Jeanette DiBella joined Paul Adams at Providence St. Mel in 1996.  In July, 2000, DiBella assumed the position of principal of Providence St. Mel School.  An education professional with more than two decades of administrative and teaching experience in Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois, Ms. DiBella oversees the day-to-day operations of Providence St. Mel, provides guidance and leadership for teachers and administrators, and coordinates a pre-K-through-12 curriculum that

surpasses national standards.  In addition to serving as principal at Providence St. Mel, Ms. DiBella also serves as the chief education officer for the new K-through-7 Providence Englewood Charter School, which opened in the fall, 2006. 

With the renowned education scholar, the late Michael Pressley, PhD, of Michigan State University, Ms. DiBella co-authored Providence St. Mel School:  How a School That Works for African American Students Works, which appeared in the June 2004 Journal of Educational Psychology.  After completing this study, Dr. Pressley hailed the school as being “a model for urban education.”  Because of her experience, knowledge, and skill, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Education invited Ms. DiBella to teach as adjunct faculty member in its doctoral program in Urban Education Leadership in 2004-2006. 

Consistently recognized for her contributions to effective education, Ms. DiBella has garnered awards and accolades over the years, including the Crystal Apple Award, given by the Michigan State University College of Education to recognize only the most outstanding educators in the country.  In 2008, the MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Pennsylvania, honored Ms. DiBella as a distinguished alumna, inducting her into its Wall of Fame.  An innovative educator, consummate administrator, and inspirational leader, Ms. DiBella is dedicated to ensuring that students and teachers continue to achieve academic excellence at the highest level.