By Cindy Adams

Wherever there are cameras and lights at enCircle, you'll find Dan Montgomery behind them. They're a package deal — but Dan has this special way of making everyone want to be part of the show. Even the camera-shy can't resist Dan and his setup. That's because he's so much more than a photographer or videographer — he's Dan! And everyone loves Dan.

Though Dan came to enCircle with 25 years of experience as a newspaper reporter and editor, his role has grown far beyond writing. He taught himself graphic design, video production and photography, becoming enCircle's go-to creative force. He even stepped up as acting VP of Communications during a leadership transition. For a decade, Dan has evolved alongside enCircle, helping shape its growth and changes.

"One of my best ideas at enCircle was to take school pictures," Dan says. "Minnick students didn’t get them every year. The big school photo companies don't really serve smaller, special education schools, which meant many families never had a well-lit, professional photo of their student."

Dan turned this into a special tradition, touring the state each year to take school pictures. His arrival became an exciting event for students, and families received free photo packages that Dan personally edited and prepared.

"I'm just so proud to be part of enCircle," Dan reflects. "We work in a big circle of love and compassion, made possible by expertise and hard work. I always say that I don't do anything to support the people we serve, but I get to watch the people who do that work, and I'm always impressed."

But Dan's impact goes deeper than he admits. Behind the scenes, with characteristic humility, he's been documenting enCircle's story for a decade — from board meetings and leadership gatherings to outreach events and program initiatives. Dan has been our constant chronicler.

Now, he has exciting plans for retirement. There's music to make (he's working on guitar, ukulele, and bass), writing to do, and photos to organize. His 79-year-old Jeep needs some love, and he's eager to take some continuing education classes. He's looking forward to getting back to the gym and hitting the hiking trails in Northern California and the High Sierra. He and his wife have their sights set on road trips out West. This April, Dan's new chapter begins.

But first, he'll complete one last Minnick tour for the 2025 school pictures.

Thanks, Dan! We will miss you.