Biography

Denise formerly worked as a co-trainer for the five day Restorative Discipline Coordinator Training and the two day Restorative Discipline Readiness Training for Administrators offered by TEA and the University of Texas.

Denise has over 20 years of experience in education and was the former Restorative Discipline Coordinator and educational assistant at Manor ISD’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program campus (DAEP). While serving at the DAEP, she used her experience and skill-set in the Circle Model to counsel at-risk youth and proactively intervene in crisis situations. Denise has been instrumental in developing systems that have facilitated successful transitions for students as they enter the DAEP and exit back to their home campus. This exceptional experience allows her to help grasp the necessary mindset for implementing this approach successfully.

Denise concentrates in training students, staff, parents, families and community members in the power of circle. She has served as a parent educator in Austin Independent School District, working with teen mothers and fathers. Denise not only leads circles on the campus but also lives out circle in all areas of her life, thus earning her the nickname of “Circle Mamma”.