Ms Denise has extensive experience guiding and mentoring girls. She has been a part of Petaluma’s Live Oak Charter School community for 21 years, wearing many hats from Enrollment Coordinator to substitute teacher, summer camp leader and periodically, lunch chef!

She has raised three daughters of her own and has been a nanny to three more. Ms Denise was the After School Coordinator at Live Oak for 12 years, leaving her position to concentrate on bringing girls together for MoxieCats!

Her education includes early child development, psychology, biology, and (yes!) training horses. Most recently, Ms Denise obtained a Childhood Education certificate with Site Supervisor status enabling her to have her own childcare program in California.

Ms Denise in her own words…

I love working with children of all ages although my focus has narrowed to supporting and mentoring girls 9-12 years old. These girls stand at the threshold between youth and young womanhood. They are brimming with gumption, sass and strength. They want to be seen and heard. Collectively, they evoke my out-spoken 5th grade self, after many years being shy and quiet, I became bold in sports, school and the arts with the guidance of female mentors.

I want to help girls tap into and hold onto their power. We see how the world downplays women via media and the workforce. I believe that bringing girls together in female-supported circles helps them explore, expand and execute on their highest vision of themselves.

It is my dream to provide these girls with a deeper personal experience- one that addresses a girl’s inner life, and focuses on developing brave and life-sustaining practices. I am passionate about showing girls the value of community giving, of challenging their point of view, and widening their experiences of themselves and others. There is no doubt that girls have a special strength- my aim is to keep that fire burning!

Please contact me with questions that you might have concerning Moxie Cats Programs or my experience working with girls.