay to be very rewarding.