program appraisal

“Dani is an outstanding educator. Students learn from and love her. Dani is an exceptional listener, which is something that great teachers need to be. She is creative, open, available, and eager to make a difference. Whether she is teaching, facilitating group work, or launching her own organization, she pays painstaking attention to every detail and follows through. There is little that Dani cannot do. She is flexible, enthusiastic, dedicated, extremely hardworking, and wise, and would be an asset to any educational institution or non-profit working to improve the world.”

Zoe Weil,
Co-founder and President, Institute for Humane Education

“Dani has been an active contributing member of the Shakti Rising community for 5 years. During this time, she co-created essential curriculum, taught classes, led Garden , provided mentoring for young women in recovery and provided support to Shakti staff in various capacities. Dani is the first volunteer to respond to requests for help and often, one of the last volunteers assisting with clean up. Her willingness, creativity, responsiveness, intelligence and strength as a team player have made an indelible impact on our organization and all within it. When Dani initially became involved as a volunteer, Shakti was a young organization, complete with the growing pains and challenges of such an organization. Rather than being discouraged or frustrated, she became involved in crafting the solutions to the problems she encountered. Dani is a change maker, and she is guaranteed to make a significant impact in any endeavor she pursues. She is bright and gifted, with a beautiful heart.Projectthe ”

Shannon Thompson,
Founder and Visionary Director, Shakti Rising

“...immensely wise, graceful and kind. s personhood, compassion and style regarding sharing info lovingly and intelligently will stay with me...Dani”

Melissa Rivera,
Sowing Seeds Workshop participant, San Diego, CA

“I also very much appreciated s gentle and kind manner and interesting delivery of the materials. Very respectful and engaging. Thank you!Dani”

Tracey Huddleser,
SSW participant, Vancouver, BC, Canada

“Dani, you are a beautiful speaker, a passionate and engaging woman and it was a pure joy to be part of this workshop with you this weekend!”

Deb Ghoom,
SSW participant, Vancouver, BC, Canada

“You have shared so many words with my students and me over the years (we need more humane educators like you)! Your programs helped tie the concepts of world hunger, energy, waste, and humane living together with thoughtful reflections and vivid demonstrations. Your programs have helped me reflect and take action”

Hanlan Bower,
Science Teacher, Montgomery Middle School

“Seeds for Change is an outstanding and insightful program that should be mandated by each district. Students are exposed to information that makes them think outside the box and as a result students are motivated to think and act more compassionately and kindly.”

Vivian Love
9th & 10th grade English Teacher
Pt. Loma High School

“I think about you and I am grateful to you for opening my eyes to things I can’t not think about now. I am addicted to reading labels and I constantly think on a global level and it has enriched my life.”

Rachelle Raines
College Freshman at Humboldt State University

"Everything was fruitful ... It was moving to see the compassion in your eyes and voice."

Dani presenting at an elementary school in South Bay