Our Vision:
To cultivate a culture
where building essential life skills is engaging, inclusive, and attainable, so every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission:
We empower families and communities to build confidence, resilience, and resourcefulness—both directly and through the professionals we support—cultivating the skills that lead to lifelong success.
Blending Research and Heart for Real-World Success
Central to the Skill Builders Society is our signature HEALS Education — an evidence-based framework that blends therapeutic practices with creative, experiential methods to support learning and growth.
Through HEALS, we turn education into transformation—helping individuals and communities learn and thrive through creativity and connection.
HEALS bridges the gap between evidence and empathy—making skill-building both scientifically sound and personally empowering.
Meet Dianne Fanti, M.S.
Founder & Executive Director
Dianne Fanti is a Behavioral Wellness Innovator with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in branches of the Holistic Health Sciences and over 10 certificates in healing and expressive art modalities, including Journal Therapy.
As an educator and Skill Building Specialist with a background as a Certified Professional Coach and author, she has spent more than twenty years helping individuals and communities grow through her classes, original programs, and skill-building games.
She began teaching in Baltimore County, then her work expanded to the city and other counties, before expanding nationally and internationally.
Dianne founded The Skill Builders Society to bring evidence-based skill-building tools to life. Her vision — connect the science of learning with the art of living, helping people thrive, not just cope.
Our Philosophy ~ When we build skills, we build ourselves — discovering our potential, our purpose, and the life we're fully capable of creating.
At 16, I discovered an unexpected pathway that changed everything. What seemed impossible became the foundation for a life's work in holistic mental health education. This is that journey.
Our story's being updated, please check back soon!
A surprising story that may inspire you, knowing there is always a pathway forward, even when it seems impossible!
"I've known Dianne since our teenage years... And I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her transformation—seeing her journey from the untenable challenges of our teens into the strong, compassionate, and purposeful woman she is today. Dianne’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about turning pain and struggle into purpose, and about making sure others don’t feel as lost or alone as we once did." ~ Erin Fishman Braverman
Pioneering the Possibilities:
with Wellness Research Exploration:
~> Dianne Fanti has codified self-regulation techniques for each emotion, with years of refining and testing the techniques while working in the field with clients.
~> Conducted real-time data collection of the techniques and their effects on stress biomarkers. Had questionnaires created by a Psychologist and Sociologist to prevent bias.
~> Bringing evidence-based techniques from the healing and expressive arts to multiple community and mental health settings in MD since 1992, long before it was a trend.
~> The first to combine skill-building therapeutic games with companion online trainings for long lasting and better results!
