Empower Yourself to
Empower the Child With Special Needs
Professional Continuing Education
for Feldenkrais®, NeuroScanBalance®, and
Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioners
⦿
Fundamentals of Experiential Movement®
for Parents & Caregivers
Supporting the Child With Special Needs
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Focused, Experiential Seminars & Intensives.
Small, In-Person Groups = Personalized & Effective Learning.
In the Americas & Europe.
Embody. Envision. Elicit. Empower.
Grow. Serve. Thrive.
Individualized Instruction
with Master Teacher & Trainer
SYLVIA LEINER SHORDIKE
author of
The NeuroHorizons Primer:
Empower Yourself to
Empower the Child With Special Needs
The essential "big-picture" handbook for
movement practitioners, parents, and caregivers
seeking to elevate their service to
Children With Special Needs.
Download as eBook
Order the paperback
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☞
Seminars for Parents & Caregivers
Fundamentals of
Experiential Movement® Personal and personalized learning
for parents and caregivers:The Fundamentals seminar series is the only small-group, entirely in-person, and fully individualized experiential learning program of its kind in North America. Master Practitioner and Teacher Sylvia Leiner Shordike has distilled her 25+ years of professional experience serving children, offering parents and caregivers new skills and techniques that bring more vitality into their own lives, while also learning how to more effectively support the Child With Special Needs. Through these seminars you learn to empower yourself to empower the child.
⦿ Ten 5-day seminars teach you — through your personal exploration of Experiential Movement® — the new awareness, skills, and habits that empower you to bring an embodied, fluid, and spacious relational presence to the child or children you care for. By evolving this self-awareness and personal “differentiation” and “organization” for yourself, you are then able to model them for your loved ones.⦿ The immediate, sustained, and individualized focus is your own multidimensional immersion (experiential, cognitive, and hands-on) into the fundamentals, skills, techniques, and activities of our method of enhanced movement. You simultaneously learn how to translate and transmit your growing personal awareness in ways that more effectively support your Special Needs Child. Advanced Practicum opportunities are also available.⦿ You are taught in-person by Master Teacher Sylvia Leiner Shordike, author of The NeuroHorizons Primer: Empower Yourself to Empower the Child With Special Needs. The small-group setting (maximum 14 participants) assures a highly individualized and potent learning experience tailored to your needs.⦿ Throughout the Fundamentals we explore the questions and challenges commonly faced by parents and caregivers supporting the Special Needs Child. You experience the transformative power of neural plasticity for yourself, through the framework of intentional movement. You will then appreciate how that dynamic process and the empowering tools and techniques of Experiential Movement can be placed in service of your child’s creative developmental journey.⦿ Our ultimate purpose is that you bring more clarity, ease, grace, creativity, and pleasure into your life and family.Please Note: The Fundamentals seminars are designed and presented for your personal learning goals. These seminars do not offer or grant you any academic credit or credential, or opportunity for professional / governmental licensure. Nor will your completion of these experiential seminars by itself lead to employment or income in any job or occupation.
NOTE: All dates are subject to change based on public health circumstances.
2021 Dates
Segment #1: May 15-19 COMPLETED
Segment #2: Aug 25-29 COMPLETED
Segment #3: Oct 13-17 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Segment #4: Dec 1-5 (Wednesday through Sunday)
2022 Dates
Segment #5: Jan 26-30 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Segment #6: March 5-9 (Saturday through Wed)
Segment #7: Apr 30 - May 4 (Saturday through Wed)
Segment #8: Aug 17-21 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Segment #9: Oct 26-30 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Segment #10: December 3 - 7 (Saturday through Wed)-
☞
Professional
Supervision Intensives - Sylvia's Professional Supervision Intensives are the innovative, highly personalized continuing education programs she originated in 2012. They serve movement practitioners of all levels of experience who seek to hone their skill and craft working with children. Each 3-day PSI is limited to 10 participants, and is taught personally by Sylvia.
