Dena is a board-certified Physician Assistant who currently serves on the Palliative Care team at JPS Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with honors from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2015.

Dena’s career includes valuable contributions to the Palliative Care team at UT Southwestern in 2017, and she transitioned to her current role at JPS Hospital in January 2022, where she continues to provide compassionate care to patients and families experiencing serious illness.

Dena is committed to advancing the field of palliative care through ongoing education and professional development. She has completed serious illness communication training with VitalTalk, presented at ELNEC conferences, and developed the curriculum for the UTSW APP Oncology Fellowship. She also earned a PA Certificate in Palliative and Serious Illness Care from the Shiley Institute for Palliative Care and collaborated with the NCCPA to help establish the new 2023 Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care CAQ exam.

In 2023, Dena was nominated and elected to the position of APP Acclaim Board of Director Representative, where she advocates for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), particularly Physician Assistants (PAs).

Outside of work, Dena is a dedicated toddler mom, enjoys cooking, savoring coffee, and spending time with her Australian Shepherds, Obi Wan and Luke.