Dan has worked at Norris for 17.5 years. He started as a youth care staff on the Apex unit also known as the “West Wing” in those days. He was promoted to unit manager of Apex in 2009 and after a few years, was promoted to the role of unit manager on North Star. Dan is currently helping out in various locations around campus because the North Star unit is currently undergoing some needed updates and renovations.
Dan is an alumni of UW Madison and is married to his college sweetheart (whom he met on a blind date) and they have an awesome, little family together.
Dan is seen by his peers as one of the smartest and analytical people on campus so they think he would do GREAT on jeopardy! Dan has also been recognized by his peers as showing patience and care for the youth on campus, especially during times of crises. Dan is a dedicated leader and has been recognized for his willingness to go the “extra mile.”
On a lighter note, in an effort to truly highlight Dan’s personality, hobbies and interests, some of his coworkers spent time getting know him a little more through a recent Q & A session. Below are some of the responses from Dan. Thank you Dan for your hard work on campus and allowing us the opportunity to do something a little more fun this month with the Employee Spotlight! Stay tuned for more Employee Spotlights in the coming months.
How do you spend your free time?
Dan: Fixing vehicles, wood-working, and making contraptions. *Note: As a parent, there is no such thing as “free time.” Ever.
What is your most useless talent?
Dan: Ambidextrous in sports, and I can wiggle my ears.
Who would play you in the Lifetime original movie of your teen years?
Dan: A young Fred Savage.
What is the best advice that you have been given from staff when you started working here?
Dan: Knock before you enter a kid’s room. Every time.
If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?
Dan: I would be a gourmet chef, and travel and learn from other chefs around the world.
