Meet Denise Mechan

Denise Mechan currently resides in Ocean County, New Jersey, but she was born and raised in Bergen County. She grew up in the town of Maywood and attended Maywood Public Schools and Hackensack High School.  After graduating college with a degree in Elementary Education, Denise returned to Maywood to teach kindergarten for ten years. She also later taught Kindergarten in Harrington Park for sixteen years before retiring in 2007.

Denise's career path has taken many turns—teacher, home daycare provider, Training/Employment Manager at Sterns Department Store, and Assistant to the Controller at a growing law firm. In these very diverse occupations, Denise has increased her knowledge in computer skills, telephone skills, human resource procedures, and interpersonal relationships in the business setting.

Amid those careers and increasing self-confidence, she pursued her love of singing in various choirs and now in soloing.  With her voice teacher's guidance and the encouragement of her mentor at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, she progressed from singing in the choir to becoming a cantor for masses, baptisms, and funerals. Music has always been my expression of prayer and joy, as well as my comfort.

As a result of this increased confidence, Denise became a contestant in the Ms. NJ Senior America Pageant in 2017. She then became an active member of the NJ Cameo Club, assuming the role of Showcase Coordinator a year later! Most recently, she was appointed Director of Communications on the Board of Directors, and continues to serve as the Showcase Coordinator.    

Denise moved from Bergen County six years ago to Bayville, NJ, on a lagoon where she thoroughly enjoys the community spirit, as well as the beauty of living on the water. She has been married 48 years to her husband, Tom. Together they have two sons and four beautiful grandchildren. Denise's goal is to see them grow into self-confident, well-rounded adults, willing to face life's challenges head-on, and love the water with all it has to offer!