Denise Kistner received a bachelor of science in recreation and park administration and a master of education in Extension education from the University of Illinois. She has an additional specialization in elementary education.

Kistner is a member of the Illinois Extension Professional Youth Educators (IEPYE), Business and Professional Women and Epsilon Sigma Phi. In addition, as a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), Kistner has held chair-elect positions on the Policy and Resolution committee, as well as the Leisure Education sub-committee.

She has received numerous awards, including the IEPYE and NAE4-HA Distinguished Service Award, National Communicator Award, State Outstanding Program, Excellence in Teen Programming, North Central Technology Award, North Central Educational package, IEPYE Communicator Awards and the National Curriculum review Jurist.