Denise Whitton works as a Support Specialist in Senior & Disability Services in Ketchikan.

Born and raised in Ketchikan, Denise has been here for “many, many moons.” She says she remembers the town before tourism was the main industry, back when logging and fishing still dominated the economy.

She used to work with children in the schools as a paraprofessional. She was looking for work during the summertime and a coworker suggested checking out Community Connections. Now she’s been with us for over 10 years!

Denise works mainly with one customer, and has become a key role in their life over the years. She helps her customer with schoolwork and art projects, and they take walks around Ward Lake.

“Learning to be aware of your surroundings, and other things that are going on around you, outside of yourself,” is a big part of why it’s important for individuals with disabilities to get outside in community spaces; they’re able to interact with other people and the environment. Denise says it’s been hard with the pandemic, since they can no longer visit the library or Rendezvous as much.

In her free time, Denise likes to spend time crocheting, quilting, reading, walking. Currently she’s working on a quilt with killer whales on it.

“I like to create,” she says.

Thanks Denise, for everything you do!