I wonder how many of us met Dinos this way, him holding a sign, and welcoming us to class? I remember vividly meeting Dinos for the first time at a DP workshop. And I remember feeling that, for the first time since I had begun the IB teaching journey, there was someone who got me.

That first workshop was difficult for me. As a theatre teacher, with a strong bent for comedy and a strange journey into theatre education, I often didn't feel I fit. Dinos took the time to speak with me, and a mentorship/friendship that deeply impacted me was born. 

I met with Dinos every few weeks for a year. And then we met every so often. This was precovid; and we FaceTimed, Zoomed - whatever it took to connect. I listened - I absorbed. He shared and he listened. I grew and grew. Any student in my class knew of Dinos. I referred to him as "My Dinos" and it became such a frequent reference that the students would ask about "my Dinos". 

Dinos gave. He shared. He valued. His listened. His ideas impacted and his love and acceptance ministered to my heart (and I'm sure thousands of other hearts). He has been the single most influential person in my life as an educator. 

I remember when, over two years from our first in-person meeting, we got to meet at the Hague. He stopped a conversation (politely of course), and excused himself. He said, "Pardon, but we haven't seen each other for two years" and then we hugged and laughed and caught up. To know Dinos was to know joy and love. He valued people and relationship. 

I am saddened by his death, but eternally grateful that our paths crossed and for the friendship we had. 

Heartsong is a piece that he shared with me that I continue to share. His reflection cards sit on my desk. His memories live in my heart.

To his family - my prayers are with you. My thoughts are with you. And thank you for sharing your Dinos with us.

Blessings, 

Bekah Schneider