Jennifer Hinton

Jennifer Hinton is a Professor at Western Carolina University, affiliated with the College of Health and Human Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Recreation Therapy (Clemson University), an MS in Therapeutic Recreation (Indiana University-Bloomington), and a BS in Therapeutic Recreation (Kent State University). A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for over 30 years, she is licensed in North Carolina and a distinguished fellow in the National Academy of Recreational Therapists.

• Education:
• PhD, Recreation Therapy, Clemson University
• MS, Therapeutic Recreation, Indiana University-Bloomington
• BS, Therapeutic Recreation, Kent State University
• Professional Roles:
• Former President, American Therapeutic Recreation Association
• Member-at-Large, Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education
• Chair, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board of Directors

Her research focuses on curricular innovation, clinical preparation, and nature-based interventions, including studies on micro-dosing of nature and animal-assisted therapy. She has delivered nearly 100 presentations at state, regional, and national levels. Awards include recognition for teaching and service learning contributions.

Teaching emphasizes nature and adventure-based therapies, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities. She advocates for rural community service and integrates service learning into her pedagogy.