Mike Deninger

Born into a large working class family in Rochester, New York, Dr. Mike Deninger rose from humble beginnings to a leadership position in the education of the deaf. By the age of 33, he had completed his doctoral studies and been appointed Dean of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School at Gallaudet University. In 1989 he became Dean of Pre-College Programs at Gallaudet. His name in the field of deafness became associated with microcomputer technology innovations, k-12 curriculum development,...See more

Born into a large working class family in Rochester, New York, Dr. Mike Deninger rose from humble beginnings to a leadership position in the education of the deaf. By the age of 33, he had completed his doctoral studies and been appointed Dean of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School at Gallaudet University. In 1989 he became Dean of Pre-College Programs at Gallaudet. His name in the field of deafness became associated with microcomputer technology innovations, k-12 curriculum development, school improvement, and cultural conflict in schools and programs serving the deaf. Dr. Mike now enjoys sharing his skills, knowledge, and wisdom in his current role as a mental health therapist and through his writings, workshops, and presentations. He understands from the inside out what it's like to suffer from tragedy, and he's keenly aware of the renewal that's possible when one frees the mind, relaxes the will, and cultivates the inner spirit. His book Snakes in my Dreams: A Mental Health Therapist's Odyssey from Hardship to Healer poignantly conveys the truth he feels obligated to share 'before my time is up.' Dr. Mike received a BA in English and a MS in Special Education from Canisius College. He earned his PhD with distinction in Special Education Administration and a MA in Mental Health Counseling, both from Gallaudet University. He is also an accomplished American Sign Language interpreter who worked for 25 years at Gallaudet before launching his current career as counselor, writer, trainer, and specialist in the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress. Licensed as a Professional Counselor in Virginia, Dr. Mike holds certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors. In 2000 he attained certification as a clinical hypnotherapist from the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists. In 2007, he received advanced certification as a trainer of Eye Movement Integration(TM). In 2009 he was certified as a trainer of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming from the American Hypnosis Training Academy. During his prestigious career, Dr. Mike has been a teacher, principal, graduate professor, university dean, and researcher, as well as a counselor and trainer of mental health therapists. Dr. Mike is also an equity actor who has performed off Broadway in New York and at the Kennedy Center and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. See less