The leaves have changed, and new Learning Support Specialist Danielle Skinner, is excitedly returning to campus to start the new school year. 

Skinner arrived at WIS last year, working as a substitute for classes. 

“I first started working at WIS in February of 2024, but on a short-term basis, covering classes and things like that,” she said. 

Her first impressions of WIS were extremely positive, and she felt it was the right place for her.

“On day two, one of the juniors came up to me and said, ‘Hey, Miss Skinner, it’s really nice to see you again. I’m so glad you’re back,’” Skinner said. “I thought: ‘I’m in the right place if a student who I just met once yesterday has come back.’ I am in a community that cares.” 

Captivated by the welcoming WIS community, Skinner chose to come back and cover for Upper School Counselor Sara Sonsalla when she was on maternity leave. 

Like many WIS community members, Skinner has experienced an international lifestyle, traveling and living in many places abroad.

“I have worked in Canada, I’ve worked in the UK and then moved to the States,” Skinner said. “I wanted to be in a school that had an international mindset. I wanted to be in a school that also spoke lots of languages and encouraged speaking lots of languages.”

Though her international background drew her to WIS, Skinner’s journey to education was less linear. 

“I don’t think I always knew that I wanted to be in education,” she said. 

However, while working at a wilderness camp, she discovered her passion for working with children. 

“When I was working with teenagers, I realized that what I really wanted to do is to work in a place where I was helping students become the best version of themselves,” she said.

Aside from supporting youth, Skinner enjoys skiing and canoeing, and being outdoors. 

“Traveling the world in the outdoors is something that I love,” Skinner said.  

She is also very pleased with the results of the renovation upon her return to WIS. 

“I’m very impressed,” she said. “I feel like it’s more connected in a lot of ways, even though [the classes are in] separate buildings.”

Thus far, she is very happy with her role in education and the community she is surrounded by.

“My favorite part of my career is helping to support and to see the growth that happens,” Skinner said.

By: Yasemin Buffington