I grew up in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Wissahickon High School in 2015. During my time there, I captained both the swimming and water polo teams, which instilled in me a deep sense of leadership and teamwork. I went on to swim Division I at Marist College in New York, where I pursued my passion for history and earned a degree in secondary education.
After graduating, I received the incredible opportunity to teach English in Indonesia for a year through the Fulbright program. Immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Indonesia and working with students in a remote village was a transformative experience that solidified my passion for education. Returning to the United States, I taught 7th-grade civics at an inner-city charter school in Philadelphia for three years, an experience that taught me the importance of media literacy and the power of civic education. Later, I had the honor of coordinating the Fulbright English Teaching Program, helping other educators embark on their own international teaching journeys.
My path took a life-changing turn when I suffered a severe mountain biking accident, breaking my back and requiring spinal fusion surgery with titanium rods. I was bed-ridden for half a year, and through what I believe was a miracle from God, I avoided paralysis. This experience gave me a renewed perspective on life and a commitment to helping others in any way I can. For me, education is the most meaningful way to fulfill that promise.
Today, I teach job skills within the special education department at Wissahickon High School, working with students aged 18-22 in a work-study program that prepares them for independence and employment. I also coach the swimming and water polo teams at Wissahickon and stay connected to my adventurous spirit on weekends by working at my local bike shop or volunteering with my local scouting organization Troop 98.
I like to think of myself as someone who embraces life with an adventurous and service-oriented mindset. Whether it’s teaching, coaching, or mentoring, I strive to bring energy and positivity to everything I do. Connect with me if you’re interested in swim lessons, drone videography, life coaching, or planning an adventure trip!
The Official Fulbright Page reposted one of my Pictures
See it Here
The Fulbright Program. (2021, March). Celebrating ETA alumni in Indonesia [Photograph]. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/the_fulbright_program/
The Fulbright Program also reposted this picture of mine
View it Here
The Fulbright Program. (2020, January). Celebrating ETA alumni in Indonesia [Photograph]. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/the_fulbright_program/
The Scouts BSA Reposted one of my videos
Click Here to watch!
Boy Scouts of America. (2022, July 15). Celebrating ETA alumni in Indonesia [Photograph]. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/boyscoutsofamerica/
NCAA. (2019, April). Danny Knoll recognized as a Fulbright Awardee! X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved from https://twitter.com/ncaa/
Marist College Athletics. (2019, May). Men's Swimming and Diving's Danny Knoll Awarded Fulbright Scholarship [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAxp1DIJrCw
Fulbright Indonesia also used one of my pictures for their 2020 Calendar!
Fulbright AMINEF. (2020). [American Indonesian Exchange Foundation]. Retrieved from [https://www.aminef.or.id/]
A video we made on the oldest tattooing tradition in the world went viral!
"Logo courtesy of Wissahickon School District. Retrieved from https://www.wsdweb.org/."
Special Education & Aquatics Coach
Workstudy Teacher
Swimming & Water Polo Coach
Alumni 2015
Ambler 2020 - present
Fulbright Program. Fulbright Program logo. Retrieved from https://fulbrightprogram.org/
English Teacher Coordinator & English Language Assistant Teacher
Grades 10-11 at public high School SMA 2 Payakumbuh
Indonesia 2023-2024 & 2019-2020
Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School. Retrieved from https://mcscs.org/
Washington Crossing Council, BSA. Retrieved from https://www.washingtoncrossingbsa.org/
Aquatics Director
Teaching scouts age 10-18 how to swim, save lives, and use paddle crafts
Ockanickon Scout Reservation 2018-2021