Founder & Owner

Brigitte Denton founded Beyond Limits Education to expand access to high-quality, inclusive training for first responders, healthcare providers, and outdoor professionals—especially in rural and remote communities.

With over two decades of experience in education, EMS, and outdoor leadership, Brigitte blends academic expertise with real-world field experience. She holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Marine Sciences emphasis), and multiple healthcare and wilderness medicine certifications. Her teaching career spans K-12, college, and outdoor education, with extensive curriculum development in both classroom and field environments.

In addition to running Beyond Limits Education, Brigitte is a lead instructor and education specialist with Wilderness Medical Associates International, teaches at Cerro Coso Community College, and serves her community as an Advanced EMT in Mono County. Her career includes frontline experience as a professional ocean lifeguard, SAR volunteer, outdoor guide, and field educator—bringing a trauma-informed, inclusive, and practical approach to every training environment.

Brigitte is deeply committed to improving EMS education access in rural areas and is leading grant-supported initiatives to develop hybrid training programs, instructor development pipelines, and degree pathways through partnerships with community colleges and regional agencies.

When not teaching, you’ll likely find Brigitte skiing, climbing, paddling, or enjoying the backcountry with her husband—always continuing to learn and explore.

K-12 Education

Brigitte began her teaching career in public schools, working with students from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. She taught integrated science in middle schools, developed field-based research programs, and designed inclusive science curricula that emphasized hands-on learning and environmental connection. In addition to classroom teaching, Brigitte provided science enrichment, homeschool instruction, and independent study support for K-12 students, blending formal education with experiential learning.

EMS & Clinical Teaching

Former Los Angeles County Lifeguard PC: Stellan Clark

Brigitte brings frontline experience as an Advanced EMT with Mono County EMS, where she has worked since 2019 and continues to serve on the ambulance. She supported Mono County’s COVID-19 response through the Emergency Operations Center and currently teaches EMT courses at Cerro Coso Community College. As a lead instructor and education specialist with Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMA), her clinical teaching focuses on bridging classroom knowledge with practical field application, emphasizing trauma-informed practices, psychological safety, and scenario-based training for EMS and wilderness medicine providers.

Brigitte also draws from 18 years of service as a professional ocean lifeguard with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and three years volunteering with search and rescue, adding depth to her instruction through real-world emergency response experience across marine, alpine, urban, and remote environments.

Outdoor & Field Leadership

Brigitte teaching about geology in the Wrangell St. Elias. PC: Ben Lester

With decades of experience in outdoor education and guiding, Brigitte has led backcountry trips, alpine expeditions, coastal sea kayak programs, and mountaineering courses across diverse environments. Her roles have included leadership positions with NOLS, Sierra Mountain Guides, Above and Beyond Alaska, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. She combines deep field skills with a commitment to leadership development, risk management, and inclusive instruction, helping students and professionals thrive in both remote and high-stress environments.

Academic Credentials

Education and Instructional Design

EMS & Healthcare Certifications

  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (State of California & National Registry of EMTs)
  • Wilderness Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (WMA)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (American Heart Association & American Academy of Pediatrics Program)
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers Instructor (ARC & HSI)
  • Emergency Medical Responder Instructor (ARC & HSI)
  • Incident Support for Traumatic Incidents Instructor (RA)
  • Layperson First Aid/CPR Instructor (ARC & HSI)
  • Psychological First Response for Rescue Instructor (RA)
  • Stress Injury Awareness Instructor (RA)
  • Wilderness First Aid Instructor (WMA)
  • Wilderness Advanced First Aid Instructor (WMA)
  • Wilderness First Responder Instructor (WMA)
  • Wilderness EMS Upgrade Instructor (WMA)

Outdoor & Technical Skills

Aquatic & Dive Certifications

White Papers

The Importance of In-Person, Hands-On Learning in Wilderness Medicine

This white paper examines why in-person, hands-on learning remains essential in wilderness medicine education. It highlights the limitations of fully online formats for skill-based training and reinforces the value of practical, scenario-based learning to build true readiness in first responders and outdoor professionals.

This resource was developed for the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC) to support organizations in maintaining educational quality while balancing accessibility.

Download the White Paper (PDF)

Academic Papers & Capstone Project

Integrating Cognitive Load and Experiential Learning Theories in Hybrid Stress Inoculation Training Design

This capstone research project examines how hybrid EMS training can better prepare rural EMS practitioners to perform under stress. By combining Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), the project outlines instructional design strategies that enhance decision-making and resilience in high-stress prehospital environments. The study includes expert evaluation and recommendations for improving rural EMS education.

Download Capstone Project (PDF)

Application of Experiential Learning Theory to the Instructional Design of an EMS Instructor Professional Development Program

This literature review explores how Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) can be applied to improve the training and retention of EMS instructors, particularly in rural communities. It highlights the need for more structured, reflective, and experience-based instructor training programs to enhance teaching quality and support rural EMS systems.

Download Literature Review (PDF)

Website Articles

Growth and Balance Series

The Growth and Balance Series explores personal lessons drawn from Brigitte’s experiences in athletic training, career transitions, injury recovery, and life’s unpredictable shifts. Through reflections on goal setting, mental resilience, and the importance of slowing down, this series offers insight into navigating professional and personal growth. Each piece highlights practical tools for cultivating balance and self-awareness, relevant to athletes, educators, first responders, and anyone working through change or challenge.

