Imagine learning yoga in beautiful Aruba!  Pristine turquoise blue waters and gorgeous orange sunsets on island time…  Learn the breakdown of yoga postures, breath work and meditation embedded in the sensory integration context.  Enjoy the island breeze, nutritious meals, and free time to participate in a plethora of rejuvenating activities for the mind, body and spirit.

Boutique Learning Experience presents Sensory Integration & Yoga!

Amber is an expert in the area of pediatric yoga in a therapeutic context.  She presents with positive, glowing energy packed with in-depth knowledge and experience using yoga as a modality for therapeutic intervention in a clinical setting.  She uses videos, movement and modification lab, adjustment and alignment lab, practical application and case studies for an interactive learning experience.  Yoga can be easily integrated into our daily lives and the lives of our clients.  You will learn; postures (asana), as it relates to the body structure and alignment, breath work (pranayama) and meditation, and learn how this impacts the nervous system and body awareness and scheme.  Coaching tips for clinicians and parents of how to support and encourage a child’s active participation in yoga along with explaining the what, what and how this therapeutic.  All this while learning and developing a community of experts and addressing your work life balance.  Learn new things while rejuvenating and pampering yourself!  Return to work invigorated with a new strategies and a network of colleagues!  Only 14 spots available, book now!

Come learn and live life with us! ~ Namaste

Learning Objectives /Outcomes

1. Identify and differentiate sensory integration philosophy and history  2. Identify and differentiate yoga philosophy and history  3. Recognize the relationship between sensory integration and yoga  4. Identify mindfulness intervention and breathing techniques, and recognize the impact on the brain and body  5. Differentiate positioning and alignment to safely use yoga as a modality  6. Knowledge of adaptions and modifications to allow for every child to access poses  7. Demonstrate sensory-based yoga intervention techniques

Retreat length: 6 days/ 5 nights (20 hours of continuing education) Presenter:  Amber Ramseyer, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CYT  Target audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, teachers, counselors, social workers,  and psychologists Level: Beginner/ Intermediate  Prerequisites: Participation/ familiarity with yoga; helpful if clinician has prior training in sensory integration theory and/or treatment

About the presenter

Amber Ramseyer, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CYT is an occupational therapist who currently works at Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN) in Torrance CA, an internationally renowned pediatric clinic specializing in sensory integration theory and intervention as originated by A. Jean Ayres. She has advanced training and certification in sensory integration and administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests as well as advanced certification in swallowing assessment and intervention.  Amber is a published author of the book A Therapist’s Guide to Yoga in Pediatrics: A Sensory Based Approach.  Amber has completed her 200 hour yoga certification and is certified to teach yoga for children with special needs.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and her Master of Science degree from Western Michigan University. Amber was born in the midwest and currently resides in Redondo Beach, CA. She loves being active, yoga, hiking, paddle-boarding, and spending time with her dog, Tait.

Things that are included:

Airport Shuttle

Just land in Orajestad, Aruba and we will take care of you.  A shuttle service will take you to and from the airport.

Meals

5 nutritious breakfasts,
5 delectable lunches and
4 delicious dinners.
Time to refuel from the inside!

Pamper Package

Swag bag, eco friendly toiletries, coffee, tea and lemon water. The little things to make your stay oh so sweet!

Adventure

Relax at the beach, take a dip in the pool and enjoy a sunset sail.  Gear up for SUP yoga and a Northshore excursion.

Exercise

Daily yoga class will be offered on site.  Guided run or fitness walk. Stretch, swim, paddle, breathe, choose what makes you smile.

Post-Retreat Learning

5 online sessions lead by Amber discussing application of yoga with your clients, what worked, what can we change. Lets problem solve together!

5 Restful Nights

Shared or private room to rest your head at night.  Ocean breeze and warm tropical air to relax you, sweet dreams.

Mindfulness Training

Daily mindfulness experience will be offered including yoga and meditation while other forms are worked seamlessly into the day.

Community of Experts

20 hours of continuing education. Collaborate, network and create community with others in this expertise.  Let’s advance our learning together!

Your Itinerary

3:00 pm –  Check in

5:00 pm –  Introduction; Orientation

7:00 pm – Yoga (optional)

Activities: Relax, today you begin your adventure.  Take a walk to the beach, dip in the pool, or grab a bite at the local eateries.  Unpack, settle in and put your feet up.  Enjoy!

*Please note these are general guidelines for times and activities.  They may be changed to optimize best time for outdoor excursions; including paddle-board yoga when the tide is calm and special sunrise yoga on the beach.  Flexibility is key however, note the time in the studio for training and lectures are strictly regulated for CEU reasons and final certificate of completion of the course.  

