About Dan
I help students and young adults uncover their unique strengths, build confidence, and develop the academic and life skills they need for long-term success.
I bring more than twenty years of classroom teaching experience, along with a deep commitment to supporting young adults beyond the classroom.
I build strong, trusting relationships with middle and high school students by taking the time to understand who they are, not just how they’re doing in school. From there, I help them set meaningful goals, explore pathways that align with their interests, and offer the support they need—whether they already have a clear direction or are still figuring it out.
I have worked with students at every stage of their academic journey—from those working toward their High School Equivalency Diploma (GED) to students preparing for and attending Ivy League universities. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that every student or young adult’s path looks different, and there’s no single definition of success. My role is to provide the guidance, encouragement, and individualized support they need to reach their full potential.
I spent twenty years teaching U.S. senior history, Global Studies, and Latin American studies at Santa Fe Preparatory School, where I also served as History Department Chair, supervised Model UN, and led two cultural trips to Guatemala.
More recently, I served as the Educational Director at YouthWorks, overseeing GED and alternative diploma coursework for students ages 16 to 22 — creating instructional materials suited to different learning styles, and weaving life skills, career readiness, and social-emotional learning into daily, hands-on instruction.
As Program Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region, I supervised and mentored a team of Program Specialists, guiding them in managing volunteer and youth caseloads, while also designing and facilitating activities that strengthened the relationships between volunteers and the youth they were matched with.
Alongside this work in education, I've spent decades as a lighting designer and theatrical consultant for organizations including the Santa Fe Opera, the Lensic Performing Arts Center, and the Denver Center Theatre Company.
Across each of these roles, I've drawn on skills ranging from conversational Spanish to creative problem-solving to connect with students and families. It's this varied path — through education, mentorship, and the arts — that shapes how I show up for every student I work with: patient, curious, and open to whatever direction their journey takes.
My Background
Testimonials
STUDENTS
“I want to say thank you for all that you have done for me during your time at YouthWorks. You have taught me well, you have been a very kind person to me, and you have been a great teacher. Whether it was with GED work or just a simple question, you always helped.”
— M. Vigil, student at YouthWorks
“Just know that you have been, without a doubt, one of (if not the) most influential teachers/mentor I have had at this school. I have long admired your professionalism, your good spirits, your consistent humor, your consistency in teaching style regardless of the topic, and your complete level-headedness in the face of those of us less rationally inclined.'“
— D. Ginocchio, SFP senior
“You have meant so much to me, from Global Studies on up. I remember when you stood up for me in middle school when things were just horrid. You helped me believe in myself, and that means so much to me. Thank you for teaching me some of the most important things about life.”
— Z. Michael, SFP senior
COLLEAGUES
“You have been a blessing and hero at YouthWorks! The lives you have changed through your expert work will always be remembered.”
— Melynn Schuyler, Executive Director, YouthWorks
“I have such respect for you as a teacher, parent and community member. I appreciate how direct and respectful you are in communication-even in difficult conversations. Prep is a better place for your contributions.”
— Rebecca Allahyari, Learning Specialist, SF Prep
“I truly believe that you’ve been one of the best teachers this place will ever have. You were incredibly patient and worked so hard to help as many students as possible to earn their GED. You’ve been an inspiration to me.”
— Kaylee Gutierrez, Teaching Assistant, YouthWorks
“We’re a better middle school and community for your thoughtfulness, playfulness, and dedication to giving our students an excellent education.”
— Chris Chakeres, Head of Middle School, SF Prep
PARENTS
“On behalf of our family, I’d like to extend our belated and sincere thanks for the support and encouragement you offered our son during the last school year. Your generous and enthusiastic commitment to her improvement, success, and well-being, as a student and as a new member of the Prep community, was inspiring and deeply appreciated.”
— Parent, SF Prep
“I wanted to write and express our gratitude for all you have done for our son this past year. Even when things were complicated for him initially, I had great confidence in your guidance and care.
— Parent, SF Prep