Anna Diperna

Background

About Anna Diperna

Anna DiPerna is a dedicated educator and leader with over a decade of experience in special education, curriculum development, and organizational leadership. As the Director of Special Education at Athlos Academies, Anna oversees Special Education, English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners (ELL/MLL), and Section 504 programming and compliance across the network. She leads a team of educators and leaders, driving data-informed strategies and fostering professional growth through targeted development programs. Anna’s expertise spans compliance management, grant writing, budget oversight, and collaborative leadership. She works closely with executive leaders to optimize staffing models and educational practices that meet the needs of all learners. Her leadership has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Louisiana Department of Education Special Education Leaders Fellowship, as well as school-based honors such as Support Staff of the Year and Rookie of the Year. A lifelong learner, Anna is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations at Vanderbilt University, Anna focuses her research on advancing equitable education practices. She also attended Tulane University Law School, where she honed her skills in legal analysis and developed a strong foundation in compliance and policy work. Additionally, Anna earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Committed to inclusive education and the success of every student, Anna brings a passion for advocacy and innovation to her work, ensuring that all learners have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.