LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

« Return to Nominee List

Dianne Martin

Position: School Social Services Coordinator
School: Volusia County Schools
School District: Volusia County Schools
City, State: Deland, FL

Support Dianne Leave a comment Get Updates

Music that Describes Dianne


Dianne Martin was nominated by her colleague, Kristin Casella. 

Ms. Martin exemplifies the qualities of empathy, compassion, and unwavering dedication in the field of education. With an illustrious career spanning over 32 years with Volusia County Schools, Ms. Martin's journey began as an intern. She quickly progressed to become a school social worker and has served as the coordinator of school social services for nearly two decades. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Martin has consistently demonstrated her commitment as a tireless advocate for students and families and the team she supervises. On the first day of school, she can be found actively supporting any of the seventy-plus schools within the district, ensuring that she is available wherever her assistance is most needed during this bustling time. As coordinator, Ms. Martin manages a wide array of responsibilities. Yet, she skillfully allocates her time to pursue grant writing initiatives that provide vital resources for not only her team of social workers but also for school counselors and psychologists. She is also proactive in securing training opportunities pertinent to the operations within Student Services, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of student support.

Furthermore, Ms. Martin has played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships, such as the collaboration with Advent Health, to combat chronic absenteeism in the district. Her relentless efforts focus on ensuring that students attend school regularly, placing them on the path to success. In summary, Ms. Martin is not just a dedicated professional; she is a LifeChanger, transforming the educational landscape and impacting the lives of countless students and families in the community.

Comments (35)

Deshone D. Jedrington Posted over a year ago

What an honor to bestow upon a servant leader, Dianne Martin who is deserving of this nomination of a Lifechanger. If you know her personality she seeks to serve and pull others up to be their best. She is a thermostat- she changes the temperature of the room from mediocre to stimulate minds to excel higher and seek possibilities. She is intelligent, a woman of excellence and knowledgeable in her craft. She is the best candidate for such an auspicious award. She is a lifechanger on her job, with family, friends and all those who cross her path. Humbly submitted D. Hedrington

Teresa M. Hodge Posted over a year ago

Dianne Martin is the real deal! I've known Dianne since our high school days and, with Dianne, what you see is what you get. In other words, she is now and has always been her "authentic self". For all the years I've known her and long before it was a trend or a generational indicator as it is today, Dianne shows up in spaces authentically and is fully present for it all. One other thing I'll share about Dianne is that, along with 2 of our other longtime friends from high school, she was a true sister to us all, and she still is to this very day. I can think of no one more deserving of this incredible honor for such a time as this.

Jenna James Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Dianne on your nomination. It is well deserved. Your dedication to your profession is admirable. I've known you for most of my life and I can't think of a more person for this recognition. Continue to let your light shine.

Connie Ely Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Dianne! As a former employee, one thing that sticks out in my mind is that you always trusted people under your supervision to do their job. You didn’t hover or micromanage but still showed strong support behind the scenes and were there when needed. At your core you are a kind and loving person, and this nomination is well-deserved.

Andrea Cook Posted over a year ago

It’s an awesome honor cousin Dianne to be nominated. Your hard work, commitment, work, ethics, and professionalism to your field is evident in this nomination. I wish you the best cousin..

Wanda Bailey Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Dianne! You are a caring and dedicated woman who always shows it. It is such an honor to call you friend. Well deserve!

Rebecca Posted over a year ago

Your passion, motivation, kindness and knowledge are the reasons I love being a social worker. Being a part of your team is truly an honor. You are most deserving of this!

Jahrelis Posted over a year ago

I am so happy to see such a deserving soul being nominated for this award. Since the moment I met her 10 years ago she has always strived for excellence in all things she is a part of, and has led our team of school social workers to always strive for the same. She is the driving force behind our department, always looking to make sure we are visible and viable members of our schools and communities and she pushes us past our comfort zones and to our potential. I am incredibly proud to work alongside this incredibly hardworking life changer. Congratulations on this nomination Dianne.

Levi Farrell Posted over a year ago

To those of us who have known Ms. Martin for years, she has always immersed herself in whatever endeavor she was involved. She will leave no stone unturned in her quest to impact. In short, she was born to be a life changer. Congratulations on your nomination Ms. Martin. Your dedication to the betterment of people is unrivaled. I am proud of you and glad you're being recognized for your hard work. Set the mark for others to emulate.

