Diane was born and raised in Windsor, Vermont, and attended school there. She enjoyed spending time at her grandparent’s house, and camping with friends in Randolph. After high school, she attended Castleton State College for three years.

In 1978, Diane began working at the Brandon Training School, entering a life-long career of service to people with developmental disabilities. Besides BTS, Diane has worked for Community AccessProgram (Rutland), Community Associates (Middlebury), and currently works for Specialized Community Care of East Middlebury. She also volunteers time helping people learn gardening skills, managing a community garden located at SCC.

Diane and Kevin O’Classen were married in 1982 and moved to Goshen in 1990. Out at the end of Dutton Brook Road, she raised two wonderful kids, Sheea and Elyas. She has one grandson, Devon, who is four years old.

Diane is an active member of the Goshen Citizen’s Club. Each December she organizes, cleans, sets up and cooks a Holiday Dinner. She is a fixture at Town functions, and frequently supplies meals to Goshen’s election workers. She heads the committee that organizes the Goshen Blueberry Festival, which raises money for improvements to the Town Halls and Town Office.

Diane served on the Goshen School Board for 10 years, and currently volunteers at Otter Valley in the Friends of Otter Valley Music, and also with the Lakes Region Youtb Orchestra.

Diane is always willing to help people in need. She is always smiling, and has a wonderful laugh.