Denise Devonish, Owner of DMD Health and Safety Training Services
1. Tell us about your business; and what is your business philosophy?
DMD Health and Safety Training Services was started three years ago. I initially was teaching American Heart Association CPR and First Aid to businesses and individuals that needed it as a job requirement. I soon added Infant Safety and Senior Safety Courses as I saw that that there was a need for CPR education and injury prevention with children and adults to the general population. Due to my previous educational and work experience I was able to develop courses that focused on injury prevention in homes and in the community.
My philosophy is to educate people in a simple and concrete way and to provide them with the knowledge on how to prevent injuries as well as how to efficiently and effectively treat them.
2. Why are you passionate about your commitment to United Way’s Community Investment Fund?
I have lived in the Gainesville community since 1993 and I worked for Tacachale for 15 years. While working at Tacachale I was introduced to United Way and their outreach in the community. Being able to give back to the community financially and also participate in community activities excites me beyond. The biggest reason why I love United Way is that the money given stays within the local community and you get to see the impact you are making on the community.
3. What is something interesting or surprising that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don't know that I am an introvert. I love to be alone and have my peaceful downtime. Without it, I become very overstimulated and my system goes into shut down mode. I enjoy being social but I do not like large crowds as I get very overstimulated.
4. What would your older self tell your younger self?
My older self would definitely tell my younger self to stay in the moment! Focusing on the past and on the future leaves us chasing impossible goals or living in regret and we never actively accomplish anything as we are always one step ahead or behind. Staying in the moment let's us appreciate and absorb what is happening now and only then will we realize that we have way more than we actually think we have.
5. Favorite quote?
My favorite quote is: "Your life is made up of two dates and a dash - make the most of the dash!" - Unknown