Goal Setting: Preparing for Iron Palm Level 1 Procedure (Growth and Balance Series Part 1)

Brigitte reflects on the process of setting structured, progressive goals during injury recovery, highlighting how micro-goals can rebuild momentum and confidence.

Exercising Patience: Adjusting Goals to Maintain Balance (Growth and Balance Series Part 2)

This article explores the importance of flexibility in goal setting, examining how recalibrating expectations fosters sustainability and self-compassion.

Soul Surfer vs. Ego: Mastering Mindset in Training and Life (Growth and Balance Series Part 3)

Brigitte shares lessons on distinguishing between intrinsic motivation and ego-driven goals, offering strategies for cultivating a healthier mindset in both training and professional life.

Are We Paying Attention? 5 Lessons on Self-Care and Resilience (Growth and Balance Series Part 4)

Drawing from personal experiences with burnout and recovery, this post highlights five actionable strategies for building resilience and maintaining well-being during challenging times.

Beyond Toughing It Out: Podcast Reflection (Growth and Balance Series Bonus Feature)

A reflective companion piece to Brigitte’s podcast interview, discussing key takeaways on resilience, career transitions, and the value of self-awareness in navigating adversity.

Presentations

  • November 18, 2006 — “Energy Coalition,” Edison Challenge Workshop for Secondary Teachers.
  • November 18, 2006 — “Light Bulb Lab,” Edison Challenge Workshop for Secondary Teachers.
  • September 23, 2006 — “Santa Monica Bay Game,” COSEE-West Workshop.
  • August 25, 2004 — “Ocean GLOBE Field Investigations,” COSEE-West Workshop for Grade 5–8 Master Teachers.
  • August 25, 2004 — “Natural Selection at Work,” COSEE-West Workshop for Grade 5–8 Master Teachers.
  • November 16, 2002 — “Ocean Globe Project,” UCLA SSWIMS Secondary Workshop.
  • November 2, 2002 — “Predator Prey Lab,” UCLA SSWIMS Secondary Workshop.
  • October 19, 2002 — “Squid Dissection Lab,” UCLA SSWIMS Secondary Workshop.
  • May 8, 2002 — “Gum Drop Atoms and Marshmallow Molecules,” Educating the Bilingual Student Workshop.
  • November 1999 — “Contribution to the Knowledge of Marine Mammals in the Santa Monica Basin, California,” 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals.

Media Features

Podcast Interview: “Beyond Toughing It Out,” Female Guides Requested Podcast (Episode 43)

Brigitte Denton joined the Female Guides Requested Podcast to share her journey from marine science and K-12 teaching to outdoor education and EMS. In this candid conversation, Brigitte reflects on career transitions, burnout recovery, and the importance of self-care after a life-changing accident. The episode covers guiding experiences, resilience strategies, and her current work advancing EMS and wilderness medicine education in rural communities.

Listen to the episode

Introductory Video: “Meet Your Instructor: Brigitte Denton”

Brigitte introduces herself, shares her professional background, and what students can expect from Beyond Limits Education courses. This brief video offers a glimpse into her teaching approach and personal connection to EMS, education, and the outdoors.

Watch the Intro Video

Awards & Honors

  • 2015 — Black Diamond Performance Service Award, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
  • 2010 — Most Improved Skier, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
  • 2008 — Rookie Ski Instructor of the Year, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
  • 2007 — QuikSCience Challenge Honorable Mention (Advisor)
  • 2006 — Outstanding Community Service Project Award, QuikSCience Challenge (Advisor)
  • 2005 — 1st Place, QuikSCience Challenge (Advisor)
  • 2005 — QuikSCience Ocean Leadership Award
  • 2005 — PTSA Honorary Service Award, John Adams Middle School
  • 2004 — Most Valuable Junior Lifeguard Instructor, LA County Lifeguards
  • 2004 — Energy Champion, The Energy Coalition
  • 1997–1999 — Water Polo Scholarship Athlete, University of Southern California
  • 1997 — Rookie of the Year, LA County Lifeguards

Thank you for an excellent week! You pushed us, but you were supportive and engaging throughout, and you made it fun. You are an excellent instructor and are clearly in a “good fit” field of work. I am so impressed by your abilities to draw students in and to move different-level students up at their own pace!

Christina, Calvin Crest Outdoor School

I felt very supported in the learning environment by both the course structure & my instructor. The combination of classroom setting and hands-on learning were very effective. I felt that the timeline and time management of the course were challenging yet conducive to student success.

Amy, University of Redlands Outdoor Program

Brigitte was very approachable yet professional. She has a great balance in her teaching that brings both hard work and “getting down to business” along with engagement and fun. I was kind of dreading this course before it started, but it ended up being extremely valuable and interesting thanks to her instruction. I definitely met my learning goals and feel far more confident in my skills and decisions. Thanks for leading this process!

Autumn, WFR Student

Brigitte, you are an amazing teacher. If you are talking, I am totally engaged. Being in the outdoor Ed/guiding field, you are a huge role model for me. It was very helpful when you would stay after class and answer extra questions we couldn’t squeeze into the day. Also, your ability to debrief is phenomenal. That’s not always an easy thing to do, but your questions did a great job at opening up an engaging discussion. Not only were your lectures really interesting, but you did a great job at teaching the hands-on stuff. I enjoyed all of the “pro tips” you added along the way.

Haley, Camp Manito-Wish YMCA

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