Option Institute

The Option Institute^®
International Learning & Training Center

Invitation to Change

Amanda Louison

Director of Operations
Deputy CEO
Senior Son-Rise Program Advisor
Former Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator

Personal Statement

“I came to the Autism Treatment Center of America in October of 2008 where I took the position as the Intensive Coordinator. Before coming to the Autism Treatment Center of America, I worked with special children for 13 years, and upon my arrival fell in-love with the Son-Rise Program®. The modality of “Bonding through acceptance” opened my eyes to a world of love and acceptance for my own son, who has ADHD, and inspired me to want to live a happier, more loving life. I soon set the intention of doing the Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator Training so I could share my love with children on a much deeper level. I spent six months observing and learning the Son-Rise Program, and in April of 2009 was accepted into the Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator Training Program and in July of 2010, I became a Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator staff member and cherished my time in the playroom as a facilitator.

I continued my training at The Autism Treatment Center of America to become a Senior Son-Rise Program® Advisor. My love of Son-Rise Program® inspired me to talk with parents who are just beginning their journey and who are continuing journey with their children using the Son-Rise Program® principals and techniques.

Through the years, I found myself wanting to help our staff grow and the organization flourish, so I have now moved into a managerial role while still working as a Senior Program Advisor. I am currently the Director of Operations and Deputy CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America and the Option Institute and look forward to working with our staff and with parents of children on the Autism Spectrum for many years to come.”

Fun Facts:

Amanda has been married for 24 years and has two amazing children, a son age 22 and daughter who is 18. Some of her favorite hobbies are hiking, reading, finding tag sales, traveling and spending time with her family.

Raun Kaufman

Global Education Special Projects for the Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of America™
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1998.
Seminar Leader for Business Executives and Educators in North America and Europe
Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher Trainer
Degree in Biomedical Ethics, Brown University
Advisory Board Member, United States Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA)
Certified Son-Rise Program Teacher and Teacher/Trainer

Fun Facts about Raun K. Kaufman:

What’s your favorite movie? American History X – an earth-shattering movie about race in America, bigotry, personal change, and redemption, that ends with a powerfully gutsy conclusion.
Two current projects I am excited about: Conducting studies on The Son-Rise Program to be published in peer-reviewed journals and development of new curriculum for the Institute’s business programs.

Testimonials:

Raun is a ball of fire and a great spark in our midst. An excellent facilitator, Raun’s rapport with us was unique. He created energy constantly, and I was jazzed every moment with him. Raun is a wise, insightful, articulate philosopher and true humanitarian.
Donna Hal, Management

Raun is energetic, dramatic, wise, articulate, immensely loving and delightful. He kept the group spell-bound.
Jane Buckle, Director, New York

Raun is the most outstanding teacher I have ever encountered. Truly exceptional. Raun has such enthusiasm – it radiates from him.
Hilary Farmer, Dyslexia Educational Consultant, England

Suzanne Pruss

Practicing The Option Process for 25 years
Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselor
Certified Son-Rise Program Instructor for 20 years
Mentor Liaison for Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselors world-wide

Fun Facts about Suzanne Pruss

Growing up in Australia I attended a one-room, one-teacher primary school, ‘Little House on the Prairie’ style.
Love traveling: have lived in 6 different countries and love that The Berkshires is now home.
Greatest accomplishment: curing my body of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, & Lymes Disease.

Client Testimonial:

Suzanne is a kindred spirit and a powerful teacher. I love this woman & truly appreciate her (dialogue). Love the twinkle in her eyes.
~Barbara Bachelder, Pilates trainer, Canada

This was a profound experience I have never had: someone listening to me that really cared about my feelings. Amazing how simple questions can make you think, feel, cry and make you realize things about yourself.
~Patty Hendricks, PA

Incredible – I was able to gain so much direction/clarity in my session and I’m thrilled and grateful for my time with her.
~Naomi Webb, Australia

Everything we feel, say, and do has a chosen belief which fuels it

We filter all our experiences through our beliefs and mindsets (about ourselves, others, and events around us). These beliefs, in turn, determine how we feel and what we do. Most importantly, people’s beliefs are changeable. We can help you to examine and then re-choose beliefs which fuel comfort, happiness, and the inner strength to overcome life’s challenges.

You have your own answers

Oftentimes, we look for our answers from experts, institutions, the media, and the people around us – everyone but ourselves. We believe that you possess all of your own answers to the personal issues that mark your life. We can teach you to access and rely upon your own internal insight.

Happiness Is A Choice

Though many of us speak as if our emotions happen to us, we believe that they are responses we choose in an effort to take care of ourselves. Misery, fear, anger, distress, anxiety, and discomfort are optional, not inevitable. We can show you how to meet crises and challenges with comfort and ease – and to create personal happiness in a sustainable way.

Changing the way you see things changes everything

Most of us think that events in our lives are inherently good or bad, and we can only hope for more good than bad. We give you tools to change your point of view about life events. We have seen, over and over again, that learning to change your perspective on external occurrences changes your entire internal experience – which then changes how you deal with external occurrences.

We do not teach “the truth”

We do not teach “the truth.” We do not teach “the right way to live.” What we do teach are practical tools, principles, strategies, and perspectives for being, overcoming life’s challenges, and sustaining personal happiness.

Authenticity, not people-pleasing, builds close relationships and safety

Throughout our lives, we are taught to say what people want to hear, to mask our true selves, to focus on who others think we should be rather than being who we sincerely are. Most of us see this as safe – and crucial to maintaining our relationships. We see personal authenticity and honesty as the key to feeling safe (because you don’t have to live in fear of being “found out”) and creating close, meaningful relationships (because each person can know and love the other for who they really are).

We aren’t the victims we’re taught to be

At every turn, most of us are treated as though we are victims – of our genes, or our upbringing, or our subconscious, or outside events. We have specific self-empowering strategies to enable you to capitalize on your own ultimate capability to be in the driver’s seat in every circumstance.

Self-criticism and self-doubt may be “normal” (as in “usual”) but they aren’t “natural” (as in “a necessary part of the human condition”)

You are not condemned to live the rest of your life thinking that you are not good enough, that something is wrong with you, that you are not whole, that you are not okay as you are. These are learned beliefs, and we can teach you different, more self-supportive ones. Why? Because we don’t believe that anything is wrong with you, and we do believe that you are okay just the way you are.

Being non-judgmental is powerful, not passive

Most of us see making judgments (“that’s terrible,” “he’s mean”) as crucial to our moral compass and our ability to take decisive action. However, we see judgments as leading to discomfort, anger, clouded perceptions, and muddled decision-making. That’s why we help you to drop judgments, thus increasing your focus, decisiveness, and ability to handle crises.

Stan Cohen

Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 2003.
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher
Previous background: Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors for a publicly traded bank

Fun Facts about Stan:

Favorite Place to Be: “On a beach in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, overlooking the beautiful white sanded beach in front of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.”
One Way He Loves to Spend His Free Time: “Training with my children, as a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.”

Testimonials:

Great, wonderful enthusiasm, and sense of humor. He expressed amazing interest in all of us.
Julia K. McCaughey, Real Estate Salesperson, New York

Stan exudes a calm intensity that gently pushes me to my limits and then some. I felt his wisdom and love through his teaching.
Joel Witherspoon, Counselor, North Carolina

This man has amazing skills! His energy lit up the room. His questions challenged and delighted everyone. We played, we worked and we celebrated our discoveries together. I want more Stan.
Mark Lindsay, Boatbuilder, Massachussetts

Bryn Hogan

Practicing The Option Process since 1994.
Executive Director of Autism Treatment Center of America
Son-Rise Program Teacher and Teacher Trainer in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Previous background: Special Education Teacher and Case Manager

Fun Facts about Bryn Hogan

Greatest Accomplishments: “Running my daughter’s Son-Rise Program, adopting my children, healing my body of cardiac health challenge and directing the Autism Treatment Center of America for 15 years.
Greatest Realization: That I create my own internal experience and that I could teach others to do the same
Favorite Indulgence: Watching Netflix while I do cardio

Testimonials for Bryn Hogan

Bryn is a superb facilitator who delivers her subject brilliantly with humor and style. She is a sincere, genuine person who is sensitive to the mood of the audience. I have learned so much from her in 5 days. A personal message for Bryn: ‘I will be forever indebted to you for everything I have learned. You are a true inspiration!’
Sean Driscoll, Translator, Wales

Bryn is powerful, sharp, keen-witted, intelligent and fearless. One just knows that Bryn can move mountains and does. She is a powerful facilitator.
Laine Jastram, Therapist, Texas

Her warmth, her ability to connect, her humor and her love radiated in the room. She’s a dynamic speaker who can also bring you to tears in an instant, because she lets you see her love, and her heart.
Barbara Partazana, Insurance, Florida

I have never been in the presence of a more powerful, beautiful, articulate speaker. Oh, and she could easily be a successful stand-up comic. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve shared this week. I am a better person for having known you.
Jill Liebler, Mother/Homemaker, Texas

