Danielle developed her love of the outdoors while attending summer camp as a kid and eventually went on to be the program director of her childhood summer camp. She was drawn to Open Sky because she wanted a job where she could connect with and help people in an authentic and meaningful way. She was also interested in moving somewhere sunnier than her home state of Washington. A graduate of Western Washington University, Danielle heard about wilderness therapy while pursuing her undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation and thought that it sounded like the perfect fit.

After working for Open Sky as a field guide for four years, Danielle took some time off to travel before beginning a master’s program at Adams State University, where she earned a degree in clinical mental health counseling. Danielle was inspired to pursue counseling after her experience working as a guide. As a guide, Danielle loved having a job where she was constantly pushed to learn and grow herself.  She is excited to join Open Sky’s clinical team and continue this growth in her new role as a therapist. She hopes to blend her guiding experience, graduate school studies, undergraduate degree, and love of the wilderness to help serve students and families.

In her free time, Danielle spends most of her time outdoors. She loves rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and skiing. She also enjoys visiting friends and family in Washington but has been too spoiled by Colorado’s sunshine to ever move back.