Judith James Posted over a year ago

Dianne, congratulations on your nomination for the Life Changer Award. Your lifetime dedication to the Public School System speaks highly of your commitment as a change maker in the lives of the students in your school district. It takes leadership, dedication and professionalism to guide and gain respect of those you have impacted. Your love for what you do makes you deserving of this Award. "Congratulations "

Dr. Benita Tillman Brown Posted over a year ago

Dianne, I am so proud of you for you are truly deserving of this nomination. Dianne interned under me, later became a colleague, and eventually my supervisor. She has always exemplified the highest qualities of leadership, compassion and an example to others. It has always been an honor to call her colleague, boss and indeed a friend. You go girl!

Ron Martin, Sr. Posted over a year ago

My daughter, I am so happy and proud of the achievements you continue to make. Dad always believed in you and knew how special you are. You came on this journey of life for a reason, and you deserve whatever comes your way. l hope that more people would see the dedication and love you share with co-workers and community. Keep up the good work. You deserve that award love ?? Dad

Bev Wilks Posted over a year ago

To my dedicated friend, Dianne- Congratulations on your well deserved award. You have shown over the years to be a dedicated professional to the students and their families, staff and your colleagues. I am very overjoyed to see your dedication to the profession reconized.

Kenya Ford Posted over a year ago

Dianne is a dynamic colleague and friend to which celebrate you in this wonderful recognition! She gives her all to the family & students that we serve in our school district, as well as those strong developing partnerships she has created within the community. What a honor to see how she has flourished to build bridges for everyone regardless to your background and/or needs. We are so proud of you!

DENNISSE M COTTO Posted over a year ago

Dianne deserves this award and many others. She is an empowered leader who empowers others and has changed the lives of so many! Her vision and mission to serve others are contagious to all of us. We truly appreciate her leadership and hard work!!!?

Dianne Martin Posted over a year ago

I am honored and humbled by your kindness and heartfelt words. Thanks so much Kristin for the nomination and thank you all for expressing how much my work, character and commitment has impacted each of you. I am truly blessed to work amongst all of you who have touched my life and made me a better person and professional. Love you all.

Melissa Fordham Posted over a year ago

Dianne has been my friend for over 30 years as we met when she was a school social worker intern. As the coordinator of School Social Services for over 20 years, she is the epitome of greatness and exudes professionalism in every aspect of her role! Dianne's leadership in our department is one of building up every team member to reach their greatest potential. She is very compassionate and understanding, always willing to support our team with district requirements and school support. Dianne has always made our students' needs her priority when creating procedures for our team to follow. She is wholeheartedly a team player within our Student Services department and is always willing to assist and support colleagues. Dianne illuminates the true meaning of a social worker to all who cross her path. I am grateful for her support and dedication to our team, district, schools, students and families.

Henry Dowling Jr Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Ms. Martin. I’ve known you practically most of our lives. You have always been a goal setter and trend leader focused on helping others achieve their goals. Words cannot express how grateful everyone whose lives you have touched has made a huge impact. You are truly appreciated.

Wynette Posted over a year ago

Congrats to my BFF, a well deserved nomination !??

Donna Wilkes Posted over a year ago

Dianne works daily with heart and unwavering dedication.

Mandy Ellzey Posted over a year ago

Dianne has been my colleague & friend for over 20 years. She has always inspired me - and others - with her passion, commitment, and leadership over the years, never wavering from her mission to serve. Dianne leads a strong team & has always worked to support her team & galvanize them all for growth & greatness. She is the embodiment of a LifeChanger.

Cheyanne Posted over a year ago

Is there a more deserving individual for this award?! Your hard work, dedication, and leadership have truly made a positive impact on our team, especially on me as a newer member. This recognition is a testament to your commitment and the inspiration you provide to all of us. I am very thankful for the feedback I’ve received from you during our time together, and I look forward to what’s to come. We are grateful for your guidance and support—keep shining!

Jewel Posted over a year ago

Well deserved nomination!! What an amazing person and educator! Love her professionalism and commitment to students and families!! Ms. Martin always gets the job done working with students and families AND in the community making a difference. She’s truly a trailblazer for her profession and the community.

Kristin casella Posted over a year ago

It was such an honor to nominate my amazing Boss Lady for this award! She is someone I look up to on a daily basis and have for the last eight years! She makes our whole team better social workers by the example she sets everyday! #luckiestschoolsocialworkers!

