Danielle has always had a passion for working with children. From her early days as a lifeguard and camp counsellor to her career in marketing, she has always looked for ways to make a positive impact. Today, she manages a marketing team while also balancing life as a wife and proud mom of two young boys. When she’s not working, Danielle enjoys country music, true crime podcasts, golfing, and travelling with her family.
Her journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters began after seeing a volunteer opportunity on social media. Having already spent years working with children, she was looking for a meaningful way to give back to her community. She first volunteered with the Go Girls program before joining the In-School Mentoring program, where she was matched with her Little in the fall of 2016. As their friendship continued to grow, they transitioned into the Community-Based Mentoring program, allowing them to continue building a relationship that has now lasted nearly ten years.
“I think he likes that I’ve been a stable person in his life,” Danielle says. “Someone he can have fun with, be himself around, and try new experiences with. Even when life gets chaotic with two young kids of my own, I keep showing up, and after almost ten years together, I hope he knows I’m not going anywhere.”
While they’ve shared countless memorable adventures, Danielle says some of her favourite moments happen during the drive to and from their visits. Living in different communities means they spend plenty of time in the car together, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about life, the future, and everything in between. Those moments remind Danielle of the relationship she shared with her own dad, whose best advice often came during long drives. She hopes those conversations will one day be just as meaningful to her Little.
Their friendship has also been shaped by traditions they’ve created together over the years. Every summer they make a list of activities they want to do together, celebrate their Match-a-Versary with a trip to Palasad for bowling, carve pumpkins each Halloween, build gingerbread houses every Christmas, and continue adding photos to an album that captures nearly a decade of memories.
For Danielle, being named Big of the Month is an honour. She says her greatest reward has always been watching her Little grow and knowing she has been a consistent source of encouragement throughout his journey. She remains committed to helping him achieve his goals and reminding him that he always has someone in his corner.
We are proud to recognize Danielle for her unwavering dedication, compassion, and nearly ten years of life-changing mentorship.