Originally from Calgary, her education includes her High school diploma (1981), as well as her Early Childhood Certificate. Denise has received various and many certificates of continuing education in her field and is involved with committees dealing with Different Disabilities
In following her dream and passion, Denise is now the President/owner of her own company stepping into L.I.F.E. Inc., a non-profit agency that offers services in aiding Special Needs children, teens and adults, teaching Life Skills for those requiring assistance in leading a more independent lifestyle.
It was Denise’s insight and creativity that established the name to include the acronym for Life Skills which has become the trademark title in which she operates her services. Learning Independent Fundamentals Everyday (L.I.F.E.)
Denise has also been the forerunner in creating the company’s step by step program books for Stepping into L.I.F.E Inc. She has written an article in Resource Magazine dealing with Life Skills for families with l
oved ones diagnosed with Special Needs disabilities.
She has worked in the Windsor Essex School Board for just over 10 years in classrooms working with various Special Needs children. Here in Calgary she worked at Renfrew Educational Services as the Life Skills Coordinator creating and implementing her own curriculum.
Denise opened her home to a very complex former student for 2 years, as the family could no longer handle this young girl at the time. This girl continues to be a very important part of her life and Denise is now her Legal Guardian as well as Trustee. Denise comes from a very large family of 9 children in which one of her brothers has Special needs.
Denise is very personable, friendly, creative and organized and includes a contagious laugh that follows her wherever she goes. She provides a warm, loving and safe environment to everyone she cares about and works with. She has no need for recognition of her accomplishments just the self-satisfaction of knowing she is helping others and assisting in the steps they need to become more independent to reach their potential and become a contributing member of their own families and the community.