Meet Kimberly Wilson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimberly Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I was a young 18 year old girl in this picture. I had just graduated high school. I would get on an airplane in less than 3 months to attend Boston University, with a major of Undeclared to the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Science. I knew I wanted to pursue a health science degree, it just wasn’t yet clear exactly which one.

This picture was taken just hours before my grandmother would have brain surgery to attempt to resect a brain tumor that had grown to the size of an orange. The result of that surgery: unable to remove it in it’s entirety due to it’s complexity.

She was put into hospice within a couple months. I would stop and see her prior to heading to Boston in August of 2000. It would be the last time I saw her on this side of eternity.

It was this visit that in an instant changed me from walking onto the BU campus with a major of Undeclared to Declared, prior to ever stepping foot into a classroom.

I sat in the middle of her living room and I observed the PT and OT joyfully working in this end of life setting. To enter the space with families who are ushering their loved ones into death…it’s holy and sacred work.

Here is what made real impact…

I watched as the PT worked with my grandmother on walking 25 feet across her living room with her walker.

And I also watched this…

The OT assisted my grandmother in writing and putting together all of the recipes that she wanted to leave behind to her family members. The legacy of food and family that she wanted to remain with her loved ones well past her time here on earth.

I sat there with tears in my eyes knowing with 💯 certainty that was the kind of profession I wanted to be a part of for the rest of my life.

•A profession that sees that function doesn’t matter if it isn’t meaningful to the client.

•A profession that recognized that even though death is eminent, a person continues to have goals of importance and value.

•A profession that values the dignity of life in all stages.

•A profession that recognized that it wasn’t “just recipes.” It brought value, meaning, purpose, and was life giving in the most unlikely of ways in the most unlikely of times.

In that moment, my purpose was ignited. Her end of life experience led and guided me to walk out the calling and purpose in life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Kim, a pediatric occupational therapist who took a leap of faith 4 years ago to take therapy outdoors. I am the owner and founder of Nature’s Path Occupational Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO. With 21 years of experience as an OT, my initial 3 years were dedicated to adult neuro-rehab, focusing on brain and spinal cord injuries. For the past 18 years, I have specialized in pediatric clinic-based and early intervention services, often incorporating outdoor therapy. Witnessing nature’s therapeutic benefits both professionally and as a mother of 6, I am fervently devoted to integrating nature into childhood development.

Nature’s Path was conceived as an alternative therapeutic model. I believe kids of all abilities are pretty awesome. More than that, I believe they are made in the image and likeness of God. Jesus loves them. Their life has a plan and a purpose. They are worthy. Period.

This practice of mine isn’t just a business, but a mission field. Loving these kids and speaking truth over them, specifically that they are fearfully and wonderfully made isn’t just a tagline, I believe it’s biblical. Because of that, I view it ALL as kingdom work.

I take therapy outside and speak on the benefits of nature because I believe that nature, created by the Creator, points children to a God who loves them, cares for them, and has a plan for them.

I have advanced training in trauma informed care (TBRI), reflex integration (MNRI), brain/body integration (PACE), neuro-rehabilitation, feeding therapy (SOS), vision, and lactation counseling. Ultimately, utilizing all of this to support successful participation in occupation. I am also a homeschooling mom to 6 kids of my own, so child development is kind of my jam.

I see myself as a wayfinder, not easily intimidated by exhaustive lists of things that haven’t worked, but rather finding a WAY in the midst of what may feel like the impossible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

3 qualities most impactful in my journey…

1. Passion/Purpose is what makes the work more than just a job. Passion and Purpose fuels creativity, inspires others, and sustains you through both exciting and challenging seasons.

2. Perseverance is what carries you through the inevitable obstacles, delays, and setbacks. Passion may ignite the fire, but perseverance keeps it burning when the winds pick up. It’s about showing up consistently, even on days when the results aren’t immediate and the path isn’t clear.

3. Finally, my ‘why’ — your core reason for doing what you do — is your compass. It’s the anchor that keeps you steady when things get hard and the measure by which you make decisions. A strong ‘why’ aligns your actions with your values and helps you stay on course over the long haul.

For those early in their journey:

1. Cultivate passion by staying curious. Explore widely, say yes to opportunities, and notice what truly energizes you.

2. Build perseverance like a muscle. Start with small, consistent commitments you can keep, and increase your capacity over time.

3. Clarify your ‘why.’ Take time to reflect on what matters most to you — not just in career, but in life — and write it down. Revisit it often, especially in tough moments. When creating my business I held onto a simple idea, create a business that not only serves your clients well, but also serves you well.

Passion will drive you; perseverance will carry you; and your ‘why’ directs you.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I was raised in a home that was rooted in service to others and self sacrifice. My father is a retired Colonel in the United States Air Force. I grew up watching him sacrifice for his country. I also grew up with a mother who often had to sacrifice in order to raise the three of us kids when my Dad was gone due to deployment. Self sacrifice and a life of service impacted me in my own career of serving others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naturespathot.com
• Instagram: @natures.path.ot
• Facebook: Nature’s Path Occupational Therapy

Image Credits

@momentsbykati

Moments By Kati