Daniel is a licensed educator who has been a classroom teacher for eight years and has experience with every level of students, grades Kindergarten through Senior. He has taught science at multiple Central Oregon schools (Summit, Bend Senior, Lapine Middle, and Bend Tech), and has had extensive experience in the special education classroom and as a reading specialist.

Daniel resolutely believes that every student simply needs the right tools, mindset, and environment in order to confidently succeed in academics, social situations, and a future career. As a neurodivergent person himself, he knows the experience of feeling misunderstood by peers and teachers and the negative mindsets that can be the result of repeatedly being told he “wasn’t performing to his potential”.  He draws upon his vast understanding of science, academic content, and student experience to guide clients to make meaningful changes in the way they approach academic and personal challenges.

After being involved in mentorship since 2006, Daniel pursued education and licensure as a means of translating his passions for supporting students to making a difference in the community. Teaching during the pandemic sparked a fire within Daniel to pursue further education and understanding of neurodivergent learners and reach students who seemed to be struggling in the one-size-fits-all school system. Currently he is in the process of pursuing educational therapy and a degree in clinical social work (MSW from PSU expected 2026) as a means of meeting the needs of students who need it most. Daniel has also undergone significant training in the University of California Riverside’s Educational Therapy program, and Marydee Sklar’s executive function coaching program.

Outside of the office, you may see Daniel running around town running, or biking his kids to a nearby park. He is an avid endurance athlete who for some reason enjoys punishing himself in ultramarathons, uphill skiing, and cycling. His wife, Heidi Friesen, is a science teacher at Bend Senior High and has three adorable kids.

Daniel’s Credentials:

• BA in Applied Human Biology - Seattle Pacific University

• Masters in Teaching Math and Science - Seattle Pacific University

• Masters in Clinical Social Work - Portland State University (expected 2026)

• Certification in Educational Therapy - UC Riverside (expected 2025)