LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dianne Martin was nominated by a colleague, Kristin Casella.

"Dianne Martin is the epitome of empathy, compassion, and tenacity," said Casella. "I have never worked alongside anyone who works harder than Ms. Martin. She is in her 31st year with Volusia County Schools where she started as an intern, was hired as a school social worker, and was promoted to Coordinator of School Social Services almost 20 years ago. She is a tireless advocate for students and families, as well as the team she supervises."

"On the first day of school, Ms. Martin can be found in any one of the district's 70+ schools assisting on the busiest of days anywhere she is needed," said Casella. "Ms. Martin has many duties in her role as Coordinator but still finds time to write grants to provide resources, not only for her team of social workers, but school counselors and school psychologists, as well. In addition, she writes grants to provide training that is relevant to the work done in Student Services. Ms. Martin has been a catalyst in gaining support from Advent Health to assist in reducing chronic absenteeism in our district, and she works tirelessly to get students to school where they need to be! Ms. Martin is most definitely a LifeChanger!"