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Dr. Denise J. Brandon

Associate Professor

I serve as a parenting and family relations specialist with The University of Tennessee Extension. I am academically affiliated with the Department of Child and Family Studies at UTK where I received my PhD. I received my undergraduate degree in Home Economics Education from Tennessee Technological University and my MS from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in Agricultural Extension Education.

My passion is improving the lives of children. I believe that developing parenting skills of their parents is one of the most effective ways to improve children’s lives. I am especially interested in high-risk families such as those with limited resources, divorced and never-married families, immigrant families, families in which there is violence, and foster families.

I was co-PI for a contract with the Department of Human Services to develop a program on parenting education and personal financial management for families making the transition from welfare to work. During this three-year contract UT Extension specialists developed over 80 hours of parenting and financial management curriculum to be used with this audience. We used a train-the-trainer model to empower current DHS program contractor employees to facilitate the curriculum. Evaluations of the program were very positive, and the program continues as the only soft-skills program being offered to Families First participants through DHS.

I provide program materials and training to Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agents across the state for the Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting program, a program for divorcing parents of minor children. It is provided in more than two-thirds of the counties across the state and meets the standards for state-mandated classes. Since January of 2001, more than 18,000 parents have been through Extension classes. Evaluations show that, over the course of the program, participants experience a significant reduction in resentment at having to attend the program. Participants in follow-up surveys report a decrease in the following behaviors since completing Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting classes:

  • talking to others about the parent when angry at the other parent,
  • sending messages through the children  
  • insulting the other parent in front of the children,
  • asking the child about the other parent,
  • asking the child to take sides
  • arguing in front of the children,
  • complaining to the other parent in front of the children,
  • yelling in front of the children, and
  • fighting in front of the children.

More than three-quarters of follow-up respondents report that they continue to use the printed materials provided in class.

I am a member of the Knoxville Youth Transitions Planning Council and the East Tennessee Council on Children and Youth. I have served as a foster parent and am keenly aware of the needs of families and youth involved in the foster care system. I am researching ways that Extension can work with these families to provide permanency for foster youth and help them make a successful transition from state custody to adulthood.

I serve as the president for the Tennessee Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for 2005-2006. Also, I am a member of the National Council on Family Relations, the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. I am involved in a variety of activities that support 4-H programs for youth in Tennessee.

Selected Articles:

Brandon, D.J., (2005). Can Four Hours Make a Difference? Evaluation of a Parent Education Program for Divorcing Parents. (Under Review, June 2005).

Brandon, D.J., and Wise, D.K. (2002). Facilitating the Transition from Welfare to Work: Focus on Process. Family Focus OnWelfare Reform II, FF15. F16-F17, National Council on Family Relations.     

Brandon, D.J., and Cunningham, J.L., (2000). Maternal age at transitionto parenthood as a predictor of children’s perceptions of well-being. Family Relations and Human Development/Family Economics and Resource Management Biennial: The Journal of the FRHD and FERM Divisions of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 4.131-143.

Dr. Denise Brandon
Contact Information

1215 W. Cumberland Ave
115 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1912

Phone: 865-974-7193
Email: djbrandon@utk.edu

Contact CEHHS

335 Claxton Complex 1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718