CEDAR PARK, TX, December 17, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Denise M. Geiger has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Geiger has established a notable tenure in special education, with a particular focus on transition services for students with disabilities. Since 1999, she has served as the first and only senior transition coordinator for special education at Leander Independent School District in Cedar Park, Texas. In this capacity, Ms. Geiger has been instrumental in expanding the district's transition program from a single job coach to a robust team of over 40 coaches, all dedicated to preparing students for successful adult lives. Her leadership has empowered staff and students alike, fostering an environment where young adults can demonstrate their abilities and achieve meaningful outcomes beyond the classroom.

Early on in her transition services journey between 1999 and 2005, she identified critical gaps in service delivery and championed innovative practices that have since become models for other districts across Texas. Ms. Geiger's efforts culminated in the creation of "Transition English 4," a specialized class designed for Senior students in High School who have traditionally participated in resource or modified programs. This course integrates English language skills with essential transition topics, equipping students with the tools necessary for independent living and employment.

Her work continued to identify concerning gaps within transition systems. Dramatic change needed to happen between the ages of 3 to 22. Topics that have significantly changed over the years are including student participation in their IEP meetings starting at age 3, self-determination and compliance within transition. As transition services became more established, Ms. Geiger championed establishing viable vocational services through special education at the 6 high school campuses as well as lighting the way for the establishment of 18+ Transition Services. She continues to work through transition topics that need system change such as a stronger partnership with Career and Technical Education in the High School and Healthy Relationships and Sexuality between 18-22 years of age.

Ms. Geiger's expertise encompasses transition special education, improving outcomes for students with disabilities, facilitating transitions to adulthood, and working closely with the district parent liaison so that all bases are covered to ensure and advocate for family-centered planning. Her innovative approach has set new standards within Texas and inspired educators statewide.

Ms. Geiger's early career was rooted in deaf education. She began as an elementary teacher specializing in deaf education from 1987 to 1989, then advanced to teaching at the middle school level for two years. She then spent more than eight years as a high school deaf education teacher, during which she witnessed firsthand the evolving federal landscape for transitions for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Geiger's commitment to professional growth led her to attend numerous classes on effective transition strategies, ensuring her students received comprehensive support tailored to their aspirations—whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce.

In preparation for her career, Ms. Geiger received a bachelor's degree in communication disorders from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1985, and a master's degree in deaf education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, in 1987.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Ms. Geiger is a frequent presenter at the Texas Transition Conference, where she shares best practices and innovative strategies with peers across the state. She is also actively involved in civic and professional organizations. She has chaired the Christian emphasis committee at Twin Lakes Family YMCA since 2016, served on the advisory board of nonPareil Austin since 2018, contributed as an educator with the Leander Education Excellence Foundation since 2023, and served on the boards of Paxton Patterson and Inspiring Access since 2025. Additionally, Ms. Geiger's longstanding commitment to faith-based service includes multiple terms as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at her local Presbyterian church.

Throughout her tenure as an educator, Ms. Geiger has maintained close relationships with her former students, many of whom have achieved significant personal and professional milestones. Among her high school students, several earned advanced degrees while others successfully entered the workforce or lived independently despite substantial challenges.

The impact of Ms. Geiger's work was further evidenced by the dedication of a building in her honor on September 6, 2025, a testament to her enduring influence within the district and community. Her contributions have also been recognized through several honors, including the Sunshine Award for Outstanding Educator from Hill Country Community Ministries in 2024.

Looking ahead, Ms. Geiger intends to retire after four decades of service and transition into consulting within educational transition services for school districts. She remains dedicated to ensuring that the systems she helped build continue to thrive independently while seeking greater balance between professional commitments and personal fulfillment through writing and family engagement.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #