Denise Mitten headshot

Denise Mitten

PhD

Faculty Emerita, Prescott College

Bio

Denise Mitten, PhD, MS (counseling with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling) is internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender. Dr. Mitten received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award from Ferris State University for her efforts around wellness for underserved groups in Michigan. Along with over 100 articles and book chapters, books Dr. Mitten has authored or edited include Health and natural landscapes: Concepts and applications, Experiential education theory and practice, Maternal thinking: Gifts, the mother’s body, and Earth, and the Palgrave international handbook on women and outdoor learning. Professor Mitten received the Distinguished Researcher Award for her creative and innovative impacts on research within the experiential education community, including examining ethical development of outdoor leaders, how body image relates to participation in outdoor activities, health benefits of being in nature, and outdoor therapy as complementary medicine. As Professor Emerita, Denise continues her research in trauma from outdoor incidents and other areas.