Danielle grew up in southwest Georgia, literally in a zoo, Chehaw Park, where her father was the director. "I had the best childhood ever but also learned early on that giving was actually receiving," she said.

She began working for attorneys when she was 21-years-old and has almost thirty years of experience as a paralegal and legal assistant in many areas of the law. Danielle said she moved to the Atlanta area 10 years ago for the diversity.

"I chose to work for the law firm of Gary Martin Hays because the firm shares my Christian belief and desire to genuinely help people in troubled times of their lives," she explained.

One of four workers' compensation case managers, Danielle's role is to assist the law firm's attorneys. Case managers are an important aspect of any law firm since they are able to devote more time to the daily details of a claim.

"As a workers' compensation case manager, I understand how a very confusing system frustrates and seems unfair to an injured worker. There are few benefits in our state," she said.

Danielle assists a person's attorney to work within this system and achieve the best possible outcome for a client. She also ensures a person is able to obtain any and all medical care that has been recommended by doctors and that they receive their limited indemnity benefits timely.

By working more closely with the client, being readily accessible, and keeping communications clear, workers' compensation managers are better able to address the needs and concerns of the individual and bring any immediate issues to the attention of an attorney.

"It is always gratifying to watch a client gain the outcome needed to rejoin the workforce," Danielle said.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys nature and being involved in local community projects. Her passions include gardening and music. She believes in music's power to unify people and help them to share in each other's joy.