Testimonials
“When I think of quality educators, I envision a dynamic blend of knowledge, structure, flexibility, commitment, and care. Dan is that blend. From my first day at Gateway, through our work on STEMinds, and during our on-going collaboration, I have been and continue to be reminded of Dan's ability as an instructor, program visionary, and inspiration.”
— Chris Ongaro, Ed.D., Head of School
“Dan’s style, and he definitely has one, is characterized by imagination and perspicacity. Because he dares to be himself in all situations and to choose the path of conscience, not convenience, he challenges his students and colleagues to follow his example—to take intellectual and spiritual risks, to think outside the box, to embrace controversy and conflict, to confront ideas or beliefs that seem unsound or unfair, and to work as hard as he does. To watch Dan cultivate self-awareness and tolerance for ambiguity as well as willingness to take growth-inducing risks in the minds and hearts of fifteen year-olds and forty-two year-olds is inspiring.”
— Jessica Bagby, Head of School
“Dan approaches difficult topics with grace, humor, and positivity. He makes it easy to discuss sensitive issues with strangers, and challenges us to rethink our methods, perspectives, and thought process.”
— Participant, Difficult Conversations w/ Dan (6-week course for University faculty)
“Dan is an excellent facilitator for this sensitive topic. I was continually impressed by the progress we made in such a short time with Dan’s support and kindness. This workshop left a lasting impression and should be required for those in higher education.”
— Candace Fleischer, Ph.D., Emory University School of Medicine
“Dan gave us plenty of time to speak and was very effective in questioning to make sure he understood what we were trying to say. / [I learned] it is my responsibility to provide enough space and time for myself to continually question the status quo. That you don't need to necessarily bring up race to allow space for students to grapple with problems about race and healthcare disparities - the fact that we have a diverse student pool may allow these discussions to result organically.”
— Participant, Difficult Conversations w/ Dan (6-week course for University faculty)
“Dan made things low key! Low stress! Welcoming! / It’s about small steps, not a single conversation/action. It was a nice reminder of all the stuff my therapist reminds me of in my personal life and how it applies to my work life...heuristics, tools, steps, decisions...change isn't deterministic or singular.”
— Participant, Difficult Conversations w/ Dan (6-week course for University faculty)
“When I’m speaking with Dan, I feel safe, held, calm and heard. He gently leads me in the right direction when I falter and commiserates with me in my confusion or miscalculation. It’s clear this work is dear to Dan, not a distant ideal. This is crucial to building the trust in which the deep work can occur.”
— Sara Lyon, Parent
“Dan patiently and adeptly holds space for, and acknowledges, multiple perspectives while guiding the group’s movement through the content. This allows participants to feel a sense of control over their own process, and gives them the opportunity to organically grow at their own pace. [He] creates space for the group to develop a sense of trust with each other over time, resulting in more authentic and meaningful connections, conversations and white anti-racist community-building.”
— Educator, Ethical Culture Fieldston School