About Dena
I was born and raised here in the Pacific Northwest. After college, I moved to Arizona and spent the next 15 years working on my career. In 1995, I met my first Autistic students. I enjoyed getting to know and better understand these students, and the many others that followed, so much that I knew it would be my life's work. After the birth of my second child, I moved myself and my 2 children home to the Pacific Northwest. I have been home and working in our community since 2009. I have a passion for working with families and am dedicated to helping bring peace and possibilities to their home.
I holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education, A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology , am a Washington State Certified Counselor and am Nationally Certified with PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapist and Within Agency Trainer. I have worked in various roles working with individuals and families such as; a Special Education Teacher, Administrator, School Counselor, Behavior Specialist, life and career skills instructor, Family Therapist and Counselor for over 25 years. I am dedicated to helping individuals, families, and other professionals.
I have worked in a variety of settings over the years; home-based services, residential settings and foster homes. I have worked in both public and private schools, and as a private consultant. I am formerly the Director of Education for the first private school in Arizona focusing on Autistic Students. In 2007-2008, I had the pleasure and privilege of participating in a documentary film called Two Worlds-One Planet.