Danielle DeRise graduated in 2002 from the University of Virginia with a BA in Psychology and a minor in English. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina–Wilmington in 2007, completing a rigorous degree program combining coursework in literature, literary theory, pedagogy and cultural studies with workshops aimed at building a publishable portfolio of creative material. While at UNCW, Danielle taught literature courses and writing workshops to non-majors, with the goal of making English more accessible to students who regarded it as a mere “requirement.” She also worked for the UNCW admissions office, led a creative writing workshop for seventh graders, and even taught yoga to university faculty.

As Champion Tutoring’s Executive Director, she merges her genuine passion for all types of teaching with her professional writing experience in order to continue Champion’s commitment to pedagogical excellence. Danielle lives in Charlottesville with her husband Jay, and is currently finishing her first novel.