Denise DuVernay grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1998.  In 1999, Denise adopted a rescued cat, Chloe (on left) who currently still lives at home along with her younger sister, Frida.

At Florida State University, Denise met her best friend and writing partner, Karma Waltonen.  Together they rock the academic conference circuit and are collaborating on a pedagogical book on The Simpsons.

Denise came to Milwaukee in 2002 where she has worked as a server, adjunct, and tech writer.  She likes to write, cook, watch TV, and one day hopes to have a yard so she can explore the magical world of extreme gardening.