Danielle Willmott is a dedicated middle school math teacher with 26 years of experience, specializing in educating children through the transformative power of storytelling and mathematics. Her career began in a small suburban private school, where she taught for three years before transitioning to a more challenging environment in urban, inner-city schools. It is here that Danielle has spent the majority of her teaching career deeply involved with students who often face significant socio-economic challenges.

Danielle’s approach to education is profoundly influenced by the backgrounds of her students, many of whom come from low-income families living in Section 8 housing. These students frequently arrive at school without having had breakfast or lunch, and they often rely on the support of their grandmothers, or “Abuelitas,” as pivotal figures in their lives. Understanding these hardships has shaped Danielle’s teaching methods and her writing, as she aims to provide not just an education but also a refuge and a source of inspiration for her students.

Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of underserved children is reflected in her writing. In “Sampson The Square,” Danielle introduces young readers to the character of Sampson, a young square who navigates the trials of moving to a new town and fitting in.