✔︎ Observe a seasoned practitioner as she works with a variety of children and/or infants with special needs.✔︎ Give lessons to these same children yourself, and interact with the parents. You are welcome to bring your own special needs client, if the parents agree to working in this supervision format.✔︎ Benefit from direct feedback and professional supervision, in an intimate and supportive group (no more than 10 practitioners).✔︎ Alternate between giving, observing, and experiencing lessons, with ample time for questions, discussion, and integration.✔︎ Expand your confidence in identifying and supporting optimal developmental trajectories of children facing diverse challenges.✔︎ Discuss concepts, techniques, cautions, and issues of professional practice.✔︎ Three full days of multi-dimensional professional advancement. Ample time for supportive, collegial Q&A.Note: My Supervision Intensives and Enrichment Seminars offer very different content and experiences, yet fully complement each other, and may be taken singly or in combination. Each provides an individualized opportunity for professional supervision and/or continuing education for current movement practitioners. Prior approval is required for enrollment.
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☞
Professional
Enrichment Seminars - Sylvia's Professional Enrichment Seminars are theme-based and fully experiential. They are designed to help the movement practitioner deepen, broaden, and embody key — and often challenging — elements of the work. Each 3-day PES is limited to 22 participants, and is taught personally by Sylvia.
✔︎ Personalized instruction and practice in each themed seminar expands your tool kit, confidence, and creativity for addressing diverse client conditions. Ample and collegial Q&A.✔︎ Deepen your awareness, embodiment, and confidence working with key — and often challenging — movement concepts. Some themes include: Sitting on the Heels (PES#1), Working with the Head and Neck (PES #2), The Arms: Organization & Communication (PES #3).✔︎ Enjoy a unique synthesis of experiential, hands-on, and cognitive exploration of the tools and techniques applicable to your daily client work. Three full days of multi-dimensional professional advancement.✔︎ Expand your tool kit and creativity for addressing diverse client conditions, and the dynamic trajectory of each Practitioner-Client relationship.✔︎ Bring more ease, grace, and pleasure to your Professional Practice.Note: My Supervision Intensives and Enrichment Seminars offer very different content and experiences, yet fully complement each other, and may be taken singly or in combination. Each provides an individualized opportunity for professional supervision and/or continuing education for current movement practitioners. Prior approval is required for enrollment.
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☞
The Complete
European Training Program
Europe’s Only Complete, Personalized
Movement Training Program
Dedicated to Empowering You
To Empower the Child With Special NeedsWhether you are supporting your own Special Needs Child,
or want to serve others, our focused, dynamic, transformative
(and entirely in-person) training program gives you the
small-group education, experience, skill, and confidence to
optimize the developmental trajectories of these great kids.
❂
“The Parent Seminar was fantastic, giving me insight into my child’s challenges, and very practical tools that empower us parents. Beyond beneficial for us and our little one.”
“The joy factor has increased exponentially in our life. I am so grateful for your unique, nourishing way of teaching that gives me awareness, comfort, and self-confidence — for myself and for my child."
"My increased awareness with myself and my Special Needs daughter is amazing. A transformational difference."
“These seminars give me the opportunity to learn about how I move my own body, so that I can be the best possible role model for my daughter. Your passion and generosity bring so much life to this learning."
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"I’m blown away by the great client results I've had since your Supervision Intensive — big changes. Learning from you is absolutely vital to my practice.”
"Just what I needed to add to my confidence, and to my skillset as an ABM Practitioner.”
"You reminded me how much fun and creativity I can bring to my own lessons. I am so inspired to continue growing."
"You have given me a new sense of possibility."
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☞ Thrive Personally and Professionally
Hone Your Skill Moving With
the Special Needs Child
Toward New Developmental HorizonsOver my 25+ years as a movement practitioner, teacher, and trainer I have assembled, synthesized, and distilled key concepts and practical applications of our work. I bring these to life in my personalized, experiential, and empowering learning programs that help you deepen your grounding, embodiment, perception, and confidence.
You learn to empower yourself to empower the child.
