About Diane

I am an enthusiastic advocate of immersion education and language learning. I believe we are at the beginning of a transformation of our educational system, and I am eager to share ideas and facilitate thought-provoking and respectful dialogue.

I speak French. I hold a master’s degree in education from UMKC with an emphasis in foreign language research and curriculum. I studied abroad at the University of Lyon II in Lyon, France and lived with a French host family. My research study entitled “Flow and Motivation in Foreign Language Learning” was presented at the national APA conference in Orlando, Florida in August 2012.

At Académie Lafayette, I have worked with a phenomenal faculty from 14 different countries, successfully navigating a complex linguistic and cultural landscape. I love welcoming new families to our school and orienting them to French immersion. (All opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone.)

I am a voracious reader, a francophile, and a cautious optimist. In between working and raising two charming boys, I serve on the Alumni Board of the UMKC School of Education. I enjoy volunteering for organizations devoted to making Kansas City a great place for all children to learn.