Positive Education Program
Diane Gatto Barrett serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Positive Education Program since February 2019, following a distinguished career at United Way of Greater Cleveland spanning over two decades. In roles including Associate VP/Director of the 2-1-1 department, Barrett was responsible for strategic and operational management of a health and human services help center. This position involved overseeing a staff of 60 and handling over 20,000 client contacts monthly. Previous roles at United Way included Assistant Director/Operations, where Barrett managed significant software migrations, and Manager of Information Services, supervising content management for a comprehensive resource database. Earlier experience includes social service coordination at Holy Family Day Home and academic advising at Cleveland State University. Diane Gatto Barrett holds a Master's in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Cleveland State University.
Positive Education Program
Dr. Nicholas Hobbs, the architect of Re-ED philosophy that guides PEP, once wrote that young people have a “tremendous desire to learn and to do well.” At PEP, we take that sentiment to heart and build upon the existing strengths of children and families, helping them replace self-defeating beliefs and behaviors with resiliency, knowledge, communication skills and confidence. PEP teacher-counselors develop trusting relationships with young people that help them heal, grow and ultimately thrive. PEP embraces an organizational mindset – The Sanctuary Model – that fosters therapeutic environments where supportive relationships can blossom. Also, as a Phase 1 certified NMT site through The ChildTrauma Academy, PEP is committed to understanding and overcoming the significant trauma and chronic stress experienced by many of the children we serve. As one of Ohio’s largest non-profit agencies committed to children, PEP positively impacts the lives of more than 2,500 children and their families each year. Founded in 1971, PEP provides services in the following areas: Integrated Special Education & Mental Health; Early Childhood; Autism; Community Support; and Consultation & Training. PEP operates many programs including six PEP Day Treatment Centers, PEP Early Childhood Plus, PEP Assist and PEP Connections.