Denise is a counselor for the Florida Indian Youth program, an away-from-home educational experience designed to increase high school graduation rates and to inspire Native American students to realize higher academic achievement. Her work has fostered a sense of pride and forged lasting relationships with her students. She is passionate about caring for Tribal youth—some very troubled with no parents, others struggling with their identity. It is her life’s mission to help these young people, to let them know they are not alone and that there is someone who will stay with them on their journey of healing.