About Dena
My Scotch-Irish heritage comes out in my love of nature, storytelling, dancing, eating potatoes, and my elfish spirit. With both parents as school teachers and musicians, I found the art of teaching and making music running through my blood. Throughout college I studied the creative arts while pursuing my degree in recreational therapy. Over two decades I have worked in my field of recreational therapy with all ages of folks and in a variety of settings including agencies for the homeless, hospitals, treatment facilities, schools, child care centers, and families’ homes. Simultaneously, I have maintained a side business as an entertainer making music and spinning tales. In 1992 I began participating in The Dances of Universal Peace. This influence brought circle dances into my work with children and some adult classes. Since May of 2006 I have been certified as a yoga instructor and am thoroughly enjoying bringing this practice to people of all ages.
Here are some career highlights:
- 15+ years of professional storytelling
- 30 years as a singer/songwriter
- 25 years working with children
- B.S. degree from Arizona State University in Recreational Therapy
- Trained 1000+ early childhood providers throughout AZ, NM and OR
- Performed for over 40 different coffee houses, fairs, community centers, churches throughout AZ, CA, OR, and IN
- Performed for over 20 schools and libraries in AZ and OR
- Certified Yoga Teacher (200 hours)
Personal Connections
I have been married for fifteen years to Rob Wilder, a compassionate and creative man who is multi-talented. Whether his fingertips touch a computer keyboard, a piece of wood or a human body, he is using his art to make a difference. He is a licensed construction contractor, graphic artist, wood sculpter and Jin Shin Jyutsu practioner. His website describes in detail all that he does:
www.wilderdesigns.com
Throughout my adult life I have been donating my hair to Locks of Love. My most recent cut of 14 inches was done by a wonderful hairstylist, Kira Pinski, who donated her talents to the cause. Here are links to her website and to Locks of Love:
www.kirapinski.com
http://locksoflove.org
Contact Information
Email: dena@denawilder.comPhone: (503) 236-0854
Copyright 2006 Dena Wilder