RRP: Please tell us about your career and community involvement.
Hayley: I currently serve as the Controller at Hill Hill Carter in Montgomery, where I’ve been for over eight years. It’s a full-time role that keeps me busy, but I try to stay involved in my daughter’s school whenever I can. Even small moments of showing up matter to me, whether it’s helping out at an event or just being present when needed.
RRP: Tell us about your children.
Hayley: I have three children and one grandchild, who has definitely added a new dynamic to our family. My oldest is my stepdaughter, Brantley, who is 23. Then there’s my son, John David, who is 20, and my youngest, Campbell, who is 18. We also have a 2-year-old granddaughter—John David’s daughter—who is with us about half the time. That has been both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. But she brings so much joy into our lives.
RRP: What has motherhood been like, especially as a working mom?
Hayley: Being a mom is harder than any job I’ve ever had, but it’s also the most rewarding. Each stage of parenting brings its own challenges, and when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes. Balancing work and their schedules was especially difficult when they were younger. I was fortunate to have wonderful babysitters from Huntingdon who helped with school pickups and guided them where they needed to go. I truly couldn’t have managed it all without that support.
RRP: What role have extracurricular activities played in your lives?
Hayley: All three of my kids have participated in sports over the years, and those experiences created some of our best memories. We spent a lot of time at games and tournaments, which I always enjoyed. I contributed when I could—helping in concession stands and volunteering with travel teams—though I was never the primary organizer. Still, being there and supporting them was what mattered most.
RRP: What have your children taught you about parenting?
Hayley: Each child is unique, and an approach that works for one may not be effective for another. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another, which can be frustrating but also eye-opening. I’ve also learned that kids are more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for. Decisions that feel overwhelming as a parent often don’t affect them as deeply as we expect.
RRP: How would you describe your parenting style?
Hayley: I’m not sure I could put a specific label on my parenting style. It has evolved over time and often depends on each child’s personality and the situation at hand. I’ve learned to adjust my approach as needed, trying to meet each of my children where they are. More than anything, I’ve focused on being consistent, supportive, and present—especially during moments that felt uncertain or challenging.
RRP: What are your greatest joys and challenges of motherhood?
Hayley: The joys are endless—unconditional love, watching your children grow into who they’re meant to be, and seeing the values you’ve taught them show up in their lives. There’s nothing like watching them succeed or become more independent. At the same time, there are real challenges. The preteen and early teen years can be tough, especially when that closeness shifts. It’s also hard to watch them make mistakes and know you can’t fix everything for them. Parenting in a blended family adds another layer, especially when it comes to consistency and co-parenting.
RRP: What values are most important for you to pass on?
Hayley: Faith and gratitude are at the center of everything. I want my children to appreciate their blessings and turn to prayer during challenging times. I also believe strongly in honesty, respect, and the importance of family. No matter what, we show up for each other.
RRP: How do you take care of yourself amid all of this?
Hayley: I try, and make time for simple things that recharge me—spending time with friends and family, reading or listening to a good book, and going for walks. And whenever I can, I love escaping to the beach. Those moments help me reset and take on whatever comes next.
Rapid Fire Questions
Plan or wing it? Plan it!
Early bird or night owl? Early bird, I guess.
Heels or sneakers? Sneakers
Target run or online? Online
Messy house or memories? I’ve learned to embrace the mess a little more, choosing to prioritize time together and the memories we’re making over having everything perfectly in place.
Hayley Denny has been married to her husband, Lide Denny, for 11 years. They live in the Hillwood area of Montgomery and have three children.
