Dan Rafferty, LCMHC (Click for Bio)

My name is Dan and I use he/him pronouns. I am originally from Minneapolis. I went to a large public high school before attending a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania with a similar academic profile to Middlebury. I was an English literature major in college and an all-conference distance runner in track. I identify as a straight cis-gendered male and am married with two school-aged children.

 I had a few different jobs before beginning my career in mental health. I worked on a guest ranch in Montana for four years, in investment products at State Street Bank in Boston, and as an office manager for a small architecture firm in New York City. The exploration of work pathways and finding a way to lead a values driven life is one of the most animating topics I enjoy discussing, alongside self-development, and arriving at satisfying relationships. I began to work in the counseling field after two years of leading wilderness trips in the high desert area of southern Idaho and then obtained my Masters in Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle. After finishing my degree, I was a therapist at a wilderness therapy program in Waitsfield for three years. Prior to joining Middlebury in July 2022, I was a private practice therapist in Chicago for several years. While in Chicago, I obtained an additional Masters degree in commercial real estate finance at DePaul University. 

My self-care comes from time spent outdoors and reading. I also devote time and attention to preparing for the challenges of a rapidly changing climate. I serve on the Town of Middlebury’s Energy Committee and am committed to accelerating at the local level greenhouse gas reduction goals.