I think you should trust your opinions about the new director. What you describe is pretty common when a new director comes in and shakes things up. Some people are happy with the changes and some people get really upset.

I am not sure what your best options are. Perhaps the best option would be not to let these other people's comments get to you. It's okay to tell them that you disagree or that you don't care to hear these snarky comments. You can explain why you like these changes and remain enthusiastic and positive. Don't let their talk make you doubt yourself or your opinions. It's okay to be open to other people's thoughts, but it sounds like your teammate is blinded by her loyalty and not being objective.

If you are close, perhaps you could take her out to lunch and talk about how she is feeling? I worked for a company that had two customer service agents. When they got a new boss, one of them hated him and the other loved the changes. They had always been best friends and it was a challenge for them to accept this difference of opinion, but they tried to understand each other.

The person who has only been there one month seems to be treading on thin ice, already complaining about her boss during a probationary period?