About Us
Natural State Wild Med was born out of a deep love for Arkansas and a shared passion for helping people feel safe and confident in the outdoors. Whether you're a lifelong hunter, a weekend hiker, or a medical professional, we believe everyone should have access to life-saving skills in the wilderness.
Why we started
After a decade as a military family living outside of Arkansas, we came home with fresh eyes and a full heart. We saw our state’s beauty—its forests, rivers, mountains, and trails—not just as recreation, but as opportunity. Opportunity to explore, to learn, and to be prepared.
We realized there was no local option in central Arkansas for people to learn wilderness medical skills specific to our region. So we created it. Natural State Wild Med offers hands-on, Arkansas-specific first aid and wilderness medical training to meet people where they are—from everyday outdoorsmen to elite professionals.
Our mission is to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to handle emergencies when you're far from help—because out here, that knowledge can save lives.
Meet the Team
Holly Mitchell
Co-Founder Business Manager
Holly brings years of teaching experience across every grade level—from kindergarteners to college students—and blends it with her background in health and wellness to create dynamic, accessible instruction for all ages.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Health and Wellness Counseling, and is a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Holly is passionate about making health education approachable and engaging. She leads curriculum development and manages Natural State Wild Med.
She is a busy mom of two daughters and a son. When she has free time, Holly can be found gardening, working out at at CrossFit Greenbrier, or cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Dakotah Mitchell Co-Founder Lead instructor
Dak is a 10-year Army veteran with multiple combat deployments. His military career started as an infantry officer before he trained as a Physician Assistant through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). He also completed the Flight Surgeon’s Course, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Army Airborne School, Army Air Assault School, and anticipates earning the Advanced Wilderness & Expedition Provider (AWEP) certification this summer.
With extensive experience in deployment medicine and rescue operations, Dak now works as a flight medicine provider for the U.S. Air Force as a civilian contractor. He brings high-level medical expertise and real-world field experience to every class.
When he’s not teaching or working, Dak loves fishing on his lunch break, brewing beer, and being a hands-on dad.
