Denise brings over two decades of expertise as a trainer, consultant, and practitioner supporting children, families, and communities facing adversity and trauma. A Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Trainer, HeartMath®, and Somatic Healing Practitioner, she integrates these modalities and other body-based practices and resilience skills into schools and community settings, helping youth and adults restore balance and strength. Denise has conducted more than 7,500 child forensic interviews, serves as an expert witness, and has trained thousands of professionals in child abuse investigations, human trafficking response, child forensic interviewing, disclosure patterns, and trauma response. She began her career in child welfare as a social worker and supervisor for 16 years, later serving as Director of Forensic Services and Victim Advocacy at a local Child Advocacy Center, where she expanded forensic services and co-led the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. Today, she continues her work as a forensic expert, somatic practitioner, consultant, mentor, coach, and trainer. A born and raised desert dweller, Denise attended K-12 schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) before continuing her education at College of the Desert, later transferring to complete her university studies. Having persevered through adversity, she hopes to inspire students to see that with courage and determination, they too can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Denise holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. As Founder and Executive Director of SpeakHeart Alliance, Denise leads with heart to develop programs rooted in justice, healing, and community resilience. Guided by a deep belief in the power of inner transformation, she approaches leadership as a practice of courage, compassion, and continual growth. A dedicated networker who thrives on connecting with fellow movers and shakers, she also serves on the Board of Nickerson-Rossi Dance and teaches dance to children. Whether she is in a barre class, on the dance floor, or advocating for collective well-being, Denise remains a lifelong champion for empowerment and equity. Most of all, being with her family and her children brings joy and light to her life—whether they are exploring, camping, at the beach, or simply sitting alongside each other.