Denise completed her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Johnson State College in 2003. Prior to that she held a BS in Physical Education and a BA in Art Education from Carroll College, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was inducted into the Carroll College Athletic Hall of Fame in September 2002, for her contribution as a "pioneer" in their women's athletics program.

She has been teaching since 1975; her first 4 years of teaching were in Wisconsin. She moved to Vermont and began teaching here in Milton in 1980.

Denise's favorite hobby is horseback riding. She is on the board of directors of the Champlain Adapted Mounted Program (CHAMP), promoting therapeutic horseback riding.