Daniela Anino, ASL Site Director

danielaanino@aveson.org

Daniela Anino Gapezzani is a bilingual educator and principal with more than 20 years of experience leading schools, founding innovative programs, and advancing equity in education. She currently serves as Site Director of Aveson School of Leaders in Pasadena, where she is dedicated to creating joyful, rigorous, and inclusive learning environments rooted in project-based learning, outdoor education, environmental consciousness, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Daniela earned her Master of Science in Administration and Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University and her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. She is credentialed in multiple subjects, bilingual education, and administration, and certified in Cognitive Coaching, Kagan Cooperative Learning, and Understanding by Design. She also completed the Harvard University certification in Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles and continues to pursue advanced leadership training.

Her vision is to provide a safe and caring environment where all students can develop their abilities to their highest potential through engaging, meaningful activities. She believes in nurturing the whole child,  socially, emotionally, and academically; through innovative practices that prepare them to contribute to safe, successful, and compassionate global communities.

Her leadership has been recognized with multiple awards. The Education Equality Index named her school one of the top ten in Los Angeles for closing achievement gaps in socio-economically disadvantaged populations. LAUSD honored her school in 2014 for high academic achievement and separately recognized her for significantly reducing suspension rates. She also received recognition from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the opening and success of New Heights Charter School, and from Blair Magnet School for her work establishing the LEARNS after-school program.

Daniela has guided schools through moments of transformation and crisis, from launching new charter schools to reopening after the Eaton Canyon fires in 2025. Known as a bridge-builder and problem solver, she leads with empathy and vision. Above all, she believes education must nurture the mind, heart, and spirit, creating schools where children feel valued, capable, and empowered to shape a more just and sustainable world.