About Danielle
I am a weaver of Earth-based, anti-racist and somatic practices designing frameworks, systems and learning opportunities for K-adult learners.
Bringing my full self to my work means nestling within the intersection of education, health, sustainability, spirituality and culture. I believe that centering healing and interconnection in necessary for us to transform our systems, practices, and beliefs away from an extractive culture to one of regeneration. As someone with many intersectional identities I embrace chaos, complexity and conflict as the impetus for messy but potentially radical growth and change. I love supporting others in leaning into both their curiosities and discomforts to learn, grow and heal.
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR loving learning, camping and the arts I was aware at a young age the ways that racism impacted access, participation and belonging in these spaces.
I went on to study Sociology, Environmental Studies and Education at Rhodes College in Memphis TN. In the summer of 2013, I studied studying in Copenhagen and became increasingly curious about the dynamic relationship between urban design and health outcomes. I decided to pursue my masters at Portland State University, studying Leadership for Sustainable Education and conducting original research on Black Earth-connection.
When I'm not nurturing Sankofa Village Arkansas, or teaching yoga at the Bhakti Yoga Movement Center I love playing in my garden, eating good food, watching anime and spending time with loved ones.
Dismantling Racism
My Latest Projects
Sankofa Village Arkansas
YOGA - DISMANTALING RACISM SERIES
Sankofa Village Arkansas will be an intentional community centering Black healing, liberation and regeneration located in Little Rock, AR. Launched in January 2021 with a successful crowdsources campaign (raising over $17K but an unsuccessful land purchase), as of February 2022 we are focused on building relationships with like-minded community members and navigating the legal structures and landscapes of planning and zoning.
In response to the unsettling within my own body and the calls for social justice change I created this Dismantling Racism Series. Each week we focus on dismantling a different white supremacy characteristic, offering alternative values through an nature-inspired meditation followed by an asana practice to embody the shift and tune into the body as it is. I use cues that emphasize choice and hold space for emotions that arise. This weekly series runs 12 weeks, August 17 - November 10th 2020.
Research
Published Research
Development and Psychometric Assessment of Measures for a Novel STEM Pathway Program that Represents a Partnership between an Academic Health Professions University and High Schools in Underserved Oregon Communities
Carney PA, Bonuck K, Lenahan K, Martinez A, Jones DM and Shugerman S
SOIL TO SOUL
Soil to soul: Phenomenological Inquiry into Black geographies & Ecopsychologies
How do Black folks connect to the Earth?
This research explores the interconnectedness of Black geographies and ecopsychology through interviews with 12 Black participants living in Portland, OR. Layered within these larger themes include: generational trauma, collective knowledge, sustainable practices, and Black identity. In the fields of sustainability this is a unique study digging deeper than behavior around recycling or cycling, but how individuals’ beliefs, identities and conceptions around race and green spaces shape their connection with the Earth. Research concluded in 2018, writing in progress.
2nd place in the 2018 Three Minute Thesis competition held at Portland State University
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