Mara Daniels

I am currently attending University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP), where I am double majoring in Social Work and Sociology. Alongside my studies, I work full-time as a Family Resource Coordinator with Wood County Human Services in Wisconsin. In my current role, I facilitate supervised visitation, support child safety, and provide parenting education to help caregivers strengthen their skills, build healthy attachments, and create stable home environments. Balancing full-time employment with a rigorous academic schedule has strengthened my time management skills, resilience, and dedication to serving families in meaningful ways.

My professional background also includes experience as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, where I provided crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support to survivors. Additionally, I worked as a Corrections Officer, a role that deepened my understanding of the justice system and reinforced the importance of accountability, structure, and trauma-informed practice. These experiences have equipped me with strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a deep respect for the complexity of the individuals and families I serve.

One of my greatest passions is incorporating animal-assisted therapy into service work. I have a certified therapy dog, Rigby, a two-year-old mini-goldendoodle, and I volunteer in healthcare and community settings with Rigby. Through this work, I have witnessed the power of connection, comfort, and presence in promoting emotional well-being. I hope to continue integrating animal-assisted interventions into my future career whenever possible.

After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a career in school social work. My goal is to advocate for children and families, promote emotional health, and ensure equitable access to resources within educational systems.

I live in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and in my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, reading, and being with friends and family. I value integrity, compassion, and hard work, and I strive to lead with empathy in both my personal and professional life. Through my education, career, and volunteer work, I am committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact in my community.