Whatever your role or experience working with children, you can enliven and elevate your presence, skills, and service. Enjoy more ease, grace, pleasure, and effectiveness in both your personal and professional life.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sylvia-
☞ About Sylvia
- ⦿ Originator of the personalized NeuroHorizons® Experiential Learning Programs for Parents and Professionals (since 2012).
⦿ Author (with Kerstin Baldischwieler) of The NeuroHorizons Primer, the essential "big picture" handbook for those seeking to elevate their service to Special Needs Children, through movement.
⦿ Formerly a Trainer for the Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Professional and Children's Mastery training programs in California, and a long-time Practitioner at the Anat Baniel Method Center, California (2009-2016).
⦿ Trainer for the NeuroScanBalance® Feinmotorik Institut (since 2013).
⦿ Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® (since 1994).
⦿ Certified Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner (since 2002). ABMNM Mastery Certifications for Children with Special Needs, Aging and Vitality, and High Performers (2003).
⦿ Private Practice since 1994.There is a passionate place in my heart for Children with Special Needs. I work daily with these children and their families, supporting their advances through diverse challenges.
I was trained by Anat Baniel and worked with her for many years as a Trainer and Practitioner at the Anat Baniel Method Center in California. In 2012 I saw an unmet need, and originated my highly focused and personalized NeuroHorizons® Professional Supervision Intensives, Professional Enrichment Seminars, and Parent Seminars, since attended by hundreds of practitioners, parents, and caregivers around the world. My mission is to empower you to empower these great kids.
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☞ The NeuroHorizons Primer
Sylvia with her colleague Kerstin Baldischwieler authored The NeuroHorizons Primer — the essential "big-picture" handbook for movement practitioners, parents, and caregivers seeking to elevate their service to Children With Special Needs.
In this lucid overview of the science, tools, attitudes, and artistry underlying their embodied approach to movement education, Sylvia and Kerstin set the stage for you to empower yourself to empower these great kids.-
☞ Some Practitioner Reviews
- "I want to let you know that I’m blown away by the great client results I've had since your Supervision Intensive — big changes for a spastic child, and for a man who suffered a stroke. I feel learning from you is absolutely vital to my practice. I am so thankful!” Jennifer Helenius
"Thanks to Sylvia's high-level clarity, I could immediately begin to transfer what I learned to the children I work with, and my practice has benefitted greatly!" Lorrie Jollimore
"The Supervision Intensive was the most extraordinarily enriching 3 days imaginable. My head is swimming and my brain is percolating and my nervous system is digesting and my skeleton is doing all sorts of new things. Sylvia, your energy, enthusiasm, talent and mentorship is a treasure." Megan Wetherall
“You reminded me how much fun and creativity I can bring to my own lessons. I am so inspired to continue growing.” Adrienne Penebre
"It's such a privilege to see you work Sylvia, and to have you work with us. Your mastery is impeccable in its potency and clarity. You and the Supervision Intensive were amazing, inspiring, and empowering — a perfect blend of observing lessons, giving lessons, learning through experiential movement with each other, and sheer delight with the kids.” Barbara Horwitch
"What a transformative weekend. I'm so much clearer about what I'm doing with the kids and am moving so much better myself. THANK YOU!” Jan Peterson
"Sylvia, through witnessing the quality of your movements -- both as you moved yourself and as you moved me -- I learned how to use my body as a Practitioner, and how I could positively affect the movement and learning of others. It is the most empowering feeling I have had in a long time." C.W.