6:00am – Yoga*

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am – Lecture
-Sensory integration theory overview
-Introduction to the sensory integration systems

10:00 am –  Break

10:15 am – Lecture/ Case Study
-Yoga philosophy and history
-Tying together yoga and the sensory systems

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:15 pm – Activities*

6:30 – Dinner at seaside restaurant

Activities: Visit the beach, bring your suit, towel, sunscreen, book and relax!  Take a swim or a nap.  Do what makes you happy!

*Optional and may change due to weather and availability.

6:00am – Yoga*

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am – Lecture
-Review/ questions
-Video observation: A closer look…
-Relation of sensory systems and yoga

10 am – Break

10:15 am – Lecture/ case study
-Mindfulness and the impact on the brain and nervous system
-Breathwork and impact on the body and brain
-Case study- Putting it all together

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:15 pm – Activities*

6:30pm – Dinner

Activities:  Do what makes you happy!

*Optional and may change due to weather and availability.

6:00 am – Yoga*

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 – 10:00 am – Lecture Review – Questions
-Positioning and alignment lab

10:30 am – SUP yoga on the ocean*

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:15 – 3:15 pm – Lecture/ case study
-Mindfulness and the impact on the brain and nervous system
-Breathwork and impact on the body and brain
-Case study- Putting it all together

3:15 pm – Activities*

6:30pm – Dinner at seaside restaurant

Activities:  Relax and enjoy the beach!  Do what makes you happy!

*Optional and may change due to weather and availability.

6:00 am – Yoga*

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am – Lecture
-Adaptions and modification lab

10:00 pm – Activities and Lunch

1:45-3:45 pm – Lecture
-Adaptions and modification lab

5:00 pm – Sunset Sail

7:00 pm – Dinner

*Optional and may change due to weather and availability.

6:00 – Yoga (optional)

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00-10:00 am – Lecture/ Wrap-up
-Case study-groups
-Case study presentation

12:00pm – Departure.  We look forward to meeting again virtually in July!  Thank you for joining us!

~  Bon Voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered here, please get in touch!

What are the different room options?

The Shared Room is for anyone who is open to sharing a bedroom and bathroom with other clinicians. You each have your own bed.  There is a shared living space.  The Private Room is for anyone that will want a private space. This room has a full bed with private ensuite.

 

How many continuing education units will I receive?

There will be a total of 20 couninuing education hours during the retreat.  This course is endorsed by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the retreat.  A letter will be provided detailing the hours of training received that can be given to your employer or kept in your continuing education file.  There will be an additional 5 hours of online training and discussion that will be held throughout the year.  It is the responsibility of the licensee to determine if the course meets all of the content requirements or restrictions imposed by an individuals licensing board.

 

How many people will be attending this retreat?

For developing a community of expert therapists there will be no more than 14 attendees. 

 

What if I have food allergies, dietary restrictions?

Please communicate any food allergies or restrictions prior to arrival.  Accommodations will be made.  Many gluten free options are available.  The restaurant Nourish is a vegan based and has delicious meals that are included. You can check out their menu here: https://islandyoga.com/cafe/ Please note the restaurant does handle gluten and nuts so chance of trace amounts is possible.  Accommodations will be made.

What if I have special needs or circumstances?

Please contact us with any special needs, this is what we do.

How should I schedule my retreat arrival and departure?

Check-in begins at 3 pm.  The retreat officially begins with a welcome meeting the first evening at 5:00pm with tapas followed by a yoga class to stretch out those travel legs. It wraps up late morning, around 10 am for a 12 pm check out.   If you would like to extend your stay on either end please book directly with that hotel or check out other areas on the island.  You must be present for lecture hours and take the final exam to receive the continuing education units otherwise this will be altered on your final certificate of completion.  We go through customs in Aruba so allow for 2 1/2 to 3 hours at the airport.

What should I pack?

  • What ever you need for your own learning
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Preferred notetaking media
  • Active wear
  • Swimsuit
  • Sun hat
  • Beach towel
  • Sneakers or water shoes for North Shore 
  • Yoga mat, block, strap
  • Sun glasses
  • Sunscreen (bio-safe)
  • Warm layer
  • Book

What if I’m not an occupational therapist or yoga teacher? May I still join?

It is helpful to have training in sensory integration theory and treatment however not required.  Previous participation in yoga classes is beneficial and yoga teacher training is a plus but not required.  The lectures will be tailored to the audience.  There will be ample time to ask questions during the retreat.

Are there payment plans available?

A $500 non refundable deposit will be necessary upon initial booking.   Full tuition will be required 45 days prior to arrival. Month invoices can be arranged after initial deposit to be paid in full prior to start of course. Specials will be reflected in final invoice or factored into payment plan.

Can I share a room with a friend?

Absolutely! Please send us an email with the person or people that you would like to share a room/ villa.

Accommodations