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Meet our CEO
Healer, Visionary, Leader
A Part of My Story
Denny graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health from Mount Mary University. It was her early work on her thesis in her graduate research that HIR Wellness transformed from a dream into a thriving practice. She offers no-cost counseling and community wellness programming that inform her healing pathways and mentorship model.
Dr. Denny believes that "wellness happens when we work together; it is relational, it is intergenerational, and it requires an integrated and multi-systemic approach to addressing mental health concerns". Denny unapologetically believes that it should "not cost anyone to heal". This value continues to grow her vision of creating the next generation of healers through practice-based medicine and what she coined and developed as CAM™, Community Activated Medicine™.
News & Press Highlights
Denny is grateful to have her work, programs, and community initiatives featured by local and national media. Listed below are news stories and press highlights that share our mission, amplify community voices, and celebrate the healing work being done every day. Each feature reflects the collective effort to uplift mental health, wellness, and cultural resilience.
Honoring Dr. Lea S. Denny at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony
Dr. Lea S. Denny received an Honorary Doctorate in Community Mental Health & Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee at their Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, December 21st.
Awards
Denny is honored to share the recognition our team and community have received for our dedication to healing, advocacy, and expanding access to mental health care. Listed below are some of the awards and acknowledgments that celebrate our ongoing work, the strength of our partnerships, and the impact we’re creating together.
2025 President’s Community Engagement Awards
Medical College of Wisconsin
The President's Community Engagement Award recognizes exemplary community-academic partnerships, community-engaged research, and community outreach activities and programs of MCW faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Lea S. Denny was given this award for her contributions to community mental health in Wisconsin.
2025 Healing & Wellness Program/Person Award
City of Milwaukee, Office of Community Wellness and Safety
At the Survivors of Violence Gala, the City of Milwaukee celebrated the strength and resilience of survivors of violence, recognizing community members and organizations who provide support and create lasting change in Milwaukee. At this event, Lea S. Denny was awarded for her various healing and wellness programs she's developed and implemented at HIR Wellness Institute.
2024 Honoree
Center for Leadership of Afrikan Women's Wellness
Wine Women & Wings is a Red Carpet Affair hosted by the Center of Leadership of Afrikan Women's Wellness. This event honors unstoppable women who are leading, healing, and transforming our Milwaukee community. At this event, Lea S. Denny was honored as one of the 2024 Women honored for her work in mental health and wellness for Indigenous and underserved communities.
2024 Public Service Award
National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter
Every year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Wisconsin Chapter hosts an annual conference, where they honor 3 individuals who have shown exemplary social work service in Wisconsin. Lea S. Denny received the Public Service Award for her work in providing free and accessible mental health and wellness services in Wisconsin.
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