Denise was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Her childhood was filled with playing competitive volleyball and softball and spending summers with her grandparents and many cousins.
Denise Received her B.S. in Communication, Sciences & Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to complete her Masters in Family Centered Early Education at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Denise has taught in preschool and elementary settings for many years and spent 5 years as a children’s associate librarian at the Ashland Public Library helping children and families connect with the rich world of children’s literature. Most recently, Denise studied Waldorf education and taught for 3 years at Madrone Trail Public Charter School bringing a class of children through first, second, and third grade. She obtained training from Rudolf Steiner College in storytelling, pentatonic flute, eurythmy, and watercolor painting through their Art of Teaching Program. She has several Deaf family members and loves sharing American Sign Language with children.
Denise, and her wife, moved to Ashland in 2007 to raise their 7 children. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading and exploring in nature.
Shauna Murphy was born in Ashland, Oregon, and grew up in McMinnville, Oregon. She returned to Ashland to attend Southern Oregon University, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture, which included a year studying in Oviedo, Spain. After homeschooling her children for several years, she received her Master’s degree with a specialization in English.
In the following years, she has been an educational assistant, classroom teacher, substitute teacher, and advisor in elementary and middle schools throughout the Rogue Valley. She strives to forge meaningful connections with students, and to help them discover the beauty of lifelong learning though art and literature.
Shauna enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, hiking, cooking, reading, writing, and spending time with her fiancé and two teenage children. She believes that we all benefit from frequent opportunities for artistic expression, and finds great joy in making this possible for children.