Handwriting Specialist Network

Denise is an advocate for functional literacy, handwriting, and academic engagement skills for children and youth. She has worked with families, schools, and community programming since 1995 as an ABA technician initially, and then as an occupational therapist. Denise earned her BS in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan and her master's and doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac University. She currently works for a school district, is an adjunct professor, and a National Presenter for Learning Without Tears. In the past, Denise owned and operated her own private practice and provided community literacy supports working with local homeless shelters. Denise is a member of AOTA Literacy of Practice working to increase awareness of functional literacy and occupational therapy. During the pandemic, Denise created an online (virtual) educational tutoring program pairing school age children with college students who needed to complete their internships utilizing the Keyboarding Without Tears program. Denise has advocate for legislative reformed and with the Department of Education to support children and learning needs. Denise is board certified from AOTA in Pediatrics, recipient of the Indiana University Digital Fellowship Award, Fellow of Rosters for Michigan Occupational Therapy, and two-time recipient of the Michigan OT Advocate and Legislator of the Year award. Denise is currently licensed as an occupational therapist in Michigan and Indiana. Denise prides herself in the opportunities to share literacy with others and had the opportunity to travel to China to work with schools and programs using Learning Without Tears.