Diane Cozzo

Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Counselor Education. She also has completed a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Administration in both School Building and District Leadership.

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She began her career in mental health at Baker Victory Services which was a residential and school-based program for severely emotionally disturbed and mentally ill adolescent youth. Diane worked as the School Counselor and was Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education where she supervised the implementation of education and treatment goals of students Individualized Education Plans. 

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After a 17-year career at BVS she took a position as an elementary school counselor in the Buffalo Public Schools where she successfully led the infusion of Character Education into the climate and culture of the school. She then moved into district administration initially as a Hearing Officer and then held the positions of Director of Parent Involvement and Community Relations and liaison for the Superintendent of Schools. Diane developed and implemented district wide Positive Behavior Intervention System. Eventually she assumed the role of Director of Student Support Services and served the district and as liaison to community mental health programs. In this role she was instrumental in developing the “Closing the Gap” Model with the local United Way and Catholic Charities to provide in school mental health intervention and other focused vital student support services throughout the district. 

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During her time in the Buffalo Public School District, Diane served as a trainer, consultant, collaborator and leader for services enriching the emotional lives of children in the district while championing and assisting schools and classrooms in the design and implantation of supportive character programs to support the mental health of student in the Buffalo Public Schools.