Congratulations to the newly named RISD Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator, Diane Holub. Please read on to learn more about her experience and how she plans to help our Falcons soar.
Prior Experience
I graduated from Texas A&M with my BS in Psychology ('85) and my MS in Counseling ('88) from the Educational Psychology Department. Immediately after graduation, I worked at Brenham State School and Greenleaf Psychiatric Outreach Clinic as part of the requirement for my certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor. After being licensed, I continued to work in the Mental Health field providing individual and group therapy at the clinic, but also fulfilling a contract to provide counseling to students with emotional disturbance within the school. I fell in love with this population and decided to make working with students my life work. I have contracted with multiple schools and districts over the years, providing counseling and behavioral recommendations. I came to know Royal ISD over 17 years ago as a part-time, contracted LPC. I eventually was offered a full time staff position that incorporated counseling and creating & coordinating the behavior support programs for the district's Special Education Department. Over the years I have had the opportunity to grow by becoming a certified trainer for de-escalation & restraint procedures (CPI), a Certified Autism Specialist, Positive Behavior Support trainer, and Mental Health First Aide provider. All of these opportunities, and the amazing people that I have worked with over the years, are what make me excited about my new position. Being SEL coordinator will not only allow me to use the skills I have, but challenge me to develop new skills, in order to better serve the district.
Favorite quote
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. - Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Favorite book
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Favorite movie
Oh, I can’t pick just one, but Signs, Wizard of Oz, and anything Harry Potter or Jurassic Park would be at the top of my list.
1-2 goals you’d like to accomplish during your first year in your new role
I would love to be a small part of making this district THE place that people want to live, work and raise their children. I am excited about this opportunity, because it fulfills my desire to try to make each day a little better for the people around me. This especially includes the students of Royal ISD. I want to help grow happy and healthy humans!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Family & then more family. I have a husband and 3 adult children with 3 significant others that all love to PLAY. Our time together is always great. (Family motto: Everything’s a competition.) Otherwise, I love hanging out on my porch, or by the fire pit, at the ranch watching my deer mingle about.
Any other information you’d like to share about yourself?
I grew up just across the river on a small farm in Sealy. I am one of 10 children and love big family gatherings. I have been married to my husband Michael, a pharmacist, and ironically, a Longhorn, for over 37 years. I have 3 amazing daughters: a lawyer, a theater & dance major pursuing her Hollywood dream, and a soon to be Speech & Language Pathologist) I also have one son-in-law that is a middle school teacher. Michael & I have recently bought a ranch where we spend the majority of our free time raising whitetail deer and cattle.
I am a big fan of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and try to live by her motto of, "We can do no great things. Only small things with great love." I am excited to continue to do small things, with great love, for Royal ISD.