Denise Sullivan Near is a Children's book author who turns her first-hand experience with her sweet little girl into a fun, very simply written, educational picture book. Through "Nessie and Her Tisms", Denise teaches young children about some of the unique behaviors of children on the spectrum by nurturing their natural curiosity.
In December 2016, a few days before Christmas, Denise's daughter Harper was diagnosed with Autism. Harper was just two years old at the time. In that moment, as a million questions and fears raced through her mind, one thought in particular came to the forefront of all the others; she just wanted people, other children especially, to understand her daughter. That thought resonated with her as the days, weeks, and months passed. And soon, that thought became a mission and that mission became this book, "Nessie and Her Tisms."
Denise Sullivan Near is a mother, a wife, a writer, a Dental Hygienist and an Autism Awareness Advocate. She currently lives in Williamsport, Maryland with her husband Seth and three beautiful children, Kynzee, Harper and Duke.
The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. is funded by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Funding for the MSAC is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Additional funding is also provided by Washington County Government and generous businesses, organizations and individuals.
The Washington County Arts Council is a proud member of County Arts Agencies of Maryland, Maryland Citizens for the Arts and Americans for the Arts.