Stein earns 'Emerging Leader Award'
The reception of a statewide honor recently brought lifelong connections to early childhood programs full circle for one Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose parent educator.
Danielle Stein remembers attending BHM Early Childhood Family Education classes from the perspective of a child. Later in life she began taking family ECFE classes as a parent. Three years ago, with the encouragement of her mentor, Stein became a BHM parent educator herself.
And on April 10, she received the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Minnesota Association of Family and Early Education (MNAFEE).
“I felt really honored that my coworkers thought highly enough of me to nominate me,” Stein said. “It is humbling. I didn’t think of myself as a leader, but that they look at me as somebody who is emerging in that role feels really, really amazing.”
About the award
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes an outstanding educator who has been in the field less than five years and who has already exhibited significant influence.
“Ms. Stein is a rising leader in the field of parent education,” said a press release from the state association, adding that she does her work with excellence while going beyond expectations to support parents. In more than one case, for example, she has accompanied parents to workshops on her own time. In another instance, she helped calm the anxiety of a parent who was learning the English language by assisting them while they studied online.
Jennifer Greenhagen, Early Childhood Coordinator for BHM Schools, credited Stein’s ideas and suggestions for helping to develop innovative new programming.
“Her leadership is not just about personal achievement. It is about uplifting those around her – families, children, and colleagues – while advancing the field as a whole,” said Greenhagen.
One way Stein has influenced the wider field of parent education is through her participation in the statewide Parent Education Practice Committee (PEPC), which helps educators network, collaborate and share ideas.
“It feels a lot of times like parent education is its own little island, so by participating in things like PEPC we can find other parent educators out there, share ideas, influence legislation and make a difference,” said Stein.
Becoming a parent educator
Stein has fond memories of participating in ECFE programs as a child along with her mother and father. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 2003, then obtained a bachelor of fine arts degree with a focus in ceramics and fiber arts, and a second major in German.
“So none of that pertains here,” she said with a laugh. “I honestly thought I would go abroad and teach in Germany.”
Instead, she took a job with an insurance company and started a family. Looking to reduce her working hours while raising her three children, she took on administrative assistant duties for a non-profit, and eventually joined the Department of Public Safety as a driver’s license clerk.
All the while, she connected with other parents through local ECFE opportunities.
“We know there is an epidemic of isolation and loneliness,” she said. “When I had my first child I had a good support system, but I still felt isolated as a new parent. When I started working from home more, it felt even more isolating. So when I came to ECFE I found community, and that’s what is really important to me. In all my work, I want to create a space that feels safe and helps families build community.”
Stein began attending ECFE classes when her first child was four months old. Over time, she began to take on a volunteer leadership role, serving as a facilitator for parent discussions.
“I was involved in a very unique program called ‘Circle of Parents’ with parent educator Diane Mastel. Through that I was able to see what it was like to take on the responsibility of a parent educator,” said Stein.
Then Mastel told Stein she was retiring, and encouraged her to step into a staff role.
“She said, ‘Now you get to be a parent educator. It’s your turn,’ said Stein. “I never thought of this as a potential career, but it was very natural, over time, that I ended up here.”
What does a parent educator do?
Stein obtained her license and has set about making classes as meaningful as possible. Sessions typically start with 6-10 parents and young children age birth to 5 together in a classroom, socializing and enjoying group activities. During that time Stein intentionally models behaviors and strategies for children and parents alike.
“It’s a whole-family approach,” she said.
Later, Stein and the parents move to a separate room for conversations that may be light and fun, deal with difficult topics, or focus on practical subjects like potty training.
“My job is to talk to parents about what they need, and then plan out lessons and conversations that cover those things,” said Stein. “I’m not necessarily teaching. I bring the topics, and resources they may not know about, and start a conversation.”
What is her favorite aspect of the role?
“Everything,” she said with a laugh. “This is my third year, so I have been able to watch babies from infancy who are now entering preschool. I see how their families grow. I get to see community being built and families supporting each other, and how parents are developing their philosophies – what they want for their kids and what their values are. It’s really powerful to see how a conversation we might have had a year and a half ago is making an impact today.”
Stein’s personal impact is evident in the recognition of her peers, and in the recent honor from her professional association.
In a statement announcing the award, MNAFEE noted that Stein is providing a secure foundation for parents to build supportive relationships, ask difficult questions and develop their parenting approach.
“We are so pleased that she is part of our future,” the association said.
Greenhagen called Stein an “invaluable asset” to the BHM program, adding that she “exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader through her knowledge, passion and deep commitment to the children and families she serves.”
