Dan's life story began in Clovis, California, a city situated in the geographical center of the San Joaquin Valley, a region renowned for its rich agricultural heritage. However, his early years took an unexpected turn when his family made the bold decision to relocate to New Jersey at just eight weeks of age. For the next decade, Dan would call the Garden State his home, immersing himself in its unique cultural landscape and developing a deep affection for the region's picturesque landscapes and bustling cities.
As the years passed, Dan's family made another significant move, this time to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1957. This marked a new chapter in his life, one that would be filled with exciting experiences, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world beyond his childhood haunts.
Dan's journey through adolescence led him to relocate to San Antonio, Texas, where he ultimately concluded his secondary education by graduating from Jefferson High School in the year 1964. Following his high school graduation, Dan pursued higher education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, which would later undergo a name change to become Texas A&M University. After dedicating four years to his academic pursuits, Dan successfully earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1968.
Dan's academic endeavors continued to flourish, as he successfully pursued and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in History in the year 1969, a significant milestone in his educational journey. Following this achievement, Dan furthered his academic pursuits by earning his Master of Arts degree in History in the year 1973, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
As he delved deeper into his academic studies, Dan focused his thesis on the folk-rock singer Shawn Phillips, demonstrating his profound interest and expertise in this area. This academic undertaking served as a testament to Dan's commitment to his field of study and his ability to conduct in-depth research on a topic that resonated with him.
Dan's academic accomplishments, including his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History, as well as his thesis on Shawn Phillips, stand as a testament to his intellectual curiosity, his passion for learning, and his ability to excel in a variety of academic settings.
Dan embarked upon his academic journey, culminating in the completion of his graduate studies, after which he embarked on a teaching career that would span several years and take him to various educational institutions. His first stop was Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, where he spent a year honing his teaching skills and gaining valuable experience. Subsequently, he relocated to Jeff Davis Middle School, where he spent a remarkable seven years, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on the lives of his students.
It was in the year 1976 that Dan made the momentous decision to relocate to Austin, Texas, a city that would become his home for the next several decades.
Dan's educational career began with a stint in various clerical roles at the prestigious University of Texas at Austin, where he spent two years honing his administrative skills and gaining valuable experience.
Following this tenure, Dan transitioned into the world of education, taking on a teaching position at Dobie Middle School for a period of two years. During his time at Dobie, Dan was able to share his passion for learning with his students and help shape young minds.
After his time at Dobie, Dan made the decision to relocate to Lamar Middle School, where he is currently employed as a teacher of computer and math subjects.
Dan's professional endeavors extend far beyond his teaching career, as he is also the visionary founder of Austin Film Casting, an organization he established in the year 2000. Since its inception, Austin Film Casting has undergone significant growth, expanding to comprise not one, not two, but three additional Texas-based casting lists, thereby providing a comprehensive service to a membership of over 3,400 individuals as of late 2001. Moreover, Dan's influence and expertise have extended to other regions, as he also runs casting lists in prominent cities such as Chicago, California, and Los Angeles.
