Danielle recently graduated with her PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences and a concurrent certification in College and University Teaching at Oregon State University. Her primary research interests are exploring attachment across the lifespan and better understanding the role of institutionalization and number of placements, as well as the importance of building relational permanence and social capital on overall mental health outcomes among transition-age foster youth.

Prior to returning to graduate school, she worked as a Therapist at Pacific Quest. Pacific Quest is a wilderness and horticultural therapy program that works with adolescents and young adults and integrates whole person wellness. She has recently started her own business, 'Okika Counseling primarily located on the Big Island but serving all Hawaii and Oregon-based clients via telehealth.

She really enjoys working with families and she is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Hawaii, as well as a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon. She spends the majority of her time outdoors and love to spend her free time relaxing at the beach, volunteering, going on hikes, playing ukulele and spending time with family and friends.