EMS hires new Admissions Counselor

Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) is delighted to introduce Diego Torres as its new admissions counselor. Torres brings a passion for community-building and education, qualities that are deeply aligned with the school’s mission of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

A recent graduate of Goshen College, Torres earned degrees in secondary education and physical education, along with a minor in health. His academic background is complemented by professional educator licenses in both Illinois and Indiana. “Education has been Diego’s calling,” Paul Leaman, head of school notes. “We’re excited with the experiences and passions Diego brings to EMS, and that he shares our commitment to holistic development.”

Building Relationships Through Experience

Torres’ journey into education has taken him to a variety of places, but one of the most transformative was his summer in Ecuador in 2022. While studying Spanish and volunteering in a small town in the Ecuadorian rainforest, Torres taught English to students ranging in age from three to thirty. “That experience changed me,” he reflects. “It taught me how to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I learned that education is not just about what you teach but how you build relationships and create trust.”

Torres’ time in Ecuador strengthened his empathy for people navigating new environments—something he plans to draw on when working with prospective students and families at EMS. “One of the most important parts of being an admissions counselor is making sure that families feel understood and welcomed,” he says. “I want to be the person they can turn to with any questions or concerns, no matter their background.”

A Heart for Service

Torres’ commitment to service is rooted in his Mennonite faith. Born into a Mennonite community in San Antonio and moved to Goshen, Indiana, when he was three, he has always found a sense of belonging in the church, even when other aspects of his identity felt uncertain. “I’m half Mexican and half White, and that’s always made figuring out where I fit in a bit tricky,” he shares. “But the Mennonite community has always been a place where I feel at home.”

For Torres, faith is about love and service. “I believe that God is love and that we are called to help others, but not to push our beliefs onto them,” he says. This philosophy guided his work in Ecuador, where he practiced “culture for service,” a core value at Goshen College. “I want to bring that same spirit to EMS,” he says. “My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all families and students feel valued.”

Looking Ahead at EMS

In his role as admissions counselor, Torres is eager to engage with local families and broaden the reach of EMS. His experiences working with diverse groups, from teaching students in Chicago to coaching sports, have prepared him for the varied needs of the EMS community. “I think the most important skill in this position is relationship-building,” says Torres. “I want families to know that EMS is a place where their child will be supported in all aspects of their growth—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Torres also brings a love for outdoor activities and sports, and he hopes to integrate these passions into admissions events at EMS. “I believe in the power of movement and community,” he says. “I’d love to plan events that get prospective and current students interacting outdoors, whether through games, sports, or just spending time together.”

With his strong foundation in education, service, and community-building, Diego Torres is a welcomed addition to the EMS team. He will serve families with students in 1st to 12th grade, and Abigail Cook,communications specialist and K counselor,  will serve families with rising kindergartners. His role as admissions counselor will undoubtedly help families feel at home as they explore the possibilities of an EMS education.