Denise Noto, MSN, RN, C-EFM

Denise Noto, MSN, RN, C-EFM, is a dedicated Nursing Clinical Instructor and Family Birth Center Registered Nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Connecticut. With nearly three decades of experience in maternal-child health, Denise is known for a compassionate, evidence-based approach to care and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurses. In addition to active bedside practice in labor and delivery, maternity, newborn, pediatric, and public health settings, Denise serves as an adjunct clinical instructor for multiple universities across Connecticut, guiding students through immersive, hands-on clinical experiences.

Denise earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Michigan, building a strong clinical foundation that continues to inform professional practice. Early in the nursing career, Denise participated in AmeriCorps VISTA, serving at a birthing center along the U.S.–Mexico border in Weslaco, Texas. Responsibilities included providing prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, pediatric, and home-visit care to a predominantly Spanish-speaking population. Mentorship from Certified Nurse Midwives and experienced nurses—many of whom were practicing nuns—solidified a lifelong passion for women’s health, midwifery, and culturally responsive care.

A midwifery program in Miami further expanded clinical expertise, leading to practice in both hospital and birth center environments. Fluent in Spanish, Denise uses language skills daily to advocate for and support diverse patient populations. The ability to connect across cultures strengthens effectiveness as both a clinician and educator, particularly in guiding families through the transformative experience of childbirth.

After earning a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University, Denise expanded focus into academic instruction while maintaining an active clinical role. Current adjunct clinical instructor appointments include Western Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and University of Bridgeport. These roles involve mentoring nursing students in maternity and pediatric clinical rotations, including school-based pediatric experiences that integrate public health principles with individualized student engagement.

Denise’s professional philosophy centers on trust, mindfulness, teamwork, and respect. Birth is viewed as a profoundly empowering life experience when care is collaborative, attentive, and grounded in safety. By fostering strong interdisciplinary relationships among obstetricians, residents, anesthesiologists, midwives, nurses, and educators, Denise helps ensure positive outcomes for mothers and newborns alike. Through dual roles as educator and clinician, Denise remains committed to shaping confident practitioners and creating meaningful, empowering birth experiences for every family served.

• University of Michigan - Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
• Western Governors University - Master of Science - MSN - Nursing Education
• Miami Dade College - Associate's in Midwifery, Direct Entry Midwifery
• Kellogg Community College - Associate of Arts - AA
• Midwifery program

• RN – Registered Nurse
• C-EFM – Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association

• Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

• Sigma Theta Tau International

• AmeriCorps VISTA (VESS) – Birthing Center, Weslaco, Texas (U.S.–Mexico Border)
• Community-based prenatal, postpartum, pediatric, and home-visit care for underserved Spanish-speaking populations