Team Talk: Meet Danny!

Welcome to Team Talk, our new series where we chat with the incredible people that help make Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin such a special and important place for the youth in our community. Today we’re connecting with Danny A., Senior Program Director at the Lucchesi Park Clubhouse in Petaluma. Danny started with Boys & Girls Clubs as our Athletics Director, helping to run our various sports leagues in Petaluma.

Let’s get to know Danny!

1) How long have you worked for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin?

I've worked for this organization for 3.5 years, and Boys & Girls Clubs overall since 2014, so closing on 7 years.

2) Describe your job in 1-2 sentences in your own words.

Doing "whatever it takes" to give kids the most safe and impactful place to be. From day to day I might have to be a teacher, a manager, a psychologist, a janitor, a coach, a problem-solver, or an IT specialist.

3) What do you enjoy most about your job?

Seeing kids build strong friendships and try new things. I also really enjoy seeing special projects and events come to fruition.

4) What do you like to do when you're not working?

Right now it's spending as much time as possible with my wife and 16-month old daughter. The small amount of free time I have I like to fill with exercising, snowboarding, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, fishing, hanging with friends, or just lounging.

5) What's a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I'm a lifelong martial artist, although currently out of commission with an injury. I started with TaeKwonDo at 5 years old, then made my way to different styles in adulthood. Growing up I spent most of my weekends traveling near and far to different tournaments. I was lucky to get the opportunity to see a lot of places I wouldn't have gotten to without the sport. It's definitely my passion!

6) What was your childhood dream job?

When I was really little I was set on being a Disneyland character mascot!

7) What did you love about being a kid?

Always learning and trying new things. Also, in retrospect not having bills was pretty great.

8) What's your favorite quote?

"When working with kids, the days are long but the years are short."

9) What is an ability you wish you had?

I wish I could play guitar. I started trying to learn during shelter-in-place but was always afraid I'd wake the baby when practicing.

10) I am happiest when...

Seeing my daughter laugh or reach new milestones.