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Our mission is to provide a healing environment and cutting edge education for folks who are struggling with the effects of emotional trauma.

Welcome to Border Mountain! We are so glad you are here visiting us.

We use Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed equine, forest, and art therapy as well as sound, movement, and personal EMDR sessions with a licensed therapist to provide the most effective treatment for deep hurts available today.

We’ve been a 501c3 non-profit organization since 2002 ( EIN # 75-3088453 ).

We have a story to tell and a lot to share that may be life-changing for you. So, make yourself a cup of tea, take your shoes off, and find a comfy spot in a sunbeam. Let the journey to healing begin!

OUR PROGRAMS

HEALING RETREATS

Up for a truly life-altering, deep-dive into a healing experience like no other? Join our Journey of the Heart retreat.

1-ON-1 COACHING

Join JoAnne online for a time of rich, focused, personal instruction in the healing process. Let the journey begin!

Note: Our retreats and workshops are on hold until the filming portion of our In the Shelter of Trees documentary is completed. Sign up for our newsletter to follow the film's progress and to get notified of upcoming workshops and retreats.

I have known JoAnne Chitwood RN, for more than thirty years. I first witnessed her work as a Hospice nurse bringing emotional healing to both patients and family members. JoAnne developed a training course for Hospice staff and for individuals suffering loss of various types. This material has since been used around the world.

A few years ago, while I was pastoring a thirteen-hundred-member church, JoAnne presented her program to the entire congregation over a several month period of time. JoAnne’s effective teaching style was fresh and engaging with every presentation and the attendance grew as she reached people of every generation, gender, age, and background, including those with PTSD trauma. I highly recommend her program.

Scott A. LeMert
Retired pastor

I have known JoAnne for over 25 years, and have had the privilege to work alongside her facilitating grief workshops, teaching and counseling. Each time we work together, I come away with a new understanding. JoAnne has faced her own family conflicts, rejection, tragedies, and profound healing. As she teaches, JoAnne is open and shares her own life struggles and her road of growth and healing. Her ability to share her knowledge of trauma and grief is a gift for those who spend time with her growing, learning and healing.

Vonda Winkle, MSW
Clinical Therapy Specialist

I grew up in an abusive home and, as a result, had a very low self-worth. As I attended JoAnne’s workshops and groups, I learned coping skills, acceptance and how to let go of the past and heal. I found the courage to stop dying and start living. I learned to heal and trust and grow.

When my children were younger, I attended a local class that JoAnne was teaching. I came home after each class and taught my kids the life-changing tools I was learning. My children learned how to use these tools too and how to make great life choices. They became leaders, teaching their peers by example. And now, all have great careers. I’m thankful to JoAnne for sharing hope and life skills with all of us so that we can find the freedom to find a life worth living.

Julie Perry
client

I have known JoAnne for over 25 years, and have had the privilege to work alongside her facilitating grief workshops, teaching and counseling. Each time we work together, I come away with a new understanding. JoAnne has faced her own family conflicts, rejection, tragedies, and profound healing. As she teaches, JoAnne is open and shares her own life struggles and her road of growth and healing. Her ability to share her knowledge of trauma and grief is a gift for those who spend time with her growing, learning and healing.

Vonda Winkle, MSW
Clinical Therapy Specialist

ebook

Mountain of Grace
One Woman's Journey from Heartache to Healing

​Many of you have asked for the backstory on Border Mountain, so here it is! Mountain of Grace is the dramatic story of JoAnne's journey from heartache and tragedy to deep healing and purpose in the formation of Border Mountain.

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