Dani is a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a rich background in providing therapeutic support, case management, and program supervision. With over 20 years in the social work field, Dani has developed a deep expertise in family and youth services, mental health crisis intervention, and foster care training.

She brings a wealth of experience in the child welfare system, having served in multiple capacities that address the needs of at-risk children and families. She started with Justice Works as a supervisor in 2022, leading a team of FRS and providing field supervision for MSW students. She is also a Case Consultant for a GAL providing critical advocacy and assessment to ensure children’s best interests are represented in legal contexts. Dani’s experience in the area of Child Welfare include her tenure as a DHS Caseworker, Therapeutic Foster Home Program Supervisor, Foster Parent Recruiter and Trainer, and Life Skills Specialist in therapeutic/specialized group home settings. In the years of 2018 through 2020, Dani was appointed to the State of Hawaii Workforce Development Council’s Youth Services Committee under Governor Daniel Ige. Dani’s most recent clinical experience includes being a Co-Responder for the Denver Police Department, a therapist on a Assertive Community Treatment team, and a Family Preservation therapist.

Dani has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the child welfare system and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. At the center of Dani’s personal commitment to the child welfare system is her role as a mom to her 10 children and numerous grandchildren. Dani and her family have hands-on experience as a licensed foster home for 13 years, providing a nurturing and lifelong commitment to her biological, adoptive, and Hawaii’s foster children.