“The Enrichment Seminar format was superb. Your outstanding teaching about discovering each person's unique organization or challenge really helps me understand the larger context. I'm enthusiastic to work with clients this way, instead of feeling stressed that it's not working out how it “should". I put a lot of pressure on myself because I really care about this work and want to do well. Your teaching helps take the pressure off, and frees me to be myself as a Practitioner. I feel so inspired, energetic and happy from the whole experience. Plus, I've never walked with my whole body and my entire back so integrated and my legs so long and flowing. Thank you!" Joanne Cutler
“You have given me a new sense of possibility. I have definitely felt a higher quality in my work with the kids.” Tracy Roybal
“Thank you Sylvia for providing such an enriching learning environment. You are a terrific teacher and I came back with my brain on fire, so inspired and grateful and full of new hopes and dreams.” Verena Kurz
“What an infusion of fantastic learning and camaraderie. What a fabulous breath of inspiration in my life. You took us on a truly ABM learning journey, in safety and in perfectly sized increments with variation, fun, and awareness. I feel empowered with deeper understanding and connections!” Phoebe MacRae
“Your teaching was invaluable and just what I needed to add to my confidence, and to my skillset as an ABM Practitioner.” Ed Dassie
“I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of our group, and feel we all moved up several notches as practitioners.” Kate Garner
"Lots of fun, and really inspiring learning with new and useful insights. I feel more confident and creative during sessions, and consequently my connection to the child is more at ease and delightful." Nana Gravesen
“Thanks Sylvia for your loving approach to teaching. I feel like I got exactly what I needed (and I didn't know what I needed going into the workshop). I feel an upgrade in me, and am still running full steam ahead with what I learned.” Carla Romaniuk
"Sylvia is one of the most focused, skilled, and effective movement practitioners I have worked with in my 30 years of clinical practice. In her private sessions and classes I have seen Sylvia help a wide variety of children, adults, and high-performers regain (or learn) normal function and live with more ease and grace. Her techniques are comfortable, effective, and even pleasurable." Eddie Rosen, Physical Therapist -
☞ Some Parent Reviews
- "Even the seemingly little things you taught us about movement and touch make such a transformational difference. My increased awareness with myself and my Special Needs daughter is amazing. I've become mindful of old injuries and tight muscles, started shifting my balance, and I now walk differently in a way that works so much better for my body. I've even "grown" a bit taller, and can reach top shelves that I never could before! I'm simply using so much more of my body. All this increased awareness influences my daughter, who is moving and even sleeping better and better as I apply the skills you're teaching. As a family, we are eternally grateful for this new knowledge.” Jennifer L.
“It has been really great noticing how much easier I’m moving since the seminars. And it’s an incredible experience moving together with my daughter using your teachings — watching her learn to feel her body and move in new ways. The more I learn the more she learns! Going through the seminars has really opened my eyes, and I have become more patient and trusting." Cassi B.
"The joy factor has exponentially increased in our life. I continue to be astounded by the profound physical, mental, and emotional changes within myself and for my Special Needs Child. One example: I had given up on my running program, but after our seminar I decided to give it a try again and it was unbelievable. Running now felt like floating . . . light-footed, effortless . . . I ran 2 miles without feeling a thing! That’s how much I had integrated your teachings. Better yet, I could immediately use what I learned with my boy, and his movement and language are shifting and growing at a remarkable pace. After all the years of trying other modalities, my connection with my son has now transformed into a distinct experience of joy, freedom and flexibility. Truly remarkable! I am so grateful for your unique, nourishing way of teaching that gives me awareness, comfort, and self-confidence ― for myself and for my child.” Annemarie M.
“Through your patient and insightful teaching it became much clearer how my child learns, enabling me to focus on connecting with my kids rather than trying to find ways to ‘fix’ them. With this clarity I can feel a bit more like myself.” Brietta E.
“Sylvia, for the past month I’ve been feeling 20 years younger, after just five days of learning with you. My body moves easily and my mind is peaceful and light. I also feel so much “presence” in everything I do, from talking to people to driving my car. It’s as if I was in the fog before, and now I can see and feel more clearly and with more nuances. My relationship with my daughter has shifted in amazing ways. I’m filled with gratitude for how you share your very practical wisdom in such a gentle yet powerful way.” Anita C.
“These seminars give me exactly what I was looking for: The opportunity to learn about how I move my own body, so that I can be the best possible role model for my daughter. I already feel much better in my own skin, and there is a new sense of curiosity about options for myself, and for my child. Sylvia, you are such an embodied teacher and excellent communicator. Your instructions are clear and precise, while at the same time you are warm and funny. Your passion and generosity bring so much life to this learning. Thank you!” Daniela I.
“The Parent Seminar was fantastic, giving me insight into my child’s challenges, and very practical tools that empower us parents. Beyond beneficial for us and our little one.” Sally B.
