Dana’s studies have included Psychology, International Development, and Social Science with a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Led by her commitment to social and environmental justice and love of learning, she has taught over the past 25 years in universities and community organizations, directed programs and worked as a consultant and researcher in the US and Latin America (with a brief stint in Europe). Prior to teaching at Taft she resided in Ecuador, where she originally went “for a year” as a Fulbright scholar and stayed for 15 years teaching at various universities including FLACSO and San Francisco University in Quito and working with local activist organizations. She simultaneously taught online and led an award-winning study abroad program for Webster University focused on human and nature's rights. She teaches human geography at Taft and lives on campus with her son, Amaru.