Hillview Healing

About Us

History

Hillview Healing has been a dream in the making for over two decades. We received our Certificate of Incorporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act on March 17, 2025. A Certificate of registration as an extra-provincial corporation was received by the Government of Alberta on April 3, 2025

We then spent two months working on our vision and plans for how to get to where we want to be. With so many big dreams and ideas, we had to create stepping stones for ourselves to continue moving forward and not become too overwhelmed with trying to do everything instantly. Growth takes time, patience, and nurturing. Like a sturdy, tiny tree sapling, we will keep growing.

On May 9th, 2025, we broke ground on the Wellness Centre area. This area is located in a remote, quiet, sheltered spot in a valley of the Foothills of Alberta. The main “Healing Hut” is a 16×13 canvas wall tent equipped with a wood-burning stove for use in all seasons. We are in the process of building a large circular fire pit gathering area, a covered outdoor learning spot, and a greenhouse embedded in the hill for year-round growing.

Mission & Vision

Hillview Healing is dedicated to delivering programs for children, youth, and families that foster meaningful engagement with nature and animals, promoting holistic support for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Our vision is a world where every child, youth, and family has access to the healing power of nature and animals—fostering resilient, healthy communities rooted in compassion, connection, and well-being.

Science Based Evidence

  • Nature Play Nature play, or unstructured outdoor play in natural environments, offers numerous benefits for children’s health and development, including improved physical health, mental well-being, social skills, and cognitive abilities. It can also foster a connection to nature and a love for the environment.
  • Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)
    Nature directly increases the parasympathetic nervous system and heightens awareness, causing relaxation.   
  • Nature Therapy
    (Ecotherapy) The intention of improving an individual’s mental and physical health through an individual’s presence within nature or outdoor surroundings.  Spending time in nature can improve immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory functioning. It can provide emotional healing, decrease blood pressure, improve a person’s general sleep–wake cycle, improve relationship skills, reduce stress, and reduce aggression.
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
    Can improve an individual’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Animals can be useful for educational or motivational purposes.
     When we see animals at rest or in a peaceful state, this may signal to us safety, security, and feelings of well-being, which in turn may trigger a state where personal change and healing are possible. 

Who We Are

Kimberley

Kimberley holds a bachelor’s degree in education and has always had a deep passion for working with children. Her love for the outdoors began in childhood and continued into motherhood, where some of her favourite moments were spent outside playing with her four children.
Throughout her career, Kimberley has dedicated herself to supporting children in various settings. She worked with the Calgary Board of Education, Hull Services in the Preadolescent Treatment Program, and taught special needs Junior Kindergarten at Providence Children.
Her vision of supporting the health and wellness of children began over two decades ago. This passion was further shaped during her time at Hull Services, especially on off-campus trips with children to Fish Creek Park in Calgary. She was continually inspired by how calm and at peace the children became when immersed in nature—listening to natural sounds, feeling the warmth or coolness of the day, and observing wildlife.
Over the years, Kimberley has continued to deepen her understanding of the powerful benefits that nature and animals offer to children’s well-being.

  • B.Ed. – University of Calgary
  • Children’s Mental Health Extension Certificate – Mount Royal University – 2 year program
  • Brain Story Certification – Alberta Family Wellness
  • Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta – Faculty of Native Studies 
  • Sunshine Circle Certificate – The Theraplay Institute 

Grace

Grace is an artistic and creative soul who studied at the Alberta University of Arts. Deeply inspired by nature and the outdoors, she finds her greatest source of creativity in the wild beauty of the natural world. Whether hiking through mountain trails or exploring forest paths, Grace draws on these experiences to influence her work. A cat lover at heart, she brings the same sense of curiosity and calm into both her art and everyday life and brings her passion of art to Hillview Healing.  Grace is also a lover of all things growing and spends time with plants to help stay grounded. She has a natural ability to make connections with new people ever since a young age. Grace has a true kind spirit that allows her to build relationships and be the best listening ear or shoulder to lean on.

Anika

Anika is a dedicated and passionate individual with a deep love for horses and life on the farm. Whether she’s riding across open fields or training horses with patience and care, her bond with animals is unmistakable. Hardworking and hands-on, Anika takes pride in her daily chores. She thrives in nature, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet beauty of the Foothills. With a strong spirit and a gentle touch, Anika embodies the heart of Hillview Healing. Anika is a true jack-of-all-trades and a natural problem solver. She has quickly mastered a wide range of trade skills, from operating heavy machinery such as excavators, skid steers, and tractors, to tackling electrical wiring and carpentry with confidence and precision. She is a genuine reflection of strength, patience, and perseverance.

Jane

Jane is a compassionate and energetic individual with a deep love for animals and a talent for dog training. She earned her Veterinary Technician Assistant certificate from Olds College, equipping her with a strong foundation in animal care and health. Her patience and understanding shine through in every interaction, whether she’s guiding a dog through new commands or offering support to those around her. Jane spent eight years performing with the Marching Bands of Calgary, culminating in her final and most memorable year with the prestigious Calgary Stampede Showband. She is a shining example of resilience, having faced and overcome years of personal health challenges. These experiences have shaped her into a person of deep compassion and genuine empathy.

Hillview Healing is looking to add Team Members so that we can expand the services and programs we offer.  Our goal is to have a multidisciplinary team to meet all the needs of the children and families we serve.

Animal Friends

Bio’s coming soon!

  • Sven
  • Gale
  • Olaph
  • Odie
  • Hens
  • Smokey
  • Baily
  • Joker
  • Emma
  • Barn Cats