”The Seminar gave me practical ways to help my son in the home environment, and the space to reflect on how best to support him going forward. Along the way I was able to re-connect and find a little piece of myself again." Sinead B. -
☞ Program Schedule 2020-23
Professional Supervision Intensives (PSI)
Professional Enrichment Seminars (PES)
Fundamentals Of Experiential Movement Seminar (FEM)
NeuroHorizonsEurope Training Segment (NHE)
NOTE: All dates are subject to change based on public health circumstances.2020
PSI January 3-5, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) COMPLETED
PSI January 24-26, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
PSI February 7-9, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
PSI March 11-13, 2020 (Maui, HI) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #1 July 6-10, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
PSI July 17-19, 2019 (Ravensburg, Germany) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #1 July 22-26, 2020 (Ravensburg, Germany) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #2 August 5-9, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #2 September 23-27, 2020 (Ravensburg) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #3 October 14-18, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #4 December 2-6, 2020 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
2021
FEM1 Seg #5 February 10-14, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #3 February 24-28, 2021 (Ravensburg) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #4 March 27-31, 2021 (Ravensburg) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #6 April 14-18, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #7 May 8-12, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
FEM2 Seg #1 May 15-19, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #5 May 26-30, 2021 (Ravensburg) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #6 July 15-19, 202) (Ravensburg, Germany) COMPLETED
NHE Seg #7 July 21-25, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany) COMPLETED
FEM1 Seg #8 August 14-18, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
FEM2 Seg #2 August 25-29, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA) COMPLETED
PSI #1 September 18-20, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE Seg #8 September 22-26, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM1 Seg #9 October 6-10, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA)
FEM2 Seg #3 October 13-17, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA)
PSI #2 October 30 - November 1, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE Seg #9 November 3-7, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM1 Seg #10 November 17-21, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA)
FEM2 Seg #4 December 1-5, 2021 (Sebastopol, CA)
NHE Seg #10 December 11-15, 2021 (Ravensburg, Germany)
2022
FEM2 Seg #5 January 26-30, 2022 (Sebastopol, CA)
FEM2 Seg #6 March 5-9, 2022 (Sebastopol, CA)
NHE2 Seg #1 March 30 - April 3, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM2 Seg #7 April 30 - May 4, 2022 (Sebastopol, CA)
NHE2 Seg #2 May 18-22, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE2 Seg #3 June 22-26, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE2 Seg #4 July 23-27, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM2 Seg #8 August 17-21 (Sebastopol, CA)
NHE2 Seg #5 September 14-18, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE2 Seg #6 October 12-16, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM2 Seg #9 October 26-30, 2022 (Sebastopol, CA)
NHE2 Seg #7 November 16-20, 2022 (Ravensburg, Germany)
FEM2 Seg #10 December 3-7, 2022 (Sebastopol, CA)
2023
NHE2 Seg #8 February 11-15, 2023 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE2 Seg #9 March 29 - April 2, 2023 (Ravensburg, Germany)
NHE2 Seg #10 May 24-28, 2023 (Ravensburg, Germany)-
☞ Be In Touch / Apply Now
- Please tell me about you, your interest, and your questions! I will be in touch as soon as I can. — Sylvia
Video: My Top Tips & Tools for Practitioners
To schedule individual movement lessons for your child:
Please contact me through www.Sylvia.live
NeuroHorizons®, Experiential Movement®, and A Child's Neural Map is Not the Territory® are registered trademarks of Sylvia Shordike.
Feldenkrais® and Feldenkrais Method® are registered trademarks of Feldenkrais Guild Corporation California.
Anat Baniel Method® and NeuroMovement® are registered trademarks of Movement Coordination Learning, Inc. DBA Anat Baniel Method Corporation.
Sylvia is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitionercm and a Certified Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Childrens Mastery Practitioner.
My programs are neither affiliated with, nor sponsored or endorsed by, the Feldenkrais Guild or Anat Baniel or the Anat Baniel Method.
All text and photos ©2007-2021 Sylvia Shordike