Clinical Professor
Texas A&M University
Magnolia, Texas
A member of Sigma Theta Tau, International, Dr. Mitchell holds a Doctorate in Forensic Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Her nursing career spans over 31 years with experience in critical care, emergency nursing, forensic nursing, risk management, and patient safety.
In 1993, Dr. Mitchell began her forensic nursing career as the Coordinator of the Forensic Nurse Examiners of St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. In 2002, she relocated to Houston and held the position of Deputy Chief Forensic Nurse Investigator at the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office in Houston, Texas. From 2008 to 2017, she was the Administrative Director of Forensic Nursing Services and Risk Management and Patient Safety for the Harris Health System. Currently, Dr. Mitchell is a Clinical Professor at Texas A&M University College of Nursing and Program Coordinator for the Forensic Nursing track in the Master’s Program. She is also Director, of the Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M, overseeing operations concerning continuing education, outreach, and the Tex-TRAC telehealth program for sexual assault exams.
Dr. Mitchell has served as a Director at Large, Treasurer, President- Elect and President on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). She is a founding Board Member of the Academy of Forensic Nursing and President of the Forensic Nursing Certification Board.
In 2016, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Houston Forensic Science Center. She was appointed as Chair of the Board in July 2019 and reappointed in 2021.
Dr. Mitchell has delivered direct care to patients throughout the lifespan who have experienced violence and trauma. She has built and administered numerous programs, impacting communities and systems. Dr. Mitchell, regularly consults with state legislators as policy related to issues surrounding violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
