Denese Russell

eportfolio: deneserussell.weebly.com
3070 N. Corte Lindo Cielo, Tucson, Arizona 85745
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(949) 241-7720
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deneselrussell@gmail.com

SUMMARY

After a 20+ year career in marketing and corporate communications, I am pursuing a vocation where cultivating
confidence in children is the focus. In 2020-2021, I student taught three sophomore English classes at Tanque Verde
High School and graduated from the University of Arizona Teach Arizona Master of Education program. I believe my
career experience, combined with a passion for the creative process, health, and wellness, uniquely positions me as
a well-rounded, student-centered teaching professional.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• M. Ed. Teaching and Teacher Education, Teach Arizona Graduate Program. University of Arizona, Tucson,
Arizona (May, 2021)
• Bachelor of Science, Merchandising/Marketing. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona (1987)
• Associate of Arts, Music Performance, Piano. Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona, (2018)
• Arizona Department of Education Certification: Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12; Structured English
Immersion, preK-12, (May 28, 2021 - November 9, 2033)
• NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge - Secondary (January 4, 2021)
• NES Subject Knowledge - English Language Arts (January 8, 2021)
• Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Health Coach Certification (2012)
• Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Teacher Certification (2004)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Student Teacher, English - Grade 10

Tanque Verde High School, Tucson, Arizona (August 2020 - May 2021)

• Planned and delivered a standards-based, blended (online/in-class) curriculum for three 10th grade classrooms.
• Evaluated effectiveness of lessons and student performance through formative and summative assessments.
• Managed grading for the assignments in my classrooms.
• Embraced education-oriented technology for maximum student engagement including Google Classroom, Pear
Deck, Jamboard, and Flipgrid.
• Fostered regular communication with parents.
• Participated in professional development and staff meetings.

Workshop Facilitator/Health and Wellness Specialist

Self-Employed, Tucson, Arizona (2012 - 2019)

• Created curriculum for and led an on-line workshop for cultivating confidence centered around the book, The
Artist’s Way. Managed the course through the online platform, Ruzuku. Promoted the course through Mailchimp
and Facebook. (2019)
• Published three articles in Holl & Lane magazine: Issue 16, “The Second Half”; Issue 17, “Lighting Your Inner
Fire”; and Issue 18, “Women Impacting the World.” (2018)
• Facilitated 40-day workshops for 40 yoga studio members encouraging the habits of yoga, mindfulness and
healthier eating centered around the book, 40 Days to Personal Revolution. (2015, 2013)
• Led group discussion around the book, The Desire Map, a unique goal-setting perspective centered around how
we want to feel rather than what we want to achieve. Content was presented through in-person workshops, author
videos, and personalized weekly e-mails. (2014)
• Designed a 10-week remote discussion of the book, A New Earth utilizing freeconferencecall.com and Mailchimp
for weekly calls and e-mails. (2012)
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Marketing Communication Specialist

Self-Employed, Tucson, Arizona (2009 - 2012)

Launched the marketing communications business, Thoughtful Content, Meaningful Communications Platform and
Content Strategy, to help businesses recognize social media as a powerful marketing tool and confidently transition
to the more relational type of voice it requires. Projects included:

• Cultivating partnership between building products manufacturer and architects by launching Inside the Exterior, a
blog where I interviewed architects and wrote articles that explored their philosophy around quality design.
• Researching on-line influencers and drafting pitch letters for authors seeking promotion of their books.
• Explored keywords for search engine optimization for marketing agency.
• Wrote 40 articles for “Design Everyday,” a blog affiliated with Light Home, an Australian design magazine.

Corporate Communications Manager

James Hardie Building Products, Mission Viejo, California, (2000 - 2008)

Collaborated across the entire business including senior management, manufacturing, human resources, marketing,
sales, as well external distribution and customer base. Prepared press releases, talking points and media interviews
for executives throughout business acquisitions, downsizing, class-action settlements and new product launches.

Designed communication materials that told a story and simplified complex issues. Created a communication
platform to position the company’s products in the context of smart and sustainable green design through the
following:

• Directed the writing, editing and publishing of the book, Streetscapes, Creating Better Places to Live. Authored by
industry experts, third-party credibility opened the door for sales team to influence hard-to-reach city officials and
developers.

• Effectiveness led to the organization of a “Streetscapes Tour Across America” for Australian and New Zealand
developers and the publication of a second book entitled, The Value of Design and its affect on our lives &
communities.

• Developed and promoted “Streetscapes” educational workshops presented by industry experts. Attendance by
city officials and developers influenced better home designs and increased sales in multiple markets.

Marketing Services Manager

Lasco Bathware, Anaheim, California, (1994 - 2000)

Managed national trade show logistics, exhibit design, advertising, public relations and corporate communications
for $300 million bath product manufacturing business. Awarded “Employee of the Year” for managing the re-
branding of all product marketing literature.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Forest Pharmaceuticals, San Francisco, California, (1991-1992)

Presenting prescription drugs to physicians peeked my interest in pursuing a career in communications. By utilizing
tools provided by the company in daily sales calls, I learned to appreciate the importance of simplicity and the need
to truly understand the mindset of the desired audience.

Jenny Craig, San Francisco/Bay Area, California

Counselor/Sales/New Hire Sales Trainer/Store Manager (1988-1991)

Taught corporate sales training courses for new employees. As Store Manager, received the award for “Most
Improved Center.”
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TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

Creativity / Self-Awareness / Health and Wellness:

• “The Artist’s Way,” with author Julia Cameron, 1440 Multiversity (2019)
• “Dream Camp,” with author Dani Shapiro; health expert, Kris Carr; designers Nate and Jeremiah Berkus; and
former executive producer for the Oprah show, Sheri Salata, 1440 Multiversity (2018)
• “The Stories We Carry,” with author Dani Shapiro, Kripalu (2017)
• “The Artist’s Way,” with author Julia Cameron, Sedona (2016)
• “Make a Tiny Book,” with writer, Alexandra Franzen, Portland (2015)
• “Ashtanga Yoga Training,” Costa Rica (2007), Bali (2008), India (2009) El Salvador (2009)
• “Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher Training,” Maya Tulum (2009)

Marketing / Branding / Social Media / Communications:

• “Social Media Success Summit,” Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner (2009)
• “White Paper Boot Camp,” Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner (2009)
• “Leadership Development,”James Hardie Industries (2008)
• “Strategic Branding,” Kellogg School of Management (2005)
• “Internal Branding,” Advanced Learning Institute (2005)
• Public Relations/Marketing Communications coursework, University of California, Irvine (1999)

VOLUNTEER WORK

• Tu Nidito, Tucson, Arizona. Facilitated discussions for adults caring for children experiencing grief from loss of a
loved one. (2015)
• Big Sisters of Orange County, Tustin, California. Mentored an eight-year-old girl struggling with parents divorce.
(2008)

ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

Google Classroom, Pear Deck, Jamboard, Flipgrid, Squarespace web site and blogging platform, Mailchimp e-mail
campaign platform, Ruzuku online educational platform, Microsoft Office, Macintosh operating system.