Verena Posted over a year ago

Dianne is an outstanding and courageous leader and supervisor ! Our team feels like family and she has our back ????true school social worker and always dedicated and hard working !!! So grateful for her ??she deserves this no doubt !

Lauren Hogan Posted over a year ago

I am so proud to see that my boss, Dianne Martin has been nominated for the Life Changer of the Year—a recognition she truly deserves. She is the epitome of a true leader and an inspiration to our team and in our community. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for each of us, both professionally and personally is truly appreciated. Dianne goes above and beyond to ensure we feel supported, not only in our work but also in our personal lives. She cares deeply about us as individuals and extends that compassion to our families, making everyone feel valued. I am so proud to work under her guidance. Congratulations, Dianne on this well-deserved honor. You truly are a life changer!

LaToya Burke Posted over a year ago

Dianne exemplifies excellence in her role as the school social services professional, carrying out her duties with both style and grace. She consistently chooses the higher path, demonstrating integrity and resilience when faced with challenges. Her unwavering care, support, and advocacy for her family, colleagues, and the students she serves are truly unparalleled. The Volusia County School District is fortunate to benefit from her dedication and passion. Dianne is a highly deserving nominee for this prestigious award, and her contributions make her an invaluable asset to the community.

Sagirah Posted over a year ago

There is so much to say with no time to say it. Dianne is just an amazing person and deserves this recognition as LifeChanger of the Year. She is an exceptional leader who truly embodies the spirit of this award. Her dedication to her employees, students, and families is unmatched, and she leads with unwavering integrity and diligence. She understands the vital role of a School Social Worker like the back of her hand and sets a stellar example for those around her. She is firm in upholding policies and procedures for the success of all and, in doing so, shows her compassion and support for everyone that she serves. She treats her employees with humanity, recognizing their hard work, and supports them in building resources and strategies to make their work efficient and impactful. She is there for her employees always making them feel seen and heard and know that they always have her in their corner. Dianne has a profound impact on everyone she works with, making a difference not just through her knowledge and leadership but through her kindness and care. Dianne has a wonderful sense of humor and is a joy to be around. She is truly a LifeChanger in every sense of the word.

Nicole George Posted over a year ago

What an awesome recognition. Congratulations to you, Ms. Martin and wishing you continued success in your career and achievements.

Amanda Lanes Posted over a year ago

Dianne is an incredible boss. I am inspired by her everyday. She is supportive, caring and fights for her people! You can always count on her if you’re in a pickle or just need her advice. In and out of the office she will always be there for you. She is the best boss i’ve ever had and i’m so lucky to be able to work under her. Truly an inspiration and a life changer. Our department would be drowning without her. Best boss lady ever!!!

Sahdyah Morgan Posted over a year ago

That's my momma! She's more than deserving of this prestigious award! She works tirelessly for the Volusia County Schools department and is an exemplary worker in the field. My mom is a leader, a provider, a helper, a mentor, a teacher, a friend, and a great confidant.

Julie Barrow Posted over a year ago

Wonderful nomination of such a class act and life changer! Dianne works tirelessly to raise up future leaders while serving our youth and families and school system with excellence!

Heather Prince Posted over a year ago

Diane is a treasured gem in the school district. She has always shown dignity and class while tirelessly advocating for all students. Diane’s initiatives throughout the school district has had a great impact on absenteeism and other community, impacting statistics.

Lisa W Posted over a year ago

Ms. Dianne Martin is truly a LifeChanger and so worthy of this nomination as described by Kristin Casella. While student and family needs are constantly increasing, her dedication to the students and families of Volusia County School District is unmatched, along with her exemplary leadership and unending support to her team of School Social Workers, office staff and many others.

Janae Ponder Posted over a year ago

Talk about the total package! Dianne is the epitome of excellence, always looking and showing up the part. A powerhouse School Social Worker, coordinator, and leader in Volusia County Schools, she’s been making an impact for nearly as long as I’ve been alive. Her relentless advocacy for her staff and the Volusia County community is unparalleled. From local schools to Florida’s capital, Dianne tirelessly works to improve school attendance, push for policy changes, share resources, provide trainings, and champion causes that enhance lives. She does it all, even when it comes at a personal cost. Her Caribbean zest, unwavering loyalty, and unshakable confidence make her a standout. She is truly someone who walks the walk and talks the talk. She is a force to be reckoned with, and Volusia County is lucky to have her. I am blessed to have her!