Christina Denny - Miss Maryland USA 2016

CHRISTINA DENNY
MISS MARYLAND USA 2016

25 | OWINGS MILLS | 1ST RUNNER-UP 2015, MISS MD 2013 (T10 MISS AMERICA),
SEMI-FINALIST 2013, SEMI-FINALIST MD TEEN USA 2008

Christina has always been very active. Growing up, Christina was a competitive gymnast for 15 years, and also avid runner, serving as captain on the varsity cross- country and track and field all four years of high school. Christina graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2012 where she was a cheerleader for the Terps, cheering home and away football and basketball games as well as wrestling and lacrosse. While at UMD, Christina majored in Hearing and Speech sciences. She also began working as an ABA therapist, tutoring a young girl on the Autism Spectrum, with whom she still works. It was her work as an ABA therapist which inspired Christina to pursue more charity work to help improve the lives of those with special needs.

Christina has volunteered with many charitable organizations, including serving as a track and field and basketball coach for the Special Olympics. She is currently on the board of directors of Karina Association, a program which provides expressive art therapy for those with various developmental and physical disabilities, and respite for their parents, at a monthly session called Karina Cafe. Through her work, Christina developed a love for teaching which continued in 2012 when she got a job as a Special Education teacher at a small private school. Making a difference in the lives of children and young adults is something that Christina has always had a passion for and she hopes to continue to positively influence the lives of those living with developmental disabilities, as well as their families, in the field of education.

Christina competed in her first pageant, Miss Maryland Teen USA, when she was just 13 years old in the hopes of improving her confidence, making friends, and getting her foot into the door of the modeling world. Throughout her time competing in pageants Christina has improved herself in many ways, and has truly developed a passion for giving back to her community, mentoring youth and empowering young women. Throughout her year as Miss Maryland USA 2016, Christina hopes to spread the message of hope, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, and self-confidence.

In her free time, Christina enjoys working out, cooking and baking, watching her favorite tv shows, and playing with her cats. She is a licensed Zumba instructor and loves leading others in their pursuit of a healthy and active life!