Diane Bessey

Diane Bessey has been the Executive Director at the Monarch School of New England since 2009.  Diane is a collaborative, engaged, hands-on leader who knows every student and every member of her staff.  Diane always gives at least 120% to the Monarch School of New England, always for the benefit of the students and their families. She leads by example.

Diane is always willing to jump in to work directly with a student if a staff member needs an extra set of hands or lend a listening ear to staff, to help them find a positive solution.  She is also a very active volunteer in the greater Rochester area, through her work with the Rochester Rotary Club.   Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Diane’s steady leadership enabled the Monarch School of New England to consistently serve its students with special needs, through many different models of learning.

The school is proud to have provided in-person learning for students with special needs to some degree since July 2020, and this success is due to Diane’s vision, innovation and commitment. She is incredibly responsive and sensitive to the needs of the school community, and developed a comprehensive plan to address those needs.  Her efforts over the past year have had an incredible impact – ensuring that students and families have the support and programs they need to continue learning safely through very challenging times, and providing the consistent support and employment for the over 100 staff members that the school employs.   And on a personal note, Diane has always been incredibly supportive of my (Amanda’s) growth and development as an individual.  She has given me encouragement, guidance and most importantly, her trust, to create and grow into a position that allows me to best meet my own goals and those of the school.  This is true of many staff members’ experiences.  Diane has always recognized potential, talent and opportunity, and encouraged people to be innovative and follow their passion.  Diane is a remarkable woman, and we’re all fortunate to have the benefit of her leadership, experience, and support.