Denise has been practicing as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for more than 13 years and has worked with children from various backgrounds and age groups throughout her career. She understands that each has their own set of challenges and always put their needs first while working alongside them and their caregivers.
Denise earned her Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Bellevue University and my Associate Degree in Applied Sciences of Occupational Therapy from Delaware Technical Community College. She is a certified DIR-Floortime provider, an AOTA certified Fieldwork Educator, and is trained and certified by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in the ADOS-2. Returning to school later in life gave her a perspective that is hard to gain when education happens on a more traditional timeline. She connected OT theory to her own lived experience. Denise believes this made her education purposeful rather than abstract and deepened her appreciation for Occupational Therapy as something intentional and meaningful.
Her approach is grounded in a strong sense of responsibility and care. She understands that behind every child is a family doing the best they can with the resources they have. This awareness allows her to support families without judgment, to listen before assuming, and to partner with them rather than “fix” them. Denise’s OT journey has taught her that success looks different for everyone and that respect and patience are essential in helping others thrive.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, vacationing, shopping, and relaxing at home with her two loveable mutts, Evie and Marnie. Denise is a true Philadelphian and an avid Flyers fan now living in Tennessee with her family. Her “love language” is cooking for friends and family and making sure that everyone leaves with leftovers.
