DENISE is a certified secondary teacher, theatre educator and teaching artist who has worked across university, conservatory, and school settings, including North Central College, Australian Institute of Music, Paramount School of the Arts, The Children’s Theatre of Western Springs, Imagine Performing Arts, BAM, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, The National Theatre, Kids Up Front, Sister2Sister School of Singing, Academy for Music and Art, and the New South Wales Department of Education. She spent two fulfilling years working as a special education teacher and that time shaped her teaching philosophy. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating inclusive, student-driven classrooms that balance individualized high expectations with creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Drawing on a range of evidence-based methodologies and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices, she empowers students to build confidence, think critically, and develop authentic artistic voices.