In the Fall of 2007, Danielle left her hometown near Philadelphia, her parents, and three younger siblings to attend University of Hartford. Over the course of four years Danielle made life-long friends, including her roommate Dana, and excelled in her courses preparing her to be a teacher, especially science and math.

Post graduation, in 2011, she remained in Connecticut, with much thanks to the relationships she made in college, and found a job around the corner from University of Hartford at Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School. She started as a teacher’s assistant in 3rd grade, working alongside several friends from college and took on tutoring opportunities. When another STEM magnet school was opened across town, fondly known as BSTEM, Danielle took a position as a full time special education teacher. However, she later found that having her own classroom of upper elementary students was her true passion. Danielle loved each and every one of her students over the years as her own and became an active member of her community.

Fast forward to 2018, Danielle had ended an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend of several months. He stalked her physically and emotionally, using spoof calling apps to harass her, sending emails to her work computer, and showing up at her doorstep uninvited. On September 8, 2018 Danielle left dinner with her BSTEM family, and was confronted by her ex at home. He refused to take no for an answer and murdered her that night. It took years to get justice through the court system, as COVID-19 delayed trials. However, in January of 2023 her killer was found guilty and sentenced to 57 years in prison.

While there was a sense of closure all those years later, it doesn’t replace the fact that such a beautiful soul who touched so many lives is no longer with us. Cups for a Cause DV was born from this tragedy, raising funds through selling customized cups and other items to support victims of domestic violence, spreading awareness, education and continuing Danielle’s legacy.