Danielle believes children deserve time to be children during the school day. As a doctor of occupational therapy, educator, and former school-based practitioner, Danielle has experienced first-hand how movement, play, connection, and opportunities to reset can support a child’s ability to participate, regulate, and learn. 
She brought Say YES to RECESS to Maine because she firmly believes recess is so much more than a break from academics. It’s a time to move, imagine, connect, problem-solve, and simply be a kid.
As the Maine Chapter Leader, she hopes to bring parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities together to advocate for meaningful, protected recess for every Maine child.
Play isn't something children should have to earn. It's something they need.

Danielle Dalton, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and educator with a background in school-based practice and pediatric practice. She is a faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Southern Maine and has spent years working with children, families, educators, and school teams.
Danielle is passionate about helping children participate, connect, and thrive in the environments where they learn and grow. She is proud to serve as the Maine Chapter Leader for Say YES to RECESS and advocate for the importance of play, movement, and meaningful recess.

Honestly, I don't remember one specific day, and maybe that's the point! I remember the feeling of running outside, finding my friends, making up games, snowball fights, four square, and having the freedom to just play in that time that belonged entirely to us. Those everyday moments are the memories that stick with us, and that's what I want every child in Maine to have.