Denise is an invaluable member of the UNMH Clinical Education team. With decades of bedside and educational experience, she deeply understands the needs of frontline nurses and consistently works to ensure our education is meaningful, relevant, and evidence-based. She organizes and leads the monthly Education Forum, coordinates presenters and content, and follows through to ensure initiatives move forward. When her department needed support, she seamlessly stepped into additional responsibilities — revising and teaching the PCCOC program, overseeing the BKAT exam process for experienced nurses entering PCUs, and even serving as interim director to provide steady leadership during a time of transition.

Denise is more than organized and knowledgeable — she is an advocate. She thoughtfully questions whether educational offerings truly add value and looks for better ways to meet learning needs. She encourages professional growth by sharing new knowledge, promoting certification, and supporting continuing education development. As a newer educator, I have personally benefited from her mentorship, encouragement, and willingness to help refine content and pursue continuing education credit.

What sets Denise apart is her heart. Recently, while setting up for an advanced cardiac class, she smiled and said, “This is so fun!” That enthusiasm reflects who she is — passionate, approachable, and genuinely committed to nursing excellence. She never turns away anyone seeking guidance and is always willing to step in and support both nurses and patients alike. Denise embodies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award. We are incredibly fortunate to have her leadership, wisdom, and advocacy at UNMH.