Danielle Baker – Army veteran thriver

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

My name is Danielle Elizabeth Baker, and I am 43 years old. I was born and raised in CA and live in Los Angeles.

Who you are and what you did for the country.

I served as a Chemical Operations Specialist in the U.S. Army, deploying in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). My role required a deep level of expertise. It was a job that demanded precision and I am proud of the work I did. More than anything, though, it was the people I served alongside who made the experience unforgettable. They are not just friends; they are my family. The bond we built in those intense and challenging times continues to be one of the strongest in my life.

What type of disabilities do you have?

My military service left lasting impacts on my life, both visible and invisible.I am a survivor of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), spousal abuse, and rape. I also suffered toxic exposures that led to severe medical complications, ultimately requiring the removal of my reproductive organs. Today, I navigate life with PTSD, chronic health issues, and the ongoing emotional work that healing demands.

What inspired you to be involved in the Underwater Transformation Project?

A fellow female Veteran who had met Erena at a SCUBA event introduced me to the Underwater Transformation Project, believing it could offer something powerful to my healing journey. For years, I have struggled with self-esteem and deep self-loathing — seeing only the wounds instead of the warrior. This project offered a chance to see myself through a new lens: not as broken, but as beautiful, strong, and whole.

What were your goals for the photo shoot?

My goal was to experience myself free of judgment — to find a version of myself that existed beyond trauma and pain. I wanted the photos to capture just one second of the best of me, not as a survivor marked by trauma, but as someone powerful, and whole.. Seeing myself portrayed in such an ethereal, almost otherworldly way was a deeply emotional and powerful moment. It allowed me to view myself with compassion and pride — something I’ve struggled with for a long time.

How was the experience with an underwater portrait session?

The underwater session was magical. At first, the unfamiliar sensations of buoyancy, specific breathing techniques, and slow movement felt awkward. But with Erena’s constant kind words and encouragement I found a rare freedom. Underwater, the world is muted, time slows, and you feel weightless, it became a space where it felt safe to just be.

How was your mood after you finished?

After the shoot, I felt energized. I spent the rest of the day noticing that I was kinder to myself and I carried a sense of pride instead of shame. For the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely proud, empowered, and beautiful. It was deeply emotional in the best way possible.

What does WATER mean to you?

It is the space where pain is washed away, and new beginnings feel possible. Water reminds me that I am fluid, strong, and ever-changing — not trapped by the past, but always capable of transformation.

Do you think this experience could help overcome your trauma?

Yes, I truly believe this experience was a form of healing.  It allowed me to step into a new narrative: not just surviving, but thriving. I would absolutely go back for another underwater shoot — each experience would uncover new layers of strength and self-acceptance.

How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot?

Sleep is often elusive for me, with nightmares and anxiety haunting many nights. But the night after the photo shoot, I fell asleep quickly and solidly. It was one of the most restful nights I’ve had in years.

How was Erena working with you?

Erena was a gift. She created a space that felt safe and affirming. Her gentle guidance and encouragement allowed me to let go of my self-doubt and fully step into the moment. On a more individual note, I absolutely loved that you shared pictures with me throughout the shoot. I wouldn’t have believed that anything I was doing could be as beautiful as what. you captured, so I immediately felt so much safer trying new things and deeper dives. I also think that the saltwater was affecting my eyes towards the end (probably more to do with my eyelash extensions than the saltwater itself) and when I couldn’t quite get myself to sink I found it difficult to let go of those things and get back to the ease that I felt at the beginning of the shoot, so i think that in the future I’ll be sure to skip the lash extensions for a few months ahead of time.

Could you tell me about Aquatic therapy experience?

When I was going to the VA for physical therapy, they referred me to aquatic therapy. They had this amazing physical therapist who would guide you through exercises.It was really, really great, and I loved it. It was so helpful for me because the weightlessness and the warm water together meant I could actually stretch and move without pain. There’s no impact like there is with every other kind of exercise. So, it was a perfect way to be healthy. Then, that physical therapist left and they didn’t have any others, and subsequently, they closed the pool. So, this underwater photoshoot has been a really nice reminder of how good it feels to be in warm water to just relax and swim.

Would you recommend underwater transformation to other survivors or anyone?

Absolutely. I believe every survivor deserves to see themselves as whole, powerful, and worthy. The Underwater Transformation Project gives you the chance to see that truth, while giving you photographic evidence to remind you of that on the harder days.

What’s your dream?

My dream is to raise awareness and fight for protections for survivors of trauma, and I will continue that work for as long as I am able. I dream of  building a world where trauma survivors are supported and empowered to reclaim their lives. At the same time, I know that my own healing is a lifelong journey, and I am committed to continuing to allow myself the time and space to heal. I dream of a life where I have moved past survival and into my greater purpose.