Denise Rodriguez Bowman, MSW
Founder and Executive Director, SpeakHeart Alliance
A Desert Dweller since birth and first-generation college graduate, Denise attended Palm Springs Unified schools, continued her education at College of the Desert, and went on to complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Denise brings over 25 years of experience as a trainer, consultant, and practitioner supporting children, families, and communities impacted by trauma. Her career includes 16 years in child protection as a social worker and supervisor, followed by her role as Director of Forensic Services and Victim Advocacy at a local Child Advocacy Center, where she expanded services and co-led the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. She currently works as a forensic expert, somatic practitioner, consultant, mentor, coach, and trainer.
Denise holds a Master of Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is also a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Trainer, HeartMath® & Somatic Practitioner.
Denise is the Founder and Executive Director of SpeakHeart Alliance, a multifaceted nonprofit in the Coachella Valley dedicated to supporting children, youth, families, and individuals navigating trauma, adversity, and challenges of everyday life. She is an active community collaborator, serves on the Board of Nickerson-Rossi Dance, and is the co-founder of Raised in the Sun, a desert lifestyle label. Above all, she finds her greatest joy in time spent with her adult children and family.