Organization / Affiliation
Mentor
Biography
Denise began her career working with people at a very young age. As a teenager she worked summers at camps to young people diagnosed with developmental disabilities and emotional delays. During her college years Denise worked in group homes for adults with developmental disabilities to pay her way. She soon realized that the jobs she was drawn to would direct her education and ultimately her career and went back to school for a master’s in social work. Over the next few decades, Denise worked in residential services and work-related programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and with adults living in psychiatric settings across several states, including Colorado, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. She learned during these years that it was easier for her to work with and support people when they were happy and felt respected. So, becoming a part of the Learning Community for Person Centered Practices fit naturally. As the Senior Manager of Residential Services for Loudoun County’s Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse & Developmental Services, Denise can support person-centered practices in a way that touches the lives and services for a large group of people. She has been a Person-centered Thinking Coach since March 2020, just before the pandemic hit hard. Since then, she has been providing the 2-day Person centered Thinking Training to the County’s workforce as well as any other workforce members who want to participate.
Focus Areas
Trainer Certifications
