Moving To Higher Ground

MOVING to HIGHER GROUND

At Zephyr Lodge

June 25th-30th, 2025

This training is currently full. Please contact us for future opportunities or to be added to the waitlist!

Kim Barthel is a Canadian Occupational Therapist, a multi-disciplinary teacher, mentor, and best-selling author who is active in supporting people in many contexts globally.

She is passionate about understanding neurobiology, complex behavior, movement, trauma-sensitive practice, sensory processing, attachment, and mental health.

An advanced NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) instructor and international speaker, Kim has 40+ years of practice in helping people to be their best selves.

Kim has contributed to a number of textbooks related to Pediatric Occupational Therapy and NDT, co-authored “Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma” with former NHL star Theo Fleury.

In 2019, Kim was honoured to receive the Award of Merit from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy.

Kim’s overall mission is to support the conscious evolution of the human spirit.

What It Is

Moving to Higher Ground is a holistic, trans-disciplinary, neurobiology-informed, strength-based, and relationship-focused approach to clinical mentorship led by Kim Barthel, OTR. Supported by a team of co-facilitators, Kim has been leading MTHGs in various countries and different kinds of settings since 2001.

At Zephyr Lodge (the same great by-the-lake setting as last summer) a range of cutting-edge intervention approaches will again be incorporated through lecture, group discussions, and hands-on experiential learning. Clinicians will participate in labs, see demos, have time with kids and their families, enjoy indoor and outdoor equipment and activity options, debrief treatments with video analysis and be supported in their individual personal growth throughout. This relatively unique training opportunity encourages deep self-awareness and creative professional collaboration.

Before the in-person training even begins, each clinician thinks through and shares a comprehensive self-assessment questionnaire with Kim. This allows for each participant/clinician to be involved in designing and sharing in the responsibility for their own learning.

Who It's For

Occupational Therapists

Physical Therapists

Speech-Language Pathologists

Treatment is done in dyads, allowing the clinicians to collaborate not only with other providers within their field of expertise, but also across disciplines.

Clinicians are purposefully paired with appropriate children to help meet each of the clinician's learning objectives, based on the self-assessment questionnaire.

This workshop will be offered to a small group of 16 clinicians to allow for maximum mentorship and learning time for each participant.

Event Details

Cost

For $3,200 USD, applicants will receive a certificate for 40 contact hours.

Price includes all meals and lodging. Non-refundable $500 USD deposit due at application.

Schedule

Check-in: Wednesday June 25th at 5pm (Dinner included)

Wednesday evening will consist of activities chosen by Kim and her team to set the stage for the workshop.

Thursday will consist of lectures, labs, and didactic conversation based on clinician's learning objectives.

Friday-Sunday will include 2 hours of treatment per day with two different children , along with clinical labs/workshops, lectures, and focused time with Kim and other participants.

Monday will include a debrief and closing.

Check-out: Monday June 30th at 12pm (Breakfast included)