What people are saying.

  • "Ms Kirk is one of those rare teachers that takes the time to see each kid individually and encourage their hidden talents and confidence. Our experience with Ms. Kirk in school was pivotal to our child feeling seen and heard in her school community. The creative outlet and support Ms. Kirk provided was an important component of a strong and well rounded academic environment. Additionally, we credit Ms. Kirk with fostering a love of creativity/creating art in our daughter that she may not have developed without the encouragement of an artistic professional in an academic environment. As a parent I appreciated that Ms. Kirk reached out to me to share insight and treated us as partners in our daughter's growth and development. Having parented for almost three decades, and navigated many school environments, I can assure you that is a rare quality from a teacher."

    — Erica Lyon, Webb Parent

  • “I first encountered Denia Kirk seven years ago as my kindergartner’s art teacher.  Throughout his years in the Lower School, he never particularly showed a great aptitude for artistic expression. Despite this, year after a year, Mrs. Kirk was his favorite teacher. She has a way to make children feel special, creative, artistic, and comfortable. Later, I became Denia‘s colleague in the Lower School. I found her to be approachable, encouraging, sincere,  dedicated and extremely helpful- always stepping up to assist. My office is across the hall from her glassed-in art room, and I have observed her completely engaged with the children during her art classes. Additionally, I have watched her during her after school theater club, sharing her love of acting and she is nothing less than amazing! She is joyful, animated, and enthusiastic. The students feel this and thrive under her influence. She brings out their best! Denia is the total package- graceful, kind, hardworking, dedicated to both students and colleagues, and always ready to give her all.”

    — Jeanie Morrow, Webb School Counselor

  • “Working with Denia in the studio was a pleasure! She definitely has a very wide range, and is an absolute professional."

    — Travis Wyrick, Grammy Nominated, Dove Award Winning Producer, Mixer, and Engineer ~ Lakeside Studios

  • "Ms Kirk is a multitalented teacher, artist, and director. Our son, Gabriel, had her for art and drama during his lower school experience. Ms Kirk is a caring person who brought the best out of Gabriel and supports his love of the arts. Her loving support encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and shine. We know that she made a lasting impression on Gabriel as he still talks about what he learned from her and values her input and guidance even today as a 7th grader. The Webb Middle School would greatly benefit from her talents, passion, and guidance. "

    — Luther and Dawn Little, Webb Parents

  • "Denia Kirk was the ideal cast member for The Secret Garden. Generously sharing her talent, work ethic, and team spirit night after night - she proved to be the cast member you hope will audition again and again and set the standard for those around her."

    — Leann Dickson, Director for The Word Players

  • "I have had the joy to work with Denia Kirk in multiple productions with her as director. The shows ranged from a musical to children's plays. Mrs. Kirk leads productions with efficiency and care. It can easy to feel overwhelmed in the rehearsal process, but Denia carries the production with calm and grace - always speaking to actors and crew with kindness. She is incredibly conscientious of everyone's time and abilities while supporting and nurturing their talents. During my work with Denia, I was inspired by her creativity and love for the stage."

    Bethany Lay, Central High School Choral Director

  • "In my 20+ years volunteering as a performer and crew member at Oak Ridge Playhouse, I have had numerous rewarding experiences working with Denia Kirk. She is a talented and dedicated performer who is always prepared and professional. Whether the lead or in the ensemble, Denia is committed to the production and a positive influence on the rest of the cast."

    Steve Belding, Board Member, Oak Ridge Playhouse

  • “I worked with Denia on a theater project called Gothic Cabaret. She took a lot of different songs and famous quotes, and cleverly stirred the entire mess together to created a coherent story with a beginning, a middle and an end. She also organized and directed the entire production from start to finish. It was impressive work. I think Denia is a very talented performer and director and she would be an asset to any school theater program.”

    Jim Manikas, Director of Technology, Webb School of Knoxville