About Dara Shulman
(Pronounced Dæ-ruh; “a as in apple”)
I have a strong child development background from my two decades of working in early childhood education and family settings. I graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in 2008 with a BA in English Literature and a minor in Education. I have an early childhood teaching certification from City College of San Francisco; and, am a certified Postpartum Doula via DONA International. I am also a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) via The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). I worked as an early childhood educator for eight years. Most recently, I was a service coordinator for Early Intervention, a federal program supporting children aged birth through three who qualify for special needs services. The “birth through five” world is one that I have spent most of my career working in. Now, I am shifting that focus to the very beginning of life and supporting families during this precious time.
I am a South Florida native who moved West in 2009. My east-coast traits may pop up from time to time, but I have adapted to a slower-paced lifestyle over the years. After living in San Francisco and Denver, I was ready to step away from city life. My husband, Ryan, and I moved to Santa Fe in 2019 and love being fully “in nature” here. I am an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike and ski. I also have a strong affinity for natural hot springs; I’m always on the look out to find new gems! When I’m not on an outdoor adventure, I enjoy reading, cooking, listening to music and podcasts, and playing with my dog, Rio.