Meet Deena
Meet Deena
Welcome Mama. I am Deena. So glad you stopped by. Pull up a chair, and let’s get to know each other!
I definitely have the gift of gab. If we were sitting together having a cup of coffee and getting to know each other I’d probably be the one asking you all kinds of questions about yourself, finding out what you love, what inspires you and just enjoying getting to know you better and probably talking your ear off. But if you were the one asking me questions about myself and what I love or what inspires me I’d probably tell you this…
First, and most importantly, I am a God’s girl all the way. I wouldn’t even be here doing this without Him. My heart is to serve Him by using my voice and experience as a fellow mom in the trenches to encourage moms navigating the sometimes treacherous terrain of extreme parenting. Whether that’s raising a child or teen with special needs, dealing with those tough behavior challenges, struggling through mental illness or addictions, or managing the many responsibilities of family & marriage. My heart is to equip, and empower moms to become a specially empowered mom, thriving in all areas of life, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Family
Secondly, I am a wife to an absolutely amazing husband. Doug is a visionary and a genius who’s quirky, headstrong, sarcastic, silly and he makes me laugh and roll my eyes on a daily basis. We are total opposites so he can definitely push my buttons like no one else can and he challenges me to do things that I probably would never even try on my own. He is my biggest cheerleader and encourages me to pursue my dreams. I am definitely a better person because of him. One thing I know for sure we do have in common is we both have a heart for hurting, disenfranchised and marginalized people just like Jesus did. We have been through hell and back together and have survived more trials than any couple should have to endure but we know God put us together to do big things in this world so quitting on each other is not an option. I would not want to be on this crazy, unpredictable, incredible journey called life with anyone else but him. Doug and I will spend the rest of our lives fighting to make this world a better place for our future generations.
Thirdly, I am a mom of 5 and a grandma of 4. I adore all of my children. When Doug and I got married 25 years ago his first wedding gift to me was the gift of his 3 beautiful children, Gina, Tommy and Dougie, whom I’ve loved and cared for as my very own and God blessed us with two more beautiful children together, Tony and Gracie. We are a very close family with different, quirky personalities that all bring something special to the mix.
Our youngest daughter Gracie has Down Syndrome. She is the light of our lives and the glue that holds our family firmly together. She has been my biggest challenge and my greatest joy. She has taken me on a journey of self-discovery and revealed parts of myself and my heart that I didn’t even know existed. I could have never known all that God had in store by bringing her into our lives and all He was going to do through her and this life of being a special needs mom.
I have a twin brother. I always thought it was pretty cool to be a twin. We have lots of crazy twin stories. We still say to this day “Wonder Twin powers – activate”!
I come from a big Italian family. We don’t know how to do anything small. We do everything BIG and LOUD! Oh and we don’t do anything without lots and lots of FOOD!!! My family are passionate people and they absolutely love to make you feel special. It’s all about the details and the experience. You may come in as a stranger but you will definitely leave as family. And maybe 10 pounds heavier. Like I said we don’t do anything small.
Career
For nearly two decades, I served as the Executive Director of Eastside Teen Outreach, walking alongside over 1,000 at-risk teens and their families. Those years taught me how to advocate for those who feel voiceless, how to hold space for someone’s struggles, and how to see the potential in situations others might dismiss as hopeless.
Now, as an author, speaker, and coach, I’m dedicated to empowering moms facing the challenges of special needs parenting, trauma, and extreme circumstances. My work focuses on providing practical strategies and biblical truths to help moms reclaim their identity, find joy, and parent from a place of victory.
My upcoming book, Stand and Fight Like a Girl, is a raw and honest account of my journey of transformation as a special needs mom who went from being in a place of despair to becoming an empowered mom. It’s a guide filled with hope and practical wisdom for moms who feel overwhelmed or weary. My mission is to remind moms that they are never alone and God has equipped them to overcome every challenge they face. Every mom can rise above her circumstances and live fully in their God-given purpose and identity.
When I’m not coaching, writing, or speaking, I’m creating content for my YouTube channel, Specially Empowered Moms, and co-hosting the Junk Drawer Mamas Podcast with my friend Christina. These platforms let me connect with moms like you, offering hope, healing, and real-life advice for navigating the messy, beautiful chaos of extreme parenting.
From working with at-risk teens to coaching weary moms, my mission has always been the same: to empower and equip those who feel unseen and unheard. Whether I’m writing, speaking, or coaching, my goal is to create spaces where moms can feel understood, supported, and inspired to step into their God-given calling.
Every project, every word, every video—it's all for you, Mama. I’ve walked the path of feeling unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed, and I know how lonely it can be. But God has shown me that through the pain, there’s purpose. And that purpose is to empower you to stand and fight like the warrior you are, equipped with faith and love to overcome every challenge.