Dena obtained her Bachelor of Fine Art Degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Since graduating, Dena has worked as a graphic artist, commercial artist, and mother. Her artwork has received multiple awards from organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Hallmark Cards Inc., and the Museum of Church History and Art. Her paintings are in private and corporate collections.
Dena lives in Apex, North Carolina with her husband and two children.