Denise Archilla, MSW's Linkedin Analytics

In 1985, I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Biology and Health Education. In 1990, I earned a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama. I worked in pediatric medicine for many years at Arnold Palmer Hospital (APH) for Children, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and Johns Hopkins Outpatient Centers. I assisted in forming the first multidisciplinary team for Cystic Fibrosis at APH. Later, I also spent time in private practice, providing counseling for children and families. Eventually, I began teaching, earning Montessori Certification (6-9), in order to have a more flexible schedule for my young children. In 2008, I co-founded Spark! Family Enrichment Center and continued to teach and work with children and families for several years, developing many programs to enhance and enrich children’s lives. I worked with and was inspired by the children and families dealing with chronic conditions there and met two of my greatest inspirations. It was their enduring courage and conviction to help others dealing with chronic illnesses while also dealing with their own that drew my attention back to the medical arena. Through the culmination of 30 plus years of experience as a pediatric clinical social worker, educator, advocate, and life coach, I founded the Chronic Warrior Collective, LLC (formerly Chronic Connection, LLC), the Chronic Warrior Society, and the Chronic Warrior Coaching program. I realized the need for specific programs aimed at connecting warriors with others that get it and empowering them to dream, set goals, and thrive despite the obstacles they face - especially as they transition from dependent teens to independent (or as independent as possible) young adults. My specialty is working with chronically ill teens, young adults, and their families in a variety of ways and settings helping them to realize that “chronic doesn’t mean can’t!”