Denise Leigh Waters

Love. Listen. Tell Stories.

Writer, educator, and researcher exploring how teamwork, trust, and belonging shape connection.

Smiling woman with silver hair leaning on kitchen counter in a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
“Welcome to my kitchen table on the internet.

This is a place for those who want to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves and with others. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a writer, or someone craving deeper connection, I’m glad you’re here.

I write essays about belonging, design courses that help people work better together, and research what makes trust stick in teams, classrooms, and communities.”

I’m a professor, a writer, the wife of a veteran, a military mom, and an intentional builder of belonging.

I research how connection is built (and broken) in educational spaces, and I teach others how to create environments where people trust each other enough to grow. But really? I’m a person who loves deep conversation, good stories, and leaving space for others to be seen.

This site is my offering to that work.

These words shape everything I do.

Love – I start with care. For people, for ideas, for the stories we carry.
Listen – I hold space for the quiet things, the ones that often go unheard.
Tell Stories – Through words and teaching, I help others find their own voice.

This isn’t just a tagline. It’s a practice. One I hope you’ll join me in.

Let’s stay connected.

I share quick reflections and slow-burning ideas about belonging, trust, and how we stay connected in a busy world. You can subscribe at Substack or leave your email here for even more.