Diane Des Noyers Messina

I received my BS in Education from University of MD then went on to earn a MA in Arts Curriculum Development from Trinity College, Wash. DC. Retiring after 26 years of teaching in Prince George's Co. Schools, our family moved to Orlando, FL in 1999. I served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida before receiving a position in Entertainment Management at Walt Disney World. For 17 continuous years, I have worked at all four WDW theme parks managing live shows. I continue to occasionally manage Beauty and the Beast Live at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In addition to WDW, I had the honor of working as the Community Engagement Director at Orlando Repertory Theatre Professional Family Theatre and recently retired after 10 years of service. Since beginning partial retirement, Ern and I have enjoyed traveling. We feel most fortunate to have all three of our children and three of our grandkids living here in Florida. Our grandson Skyler is in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego, CA. We are proud that all three of our children have pursued successful careers in the field of entertainment. Go figure!

Never underestimate the importance of the Arts! While playing the role of Dorothy in Crossland's 1967 production of The Wizard of Oz, I had the good fortune to find the gold at the end of the rainbow when I met my husband Ern Messina. This year we will be happily married for 49 years!