About the Author
Her first profession as a Physical Therapist was sparked by her passion for individual and family health and wellness. She graduated from Marquette University with both her B.S and MPT. After starting her career in physical therapy, she spent over a year living and volunteering at Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) orphanage in Honduras. This experience fueled her passion for children and families, and contributed to her and her husband’s decision to adopt two of their children many years later. She and her husband have led several small groups on short-term visits to NPH Honduras to build connections and collaborate. They were given the NPH Friends of the Orphans Volunteer of the Year award in 2013.
Dana and her husband have four children, two biological and two adopted. They live in Altoona, Wisconsin on a small lake. At the time of publishing, their kids range in age from 8 to 17 years old. As a family, they are busy with various sports teams, church activities, and outdoor adventures, as well as starting to tour colleges for their oldest two kids! During their free time, they enjoy outdoor fun in each of the four seasons Wisconsin offers. Downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, kayaking, canoeing, berry picking, hiking, and camping are some of their favorite activities. They enjoy being a bit unusual as a family and don’t own a television, which is just the way they like it. Indoor activities they enjoy include games, puzzles, and reading
After a significant family move for her husband’s career, Dana paused her work as a physical therapist, and stayed at home with her kids for several years. During this time, their family grew through two international adoptions, and they traveled to Ethiopia several times. After their second adoption, Dana homeschooled her oldest child for 6th grade, followed the next year by homeschooling her third child for 2nd grade. During those years, she experienced some of the many joys and challenges of homeschooling and has a great appreciation for the work of teachers.
Dana chose to change careers to Parent Coaching and Educational Training after experiencing the benefits of working with a coach herself through some of her biggest Parenting Marathons. Recognizing the beneficial role of having guidance and support through parenting struggles, she completed her dual certification in Parent Coaching and Educational Training through Heart Strong International in 2021, and started her business Lives Touched LLC. Dana works with parents locally, as well as globally through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, webinars, presentations, and self-paced courses.
As a Certified Educational Trainer, she has had opportunities to work with schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations by giving presentations on various topics including trauma, connection, and behavior.
Dana has a passion for her community. As a volunteer at her local school district, she serves as the District Family Engagement Liaison, helping connect parents and educators of students who have additional needs to appropriate resources. Dana also serves on the advisory board for the Wisconsin Adoption and Permanency Support program, which provides support to Wisconsin adoptive and guardianship families, birth parents, and adult adoptees. She and her three oldest children serve regularly at their church, Jacob’s Well, supporting the children’s and family ministry.
Dana discovered a love of long-distance running in 2018 when she joined Moms on the Run, a structured fitness program for women of all ages. In an attempt to keep running through the long Wisconsin winter, she trained for her first half-marathon, which she ran in the spring of 2019. At the time of publishing, Dana has completed four half-marathons, one team marathon relay, and two full marathons. She has been a coach for Moms on the Run for four years and loves to support other women in their fitness journeys and goals. She’s currently working on learning some basic mountain biking skills to be able to enjoy the trails with her kids.
When she’s not spending time with her family, working, or running, Dana is usually enjoying time with friends, reading, or organizing family photos albums. She also loves traveling and visiting National Parks.
Dana and her husband have four children, two biological and two adopted. They live in Altoona, Wisconsin on a small lake. At the time of publishing, their kids range in age from 8 to 17 years old. As a family, they are busy with various sports teams, church activities, and outdoor adventures, as well as starting to tour colleges for their oldest two kids! During their free time, they enjoy outdoor fun in each of the four seasons Wisconsin offers. Downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, kayaking, canoeing, berry picking, hiking, and camping are some of their favorite activities. They enjoy being a bit unusual as a family and don’t own a television, which is just the way they like it. Indoor activities they enjoy include games, puzzles, and reading
After a significant family move for her husband’s career, Dana paused her work as a physical therapist, and stayed at home with her kids for several years. During this time, their family grew through two international adoptions, and they traveled to Ethiopia several times. After their second adoption, Dana homeschooled her oldest child for 6th grade, followed the next year by homeschooling her third child for 2nd grade. During those years, she experienced some of the many joys and challenges of homeschooling and has a great appreciation for the work of teachers.
Dana chose to change careers to Parent Coaching and Educational Training after experiencing the benefits of working with a coach herself through some of her biggest Parenting Marathons. Recognizing the beneficial role of having guidance and support through parenting struggles, she completed her dual certification in Parent Coaching and Educational Training through Heart Strong International in 2021, and started her business Lives Touched LLC. Dana works with parents locally, as well as globally through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, webinars, presentations, and self-paced courses.
As a Certified Educational Trainer, she has had opportunities to work with schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations by giving presentations on various topics including trauma, connection, and behavior.
Dana has a passion for her community. As a volunteer at her local school district, she serves as the District Family Engagement Liaison, helping connect parents and educators of students who have additional needs to appropriate resources. Dana also serves on the advisory board for the Wisconsin Adoption and Permanency Support program, which provides support to Wisconsin adoptive and guardianship families, birth parents, and adult adoptees. She and her three oldest children serve regularly at their church, Jacob’s Well, supporting the children’s and family ministry.
Dana discovered a love of long-distance running in 2018 when she joined Moms on the Run, a structured fitness program for women of all ages. In an attempt to keep running through the long Wisconsin winter, she trained for her first half-marathon, which she ran in the spring of 2019. At the time of publishing, Dana has completed four half-marathons, one team marathon relay, and two full marathons. She has been a coach for Moms on the Run for four years and loves to support other women in their fitness journeys and goals. She’s currently working on learning some basic mountain biking skills to be able to enjoy the trails with her kids.
When she’s not spending time with her family, working, or running, Dana is usually enjoying time with friends, reading, or organizing family photos albums. She also loves traveling and visiting National Parks.
