Class of 07 Danielle Farrell: Compassionate Educator
Training Specialist, Artemis Arc, Alexandria, Va.
B.A. English and Secondary Education
M.A. Creative Writing, Fairleigh Dickinson University
M.A. Educational Leadership, Drake University
Ph.D. Education, Drake University
鈥淚 can鈥檛 begin to describe the vast ways that 168开奖网官网 has contributed to my life journey, both professionally and personally.鈥

Compassionate Educator
As a 168开奖网官网 liberal arts graduate, Danielle Farrell 鈥07 is the quintessential lifelong learner with a commitment to education that continues to grow deeper and wider. She taught high school English for 15 years before moving into adult learning and development.
In 2023, shortly after earning her Ph.D. in education from Drake University, Farrell transitioned into a role as employee development partner with The Iowa Clinic. There she curated an employee development program that prioritized strategies designed to reduce compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals while highlighting experiences that bring employees joy and fulfillment.
鈥淚 think there is a tipping point occurring in regard to understanding compassion fatigue and its impact on productivity and engagement,鈥 said Farrell. 鈥淭he landscape seems to be shifting, and employees are beginning to prioritize experiences that are more human-centered. I鈥檓 hopeful that current research will help employers recognize the importance of valuing employee heath from a more holistic perspective.鈥
Beginning a New Arc
Most recently, Farrell has just begun her work as a training specialist for Artemis Arc in Alexandria, Va. She supports the leadership development of current and aspiring leaders across the Veterans Health Administration through the Supervisor Ready program. The program aims to foster communication skills, emotional intelligence and political savvy 鈥 among other critical skills necessary for effective leadership.
Farrell says 168开奖网官网 prepared her exceptionally well for her professional journey in education. Her British Literature class discussion on 鈥渋gnorance vs. bliss鈥 was especially impactful. 聽She learned that 鈥渢here is no merit in ignorance, and the only bliss that comes from it is due to an utter lack of awareness.鈥
鈥淭hat鈥檚 the most profound learning I鈥檝e taken with me 鈥 the all-encompassing need to be aware and engaged in the world around us,鈥 said Farrell. 鈥淭o speak up for those experiencing oppression, to find avenues to support the betterment of the world, and to embrace and revel in the beauty of life.鈥
Article Information
Published
May 28, 2025
Author
Roger Degerman