Denise has been the co-founder and Executive Director of Hope Floats since 2008. After the devastating loss of her oldest son Michael, she and her husband Ken, founded the nonprofit bereavement and education center as a way to support other families and adults who are dealing with loss and grief.
She is responsible for over-seeing all support programs, events, and workshops at the center. She a contact person for individuals seeking support services and counseling and for doing the delicate work of in-takes, both over the phone and in person, for individuals and families who wish to attend support groups, retreats, or our family program, Mike’s Club. She also organizes various fundraisers, seeks out strategic partners and sponsors. She overseas financial operations and manages correspondence with private donors, business sponsors and grant providers.
Denise holds a Master’s Degree from Lesley University. She is a long-time educator and entrepreneur. She taught elementary school, primarily as an inclusion teacher, for 13 years and while she has left public schools, she continues to teach in new ways at Hope Floats. She strives to apply her skills and her life experience to support adults, children and their families who are grieving.