A native of New Jersey, Denise relocated to Yarnell, Arizona with her husband in 2012. Nine months later, the Yarnell Hill Fire and subsequent recovery efforts forever bonded her to the Weaver Mountain communities. Denise’s background is in music education and performance. She taught piano and voice lessons for 28 years and was privileged to teach at the Model Creek School in Peeples Valley for three years. In 2015, she experienced a mid-life career change after being hired at the Yarnell Fire District to manage the FEMA SAFER Grant. Denise developed anew philanthropic passion, prompting her to earn the Certified Grant Writer® Professional Credential from the American Grant Writers’ Association. She incorporated a grants consulting firm, LDR ProSolutions, LLC, and still enjoys her position at the Yarnell Fire District and performing music. In 2020, her devoted husband, Lou, passed away suddenly. In 2021, Denise remarried Joe Whitley and relocated to his home state of Texas. She is excited to assist many organizations with grant proposals and to teach classes to other proposal writers. Denise holds a Bachelor’s degree in Small Business Administration.