Danyel earned her master’s degree in nursing education from Winona State University. She has served in various roles throughout her 13-year career: long-term care charge nurse, emergency care nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, clinical and full-time didactic instructor of nursing, director of practical and professional nursing programs, interim associate dean of Allied Health and Chief Nursing Officer. Danyel has been recipient of a number of grants, awards and honors throughout her career, including the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from Riverland Community College and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and is actively engaged in promoting healthcare simulation education and certification through her work with the society.