Denise is a great friend. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of two. She was destined to become a helper and teacher. When she was four years old, she alerted hospital staff that a baby’s ventilator wasn’t working properly. The staff and her family were very proud of her. She persevered through hospital stays, joint aches, and being teased. She graduated and became a special education teacher. She is a caring individual and advocates for children. Denise is a positive asset to the field of education.