Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Bitler Brings Career Expertise and Heart to Work Proudly
Meet one of the dedicated professionals helping people with cystic fibrosis build confidence, explore opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.
At Claire's Place Foundation, our Work Proudly Program is made possible in part by an incredible team of volunteers who generously share their time, knowledge, and professional expertise. One of those individuals is Denise Bitler, a nationally recognized Executive Career Strategist whose contributions are helping strengthen the support we offer people living with cystic fibrosis.
With decades of experience in career development and executive coaching, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge to Work Proudly. Through her work with Pinnacle Executive Career Partners and her TRANSCEND Framework, she helps individuals navigate career transitions, recognize their strengths, and move forward with greater confidence. Her professional accomplishments include being recognized as one of Tampa's Top 15 Coaches in 2025.
A Personal Connection to Cystic Fibrosis
For Denise, volunteering with Claire's Place is also deeply personal. She lost her cousin to cystic fibrosis in 1992, when she was just 30 years old. Her cousin's determination to embrace life and look toward the future left a lasting impression.
"My connection to Claire's Place is very personal. I lost my cousin to Cystic Fibrosis in 1992 when she was just 30 years old. What I remember most about her wasn't the disease. It was her outlook on life. She was always focused on the future, determined to make the most of every opportunity, and committed to living her life to the fullest."
That connection made the opportunity to volunteer with Work Proudly especially meaningful.
"For me, volunteering is a way to honor her memory while helping others pursue their goals, focus on their future, and live life as fully as possible. That's what makes this work so meaningful to me."Since joining Work Proudly, Denise has worked closely with our team to develop valuable career resources and training materials. In collaboration with fellow volunteer Karen, she helped create an extensive career guide designed to give participants practical tools and guidance as they navigate their professional journeys.
For people living with cystic fibrosis, pursuing education and employment can come with unique challenges. Managing a demanding treatment routine, unpredictable health needs, and career aspirations requires flexibility and thoughtful planning. Having access to experienced professionals who understand the importance of individualized support can make a meaningful difference.
Denise's contributions extend beyond her impressive professional background. Her willingness to share her expertise and help build resources specifically for our community reflects the spirit of Work Proudly: meeting people where they are and helping them move toward the futures they envision for themselves.
We are incredibly grateful to Denise for the time, energy, and care she brings to Claire's Place Foundation. Volunteers like her allow us to provide a level of personalized career support that would otherwise be difficult for a small nonprofit to offer.
Thank you, Denise, for helping our Work Proudly participants discover what's possible!
Learn more about our Work Proudly Program and how we're helping people living with cystic fibrosis pursue their educational and career goals.