Meet Danni

Danni Sutana Garder
Founder, MA MFT-Intern, MBA
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Danni is a resilient refugee from Laos, a country that endured heavy bombing during the United States’ Secret War between 1964 and 1975. Her family sought refuge in America during the 1980s, and she was raised in Wisconsin with strong Midwestern values and a solid work ethic. After working in accounting and finance, she pursued her Master of Arts in Business Administration from Lakeland University in 2007. In 2019, she relocated to the Big Island and obtained a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2023.
Danni established the Savahnlani Healing Center on the Big Island of Hawaii to provide affordable mental health services to clients in Hawaii and Oregon. The name "Savahn" means heaven in Lao, and "Lani" means heaven in Hawaiian, reflecting her mission to create a safe and nurturing space for everyone. Danni is passionate about supporting and advocating for children who have experienced severe trauma, including those affected by exploitation and trafficking. She possesses extensive experience working with individuals who identify as LBGTQIA+, at-risk youth, neurodivergent individuals, and those facing childhood challenges. Danni empathizes with the significance of cultural influence and provides therapy from a compassionate and understanding perspective. She champions an open-minded, non-judgmental approach and is dedicated to catalyzing positive behavioral change.
In her leisure time, Danni loves exploring the island, snorkeling in the ocean, and meditating on the beach. Her hobbies include crocheting, sewing, gardening, and experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques. A self-professed foodie, Danni relishes traveling to food destinations with friends and family.