A recovering Yankee, Dan Seiden was born and raised in Avon, CT where his unique childhood fostered his appreciation for learning and inspired his career in education. His high school experience as a day student at Avon Old Farm School for boys– one part Hogwarts and one part Dead Poets Society– could best be described as magical. He continued his education, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Economics at Emory University, an MBA from UNC, and a EdD in Educational Leadership at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. His Italian and Jewish roots provided Dan with a diverse outlook that he says destined hm for travel. This travel eventually lead to his transplant to our beautiful Summerville, SC. An avid Tarheels fan, Dan loves golfing and the Lowcountry.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my beautiful wife Brooke, and we have 3 children…Stella (8), Livi (4), and baby Benjamin (1). And of course Birdie, our golden retriever.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After completing my undergraduate education, I decided to change my initial plans to pursue law and started to teach at my high school alma mater. I was a dorm-parent, teacher, and coach at 22 years old! From there I came south to teach at Hilton Head for just a year, where I believe destiny brought me to meet my wife! We returned to CT where I gained a lot of experience in the business side of independent school systems and development. After the birth of our first child, my SC native wife felt the pull back southward, and we moved to western NC where I was Assistant Head of School Development at The Asheville School. An opportunity arose to bring us even closer to Brooke’s home, and we came to be at Pinewood Preparatory School here in Summerville. The thing I love the most about what I do is that it enables me to be a life-long learner. In the multi-faceted role I hold as Head of School, I’m continuously learning new things…from business to (more recently) epidemiology! I also love that it allows me to use my gift of shepherding to safeguard and protect our family and extended community at Pinewood.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
For a rare night out, it would have to be Hall’s Chophouse. It’s the “whole shabang,” and you get a wonderful total experience. And on the more casual side, you can’t go wrong with The Fish Camp to enjoy some great food with friends.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have been in Summerville and a part of our Pinewood family for 4 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dr. Dondi Costin. He and I took our respective positions about the same time, and I was inspired by him and his work as a Chaplain in the Air Force.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. I’m a foodie and have Italian roots.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Bronx Tale and the best social commentary comedy Seinfeld
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It’s something I’m reminded of every morning with my alarm: “Be the person who elevates others.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To play Augusta National.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Billy Joel
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I just love the Summerville Town Square. Its cozy, familial…the quintessential southern charmer. Whenever I’m down there, I feel like a character in the movie “Doc Hollywood.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I know he is deceased, but I’d love to have lunch with Pat Conroy…outside, peeling and enjoying shrimp together.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
People scooting around everywhere (even downtown) on golf carts…waiving and saying “hello!”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Handing my children their diplomas from Pinewood Preparatory School.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I’m a total introvert! I have a ton of energy and love people and to be out and about, but it’s not my natural state.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Beaches of Hawaii on Maui, but sunset on the May River is a pretty close second.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Thanksgiving! Food, family, football…what’s not to love. I completely unplug that day and even diet in preparation for it.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My dog Birdie.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Brooke. She’s my truth serum.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fireplaces in fall and winter. I have also come to love the smell of brisket on the smoker.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Food, pajamas, relief
