Melanie Diamond will succeed Cathy Abrams, who is retiring after this school year. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Faran Fagen
At the core of her mission as an educator, Melanie Diamond teaches empathy, curiosity, resilience and balance.
“When students hit that sweet spot of feeling connected, supported and challenged, they not only learn, they flourish,” Diamond said.
Diamond, of Boca Raton, brings her student-centered philosophy to Gulf Stream School as the next assistant head of school for the 2026-27 school year.
She succeeds Cathy Abrams, who will retire from the position at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. Abrams will continue to serve on a part-time basis in the classroom following her retirement after 25 years in the leadership role.
Diamond’s immediate goals are to “listen carefully, learn the GSS culture, and build relationships with students, teachers and families.”
Diamond’s 25-plus years in education — across middle school, high school, and leadership roles — helped prepare her for this position. She’s led professional development, overseen curriculum alignment, managed teams, hired and supported faculty, and facilitated schoolwide initiatives in change management and instructional improvement.
“I aim to support faculty through meaningful professional learning, strengthen curriculum alignment, and ensure that every student experiences a joyful, rigorous education,” Diamond said. “Ultimately, I want to help unify the community around our shared vision and continue the strong traditions Gulf Stream is known for.”
Gulf Stream School, at 3600 Gulf Stream Road, is an independent private school founded in 1938 for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The qualities that Diamond hopes to bring to the Gulf Stream Stingrays include being relationship-focused, highly organized, calm under pressure, transparent in decision-making, and deeply committed to both academic excellence and character development.
“I’m a collaborative leader who loves to build strong teams and empower teachers to do their best work every day,” Diamond said.
Diamond comes from North Broward Preparatory School, where she has served in a variety of roles over the past 13 years, most recently as International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement coordinator. Her varied experience in upper school education will be central to strengthening Gulf Stream School’s middle school program, ensuring graduates are prepared for the transition to high school.
Prior to her tenure at North Broward, Diamond taught high school and middle school English and history. She holds a graduate certificate in school leadership and management from Harvard University, a master of arts from Northeastern University, and a bachelor of arts from the University of Texas.
“Melanie’s extensive experience, academic insight, and genuine commitment to student growth make her an exciting addition to our leadership team,” said Dr. Gray Smith, Gulf Stream’s head of school. “Her proven ability to lead faculty with vision and care aligns wonderfully with our mission.”
From the moment she stepped onto Gulf Stream’s campus, Diamond was drawn to the school’s deep sense of community and its commitment to nurturing both the academic and social-emotional growth of every child.
“Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in school environments that value collaboration with families, clear communication, and celebrating student and faculty success,” she said.
Outside of school life, Diamond loves to read (not surprising for a former English teacher), practice hot yoga, discover new coffee shops and bookstores, travel the world, and spend time at the beach or on a boat with her family. She just recently began to volunteer with a cooking crew that provides home-cooked meals for homeless people.
She loves to ski, a passion she learned from her dad. She still goes on a father/daughter ski trip every year.
“I’m happiest when I’m learning something new or connecting with others, two things that naturally spill back into my work as an educator,” Diamond said.
She enjoys working with children because of their energy, honesty and curiosity.
“I love watching students discover their strengths, grow through challenges, and develop confidence academically and personally,” Diamond said. “Whether I’m working with a struggling writer or coaching a teacher on instructional strategies, the heart of the work is helping students realize what they’re capable of, and that never loses its magic.”
Above all, she wants students to develop a strong sense of self, the ability to think critically, and the confidence to navigate an ever-changing world.
“I feel honored to join the Gulf Stream community and excited to contribute to a school that values both academic excellence and heart,” Diamond said. “My goal is to support students and educators in ways that elevate learning, strengthen community, and build on the incredible foundation already in place. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and eager to begin this next chapter as a Stingray.”
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