McCormack loves to share stories and songs.

Stories, even and especially the simple folk and fable, shine a light on little things that have far reaching implications, including the power to draw us together in community.

Among McCormack's favorites are tales of aged heroes and strong, wise women; creation tales, myths, and epics that speak of values and perseverance; and both prose and poetry that bring to the life the magic of our glorious world.

McCormack has been a featured teller and workshop presenter at local and regional fringes and festivals, including the National Storytellers Network conferences and Philadelphia stages, and educator conferences. She has also developed and facilitated local story slams and swaps.

Workshops and small group or one-to-one coaching sessions on the practice and craft of storytelling and public speaking are lively and insightful.

Among her affiliated roles are: NJ state liaison for the National Storytelling Network, recent past chair and board member of the NJ Jersey Storytelling Festival, president of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild in Philadelphia, member of the board of the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild, and editor of National Storytelling League's publication "Story Art." She is also a member of other various and related cultural, educational, and artists organizations.

McCormack holds a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in TESOL: Language, Learning, and Literacy, besides several certifications and related awards. She is a dedicated lifelong learner with interests in neuroscience, linguistics, history, communications, and marketing, besides mindfulness and general health.

Most recently, her pursuits have reached into the worlds of online and print marketing, as well as audio production and editing--both of which rely on creative content and concise communications.

McCormack earned a 2014 Women's Achievement award by the National Association of Professional Women, was editor of NSL's Story Art magazine and chairman and facilitator of the AMK Short Story contest for many years, author of "Don't Let the Best Man Ruin Your Wedding: A Bride's Best Guide for the Best Man's Speech" and several articles related to the art of storytelling, for which Bride magazine noted her as an expert in the field, and has presented various workshops on the importance and application of storytelling for communication, healing, and connection.

McCormack’s mantra: There is a story for every time and purpose under heaven.

Her passion is further invested in her work of The Story Algorithm, MYOB: Mind Your Own Body, and bridging language gaps.

Travel: CT, MA, NH, NY, RI, Out of Region

Audience:  Pre-K, Elementary, Teens, Families,  Adults

Genre: Folktales, Historical Tales, Personal Stories, Faith-based Stories, Humorous Tales

Testimonials:

Denise McCormack has the remarkable ability to connect with and delight audiences of all ages, from young children through adults, with story.

She is also a gifted presenter of workshops concerning aspects of storytelling for anyone seeking information about its merits; she is inventive and interesting while at the same time imparting practical, relevant information.

Fred Quinn

Past President of the National Storytellers League

***

Denise listened to our mission and our goals and made sure that they were met with aplomb. She was punctual, personable, and prepared. She conveyed the value of storytelling and captured the attention of our attendees with an exemplar story that hit home about a man whose quality of life changed dramatically upon his wife' death and yet again when he adopted a new perspective to live by. Afterward, each of our members shared his or her own story of volunteering with us. In short the exercise proved to be very cathartic and one of bonding as the stories highlighted the many meaningful and personal benefits that our members found in joining our organization. The event was well-received by all.

Lynette Whiteman

Executive Director

Central NJ Caregivers

***

Denise McCormack is a wonderful storyteller, with tales for every age. She has delighted children and adults with everything from classic children’s fairytales to spooky stories.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having her perform for our Storytelling Workshop over the course of six months, with each session inspiring imagination and creativity! I especially enjoyed learning to make a “Bandana Man”, as she provided hands on ac&vi&es as well.

You have been a joy to watch and a great pleasure to hear. I hope to see you back at the Woodbury Public Library in the future!

Audra Bon-glio

Children’s Program Coordinator

Woodbury Public Library, Woodbury NJ