““Your relationship has helped him be ‘comfortable in his own skin’ and accept & embrace who he is... He’s so at ease with you... looks up to you... and treasures his time with you. Hope you know that your open honesty, humor and genuine desire to help & simply be there, has made such a difference in his life!””

““You touched his life and gave him hope in the human race... you encouraged him and helped him become trustful and open to others. He was able to once again reach out and make connections to other people, and tore down the wall of isolation he erected around himself... these are priceless gifts you gave him. You were one of the lights in his life that changed his outcome!””

““Dan demonstrated astute clinical skill in working with some very challenging youth and families. Dan has a natural affable personality and, as one of his supervisors, I was always impressed at his ability to form positive healing relationships with even the most difficult youth! He possessed a critical understanding of the complex mental health needs of our clients. He was admired and respected by both colleagues and consumers.””

““You’re one of the few staff members who I truly trust... their really isn’t anything I’m afraid to talk with you about. It’s nice that there’s a staff member who can see things from a students perspective.””

““We’ve been so impressed over the year by the relationships you form with students, and the care you have for them... It’s made a huge difference for so many of them!””

““Our son has always said that among all the staff members, the one he felt more comfortable with and trusted was you... he felt he could talk to you about everything and that you understood him so well. We just want to share our perspective and express our most sincere appreciation as a family for everything you have done to make him feel happy and good about himself!””

““Dan, you are the best teacher ever... but your attitude and your ability to understand what kids are going through are even better! Thanks for treating me like an adult!””

““You have made our son feel comfortable with himself and his situation... you have been a voice of reason when little made sense to him. Your influence was one of the most important... he was with you through such a difficult situation. It has been said that a teacher/counselor touches the future... well you, Dan, have touched his future! Thank you for being the role model you’ve been to him... you have so much to offer boys like him!””

““Thanks for always being there for me when I was in a place that I couldn’t get out of””

““Dan is a gifted counselor/educator who is capable of connecting with others and being able to address a wide range of client needs. He consistently displayed the ability to maintain a high level of enthusiasm as well as a positive outlook. Dan always maintained appropriate boundaries, and always displayed the compassion, empathy, and respect necessary to meet adolescents where they were at... he was a tremendous role model. Dan carries an air of optimism with him that encourages others around him to match his excitement and effort. I have found him to be responsible, sincere in his beliefs and actions, and deliberate in his drive to help others!””