Denise OBriain - Montreal, Quebec
Languages have always been of interest to Denise. She did her elementary education in French while living in Germany, learned the ASL alphabet in Girl Guides, and studied Russian for being a Nanny in Moscow.
Denise completed her Bachelor of Social Science in Leisure Studies from the University of Ottawa and spent the next 15 years working with adults and children with special needs in both recreational and educational settings. Knowing how important communication is for those with speech difficulties, Denise added formal ASL training to her current knowledge of communication boards, picture symbols, PECS and facilitated communication.
With the arrival of each of her two sons, Denise started teaching them basic ASL to ease the frustration around mealtimes. “I wish I’d been able to take a formal Baby Sign Language class back then” she states “but there wasn’t one available. So I decided to become a My Smart Hands instructor to make sure this wonderful opportunity to communicate with your children was available to other mothers.”
Denise is excited to offer My Smart Hand classes in Hudson, St. Lazare, Vaudreuil-Dorion, the West Island and surrounding areas. She hopes to help parents, teachers and caregivers learn an effective way to functionally communicate with their children and students.
