Born in New York USA. Deaf at birth and raised by hearing family. Attended Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City, obtained Bachelor’s degree at NTID/RIT in Rochester, NY and Master Social Work Degree at NYU.
Employed as a clinical social worker, first job was in Cincinnati, Ohio for 5 years, then switched to an outpatient mental health facility then became a Director in University of California San Francisco during the last 2 years of his service. Retired in 2012. Dan was also contracted to provide counselling and mentoring services to Deaf & Hard of Hearing school youngsters across several schools in the Central Valley. Taught ASL classes to adults and families in San Francisco Bay Area.
Worked as a freelance Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) in various legal, social and health services settings. A long time member of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and actively served on multiple committees such as assisting in rewriting Code of Ethics, ensuring Ethical Practices compliance and revamping certificate testing materials. Dan provided CDI/RID workshops, covering Mental Health issues, HIV/AIDS, Vicarious Trauma, Deaf/Hearing Interactions. Coauthored Anna Mindess’ “Reading Between the Signs” - available in English, Chinese, Swedish and recently French.
After 19 years of bi-coastal commuting between San Francisco and London, Dan is now a full time British resident, living with his husband. He continues to provide online counseling services to American deaf persons. Has taught ASL classes in London to deaf people and interpreters as well as currently teaching on one to one basis with individuals including Stanley Tucci, famous film actor in preparation for one of his films!