Denise McKinney grew up mostly in the wild western town of Casper, Wyo. where her parents lived out ministry right before her eyes as foster parents to dozens of kids during two decades. Continuing in that legacy, she's been walking the road of faith with students and their families for about 15 years: as Director of Student Ministry at Redeemer Covenant Church in Tulsa for 13 of those years, and now as a ministry coach, writer, and communicator.

Second only to her heart for students and their families is her passion for music. Whether she is performing, leading worship songs, or directing a choir, her hope is to take people on a personal and spiritual journey with through the expression of music.

She is the author of the YS book, Mile Markers: A Path for Nuturing Adolescent Faith, a speaker for camps and retreats, and a singer/worship leader. Her favorite place on the planet is the Teton Mountains in northwest Wyoming and she considers cinnamon rolls dietary necessities for health and happiness! She lives in Tulsa, Okla. with her husband Gary, and two kiddos, Lanie & Garrison.