About the founder and director

“Growing up, I quickly discovered how unique I was for most young people my age, and I discerned what it meant to become complicit to the world’s social ills. I ‘rebelliously’ challenged complicity by acknowledging that the world did not have to be the way it was and that every choice I made could be an affirmation of my vision of a humane world. I asked ‘why’ frequently, and this curiosity helped me forge my way to my present path. Not much has changed from those days of saving ladybugs in the pool and stray animals in the neighborhood. These days I’m saving snails from my garden!

In 1997 I was drawn to an article in an ASPCA Animal Watch magazine regarding the interconnectedness of animal cruelty and other forms of violence in society. My curiosity was piqued as I read about the integral role that a field called Humane Education played in addressing this phenomenon.

Only then did it become evident to me that all social issues were connected and that paradigm shifts could be created, not by telling others what to believe or do, but by informing, encouraging critical thinking, challenging prevailing beliefs, and providing practical tools. Whereas the majority of people on the planet don’t knowingly support animal abuse, sweatshops, and environmental degradation, they often unwittingly contribute to violence, oppression, and a host of social ills. I have come to believe that humane education is about building relationships and bridges with people from all walks of life.

One of my many visions for this work is to help people become whole individuals; particularly young people. Helping individuals question our cultural stories, discover their voices, identify where and how they would like to affect social change, while developing life skills, self-esteem and self-worth is a magical process.”

Danielle (Dani) Hy Dennenberg is the first student in the United States to have graduated with an M.Ed. in Humane Education. She is also the founder and director of Seeds for Change Humane Education and has been offering programs to schools, universities and community organizations since 1999. She was also hired into the Institute for Humane Education’s staff in 2003, acted as director of the Humane Education Certificate Program (HECP) until November of 2007 and remains faculty for their M.Ed. program through Cambridge College.

Dani has spoken about humane education at a variety of conferences, including the First Congress on Humanitarian Education in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the annual Unitarian Universalist Association Conference, the EarthSave International Conference, the California Teacher's Association conference, the National Organization of Women (NOW) California Regional Conference, the Educators for Non-Violence Conference, and at various animal protection conferences.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociological Studies with concentrations in Law and Society and Environmental Studies from the University of California San Diego. Presently, she is being certified in herbalism through Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary and earned her White Belt in Nia (mind body movement) teacher earlier this year.

Dani is lit up by connecting with others, volunteer work, hiking, dancing, digging her hands in the dirt, meditating, creating recycled art, reading, cooking, board games, 80s music, biking and acting as a maven. She resides in San Diego, California, with her furry family (Zoey, Indigo and Charlie) and is presently starting her first book…..stay tuned.