SpinPoi as seen on…
What is Poi?
Poi is a ball on a cord that you spin in circles around your body. It originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, and is used today across the globe as a form of play and therapy that has been scientifically proven to benefit physical and cognitive function. At SpinPoi, we are passionate about working with poi as an evidence-based tool to improve wellbeing for all ages and abilities.
Registration is open for the SpinPoi Kansas City Certification Course!
Saturday August 5th and Sunday August 6th, 10am – 2pm. Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. 3665 W 95th St, Overland Park.
The SpinPoi Certification Course is an evidence-based qualification stemming from clinical research on the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. Participants will learn about working with poi as a therapeutic tool for wide variety of clients including older adults, children, those with dementia, Parkinson’s, and more. This includes the theory and pedagogy behind working with poi to improve wellbeing, cultural sensitivity, how to structure and facilitate sessions, and more. Upon course completion participants will join the global community of Certified SpinPoi Instructors. This is a 2-day course with 8 hours of hands-on learning.
Download the full Course Brochure.
See SpinPoi in Action
We have worked with and trained countless health care professionals, educators, and community members across the globe in working with poi to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Continuing Education Units
This course is approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois. The following professions are eligible: Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists. If you work in a professional outside of these fields and are interested in receiving CEUs please get in touch, as it may still be possible to get approval. If you would like to proceed with CEUs, simply choose the “SpinPoi Certification Course + CEUs” option from the dropdown menu when you register for the course.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is the leading global exponent in working
with poi as a therapeutic tool and the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi Ltd. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study in the world to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. She was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand for her work in the poi/health field, and has been featured across international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Maori Television. In 2021 she was named as one of the University of Auckland’s Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni.
What People Are Saying
“I have been able to learn and implement SpinPoi programs in the aged and disability sectors and have seen firsthand the joy and improvement for consumers in my classes. I totally recommend SpinPoi to anyone.” –Janine, Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting
“As a play-based specialist teacher, often working with youth with diverse and complex needs, I’ve found SpinPoi to be a great activity not only for the engagement and physical benefits but for the amount everyone enjoys it.” – Jesse, The Forest School
“SpinPoi inspired me to incorporate poi into my dance classes for the 50yrs+, and made the process of adding poi to an existing group fitness class very straight forward. The humour, creativity and sheer joy from participants has been fantastic.” – Hilary, Move Good Now
“I just started teaching SpinPoi classes at my local community center, and driving home I cried tears of gratitude, realizing how much people are benefiting from this experience. And I had a blast too! My heart is so full!” – Shanana Rain
“Poi went from an additional therapeutic activity on our ward to one of the most popular, and something prioritized on patients’ schedules. Now, other therapies are typically arranged around it.” – Jo, Middlemore Hospital
“During SpinPoi sessions we have seen our older residents smile or laugh out loud, socialize and develop new friendships, and engage both their minds and their bodies despite their age and physical or cognitive abilities.” – Orquidea, Summerset
The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center
The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center, a unique 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, provides an array of exercise programs that target motor and nonmotor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s Disease. Based in the Kansas City area, the PEWC offers classes in Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves, Parkinson’s—Art of Expression, Dance, Yoga, and Mat Pilates, and more.
Want To Learn More About The Course?
