WHY… Firm Water Road?
A note from founder Kim Byrd-Rider
I am part of a medical community of scientists who watched our comrades and coworkers mentally and physically malfunction and break down as they tried to emotionally tread turbulent water from 2020 to 2022.
I knew I had to act. I have researched what really works since 1997. I created the content on this site as a lifeboat to resilience against all types of future crashing waves.
Now, it is time to share these global discoveries and speedy hacks into positive psychology, mystical wisdom, physics, and lifestyle medicine.
Individually, these 4 are change agents. United, they are a never-seen-before powerhouse that bring hope and health to…
Everyone, but especially for ...
Healthcare workers
School Teachers
Military Members
I have worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health since 2009. I am you. I get you, and I made these courses for you! Courses meet healthcare continuing education requirements.
I work for the Virgin Islands public school system in the physical therapy special needs dept. Both of her parents are teachers. I watch you up-close. I get you, and I made these courses for you! Courses meet teacher continuing education requirements.
I worked for Army West Point Military Academy in Sports Medicine, The Pentagon’s Dept. of Defense DOD; Defense Health Agency DHA, Naval Air Station Key West, Tinker Air Force Base, and the Federal Aviation Administration FAA. I watch you up-close. I get you, and I made these courses for you! Courses meet Army Spiritual Readiness and Mental domain training parameters.
…from Kim Byrd-Rider
Dr. Kim Byrd-Rider, PT, DPT
Founder/Owner/CEO of Firm Water Road
I am a catalyst for social change, dedicated to creating and delivering lifestyle medicine curricula. Firm Water Road represents the culmination of my life’s work and passion.
-Kim
BIO
Dr. Kim Byrd-Rider, PT, DPT, is a dedicated, board-certified physical therapist with extensive experience in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, ICU settings, skilled nursing facilities, the Army at West Point, and the Department of Education’s special education programs. Before pursuing her career as a PT, she taught over 12,000 yoga classes in the 1990s, giving her a deep understanding of holistic healing. Kim expertly blends holistic methods with science-based approaches to create comprehensive solutions for orthopedic and neurological pain.
Her profound love for education, passion for social change, curiosity about holistic practices, and mastery of hard sciences have converged to give rise to her initiative, Firm Water Road (founded in 2020). This project champions wholeness, resilience, and peace, and offers educational hope for a better future.
Kim doesn’t embark on this mission alone. She collaborates with scientists and wisdom-arts masters to help others navigate their journey toward living in full color. Her unique gift lies in seamlessly combining scientific evidence with mystical wisdom, assembling experts who exceed expectations. With a keen eye for detail and a touch of Midwestern humor, she is committed to guiding others toward transformative growth.
Education
2016-2019
Harvard University
2011-2014
Boston University
2002-2009
University of Oklahoma
1993-2002 & Beyond
Yoga, Pilates, Holistic
Psychology 12 courses
Nonprofit Business Management 5 Courses
World Religion
Doctorate of Physical Therapy while working as a PT
Master of Physical Therapy, PT License, & Bachelor of Health Science, began undergrad at age 36=2002
Studied nationally with variety of holistic masters 6x/yr. Professional Yoga Teacher.
West Point Army Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy Department
Published:
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Books: The Therapy Bible on Yoga, & Forward Head: The Evil Arch-Enemy
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DVDs: choreographer, producer, and presenter of over 50 yoga exercises DVDs for 50 specific diagnoses. Free on YouTube for everyone to benefit from.
DVDs Filmed in Aspen, Colorado
Presenter &
Producer
of Lifestyle Medicine Curriculum
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Adjunct college professor for anatomy, physiology, eastern philosophy, neurosis and human growth, and psychology in San Diego, CA. Produced and presented the curriculum. (California Institute for Human Science)
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National continuing education instructor for medical professionals in holistic exercise. Produced and presented the curriculum. Delivered in almost every state to over 15,000 medical professionals. 30 people per one day course = over 500 events (Cross Country Education), 2014-2017. Read reviews here: https://www.firmwaterroad.com/blank
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Speaker for the APTA American Physical Therapy Association Educators Conference (2019) Seattle, Washington. Produced and presented the curriculum.
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Byrd-Rider Rehab 5-day Yoga Certification (Kim's own brand) for healthcare professionals 2015-2020 in Aspen, Key West, and Tahiti. 3x/yr. = 15 events. Produced and presented the curriculum. Watch course advertisement here. Watch 3 course reviews here, here, and here.
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House of Yoga owner yoga/Pilates studio. Professional Yoga Teacher & Stay at Home Mom. Taught 25 yoga classes/wk. (1996-2003). Produced and presented the curriculum.
Social Change Agent Volunteer
Bhutan Hospital teaching young PTs.
Kim is balancing on a wall teaching yoga to 80 of the African convent of nuns after a long day of sitting
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Physical therapist to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity for the "House of the Sick and Dying" in Kolkata, India. Kolkata is one of the loudest, most polluted, and poverty-filled cities in the world.
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Physical Therapist for the Kingdom of Bhutan's hospital, next to Tibet; the "roof of the world," and "the last Shangri-La." Bhutan is very difficult to get into and foreigners are only allowed in for about 10 days. Kim uniquely lived amongst the Dali Lama's Buddhist monks and 9th century Buddhist monasteries for 6 months. (Health Volunteers Overseas).
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Humanitarian aid with the Holy Spirit Catholic Nuns of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa.
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Founder of Firm Water Road Philanthropies nonprofit organization.
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