Dani Ackerman

Background

About Dani Ackerman

Dani Ackerman specializes in child and staff development. She believes that establishing a meaningful connection with each individual, adult or child, is the foundation for their growth. In her 15+ years in the children’s camp and education fields, Dani has been responsible for the well-being of children and partnered with their parents to support their child's development. She has also hired, trained, mentored and managed over 500 staff. Dani is the founder of ProjectPLAY. She created this program to provide children with opportunities to build connections through meaningful social play. She was previously a teacher at the Windward School, the year-round staffing director at Woodmont Day Camp and for seven years the Associate Director of Elmwood Day Camp. Prior to starting ProjectPLAY she was a consultant to children's camps on the topics of staff recruitment, development and program enhancement. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from Mercy College and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Union College. Dani has extensive experience in training and coaching youth development professionals on a range of topics, including group management, staff development and building meaningful relationships with children. She has presented at the Tri-State Camp Conference, Teen Leadership Conference and at several children’s camps. As an active volunteer with the American Camp Association, she serves on committees to organize, design and implement professional conferences geared toward camp leaders, educators and youth-serving organizations. In each of her roles, Dani has demonstrated a passion for partnering with families and organizations to support children’s social and emotional growth.