Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! To start us off, let’s Get To Know BOOST Partner, Daniel Hatcher (He/Him).
Thank you, Daniel, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Partner Daniel Hatcher (He/Him)
Daniel is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships with Alliance for a Healthier Generation in Washington, DC.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
My friends and partners who work in youth development motivate me to do my best each day. I know that together, we’re helping support children’s physical, social, and emotional health.
This quote by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris inspires me:
“Scientifically demonstrated strategies, such as practicing mindfulness, meditating, experiencing nature, exercising regularly, and developing healthy relationships can improve outcomes for people who have experienced [adverse childhood experiences].”
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have three cool cats that found their way to me: Cinnamon, Ginger, and Vanilla Bean. And yes, I also enjoy being in the kitchen.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
I’m a karaoke cheerleader, so my go-to song is whatever YOU ARE singing.
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
I enjoy growing a pollinator garden each year, going for lots of walking meetings, and I’m currently practicing tai chi. Art and crafts are my not-so-hidden talent – I always find ways to weave creative arts into my workshops. I’m a certified nature and forest therapy guide and am about to start my training in sound healing.
Favorite animal noise?
Birds singing! I LOVE the Merlin Bird ID app.
What is your most treasured book to read?
My amazing friend Jane Park sent me a copy of The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It has changed the way I approach collaboration and partnership. Spoiler: it’s about genuine connection and meaningful moments together.
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you. 
Here are two of my favorite quotes from my dear friend, Tara Stiles: “Moving well unlocks healing” and “Without softness, nothing is possible”.
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
If I could be a person for a day, I’d be Jane Goodall. She’s curious, kind, and loves the forest and animals.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
If I could talk to my teenage self, I’d say, “Don’t be discouraged. You’ll grow up to have caring, authentic, wonderful, and change-making friends across the country.”
If you really knew me you would know that…
… I eat the same breakfast every morning, love vanilla ice cream, am always in search of a good matcha latte and fall asleep at the movies.
Today for breakfast I had…
Oatmeal with coconut granola and a matcha.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Daniel, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!
Raynee Russell
Hi Daniel! I loved learning more about you! I’m interested in speaking with you about nature & forest therapy and sound healing, and how you suggest incorporating that into learning spaces with Youth. Looking forward to meeting you in person at BOOST 2025!