Clyde Haberman

Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1996.
Director of Major Gifts
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher/Trainer
Previous background: Professional Musician and Performer

Fun Facts About Clyde Haberman

The best thing I’ve done for myself this year – take Wide Awake and be a student again
A perfect morning: up at 5:30, exercise till 6:30, practice clarinet till 7:30, breakfast and off to the OI

Testimonials for Clyde Haberman

Clyde’s relaxed, calming and loving style was an inspiration to me throughout the program. His genuine belief that happiness is a choice was clearly articulated and convincingly put forward. His non directive and inclusive approach towards the group was balanced and effective. Without doubt, a master facilitator.
Wayne Thomas, Learning & Development Consultant, England

Clyde delivers the teachings with great clarity, conviction and fun. …He comes from a place of genuine understanding and humility and invites you to step forward with trust and honesty. He is brilliant at creating a safe learning place that is easeful and profound.
Starr Cornell, Administrative Assistant, Great Barrington, MA

Clyde is nurturing, fun, playful, considerate, poetic and loving. He created a safe environment to explore the inner parts of myself, the shadow-side that was aching to be noticed.
Jane Buckle, Director, New York

Clyde is a great teacher and leader. I enjoy the poems he shares, his exuberance and excitement about being here, and being part of our process of authentication.
Julia K. McCaughey, Retail Manager, Connecticut

Samahria Lyte Kaufman

Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Option Institute.
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1975.
Co-Originator of The Son-Rise Program for children with Autism and developmental challenges.
Co-Author of A Sacred Dying.

Fun Facts about Samahria:

Greatest Accomplishment: “Nurturing my son out of autism.”
An Inspiring Book That She Recently Read: Man’s Search for Meaning, by: Viktor E. Frankl

Testimonials:

I bring Samahria my questions, the ones I feel most vulnerable with, and seeing them through her eyes, with humor, compassion, and wisdom, I find the next octave of me.
Wendy Musk, Teacher, Newton, CT

Energetic, outrageous, exceptional woman, an absolute inspiration; she embodies everything we can be. Samahria’s energy is so powerful that she fills the whole room and is so giving, loving, and accepting of everybody. It’s like she has a fine tuned radar to know who to go to and how and when to stretch them.
Zobeeda Madsen, Son-Rise Mom, Spain

I wish I could take this graceful lady home with me! What a bubbly, effervescent wealth of knowledge and experience Samahria is!
Tammy Patchell-Evans, Son-Rise Program Mom/Dance Studio Owner, Canada

Delightful. Joyous. Irreverent. Samahria is a fun teacher! Who could be better? She is a gem.
Valerie Gilbert, Actress, New York

"Bears" Barry Neil Kaufman

Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Option Institute.
Practicing and teaching The Option Process® since 1975.
Author of 12 books on The Option Process
Noted international speaker, Group Facilitator and teacher
Co-Originator of The Son-Rise Program® for children with Autism and developmental challenges

Fun Facts about Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman

Favorite Indulgence: Starbuck’s Mocha Frappuccino
Greatest Accomplishment: “Taking responsibility for my happiness and unhappiness.”

Testimonials for Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman

The search for peace in the world must start within the human heart and within our own families. Barry Neil Kaufman understands that. By personal example and through his writing and counseling, he gives a compelling vision for the building of inner and outer peace.
President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

If there were a Nobel Prize for love, I’d want the Kaufmans to be the first to receive one.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, Author, Change Your Thoughts — Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

Barry Neil Kaufman champions making the choice to believe in ourselves, to be hopeful and seize the power of loving ourselves and others.
Lou Holtz, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

Inspiring, groundbreaking and visionary. Barry Neil Kaufman’s work is the science of love, compassion and insight which will transform the world.
Deepak Chopra M.D., Author, Quantum Healing

I have never experienced a more brilliant teacher. Bears consistently puts every participant in the ‘playroom’ and constantly and lovingly gives each of us the opportunity to question ourselves, love ourselves even more, and to find out what our ‘new’ best self is. My love for the man whose courage and curiosity created The Option Institute is only slightly less than my overwhelming gratitude.
Shelley Stravitz, Educational Consultant, California

Leah Taylor Roy

Practicing The Option Process for 14 years
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher
Previous background: Management Consulting and Finance

Fun Facts about Leah Taylor Roy

An Inspiring Book That She Recently Read: The World is Flat, by Thomas L. Friedman
Favorite Types of Cuisine: Moroccan and Mediterranean

Testimonials for Leah Taylor Roy:

I feel she has a softness and understanding of everyone she comes in contact with. She communicates straight from the heart. Her teachings and messages are amazing.
Debbie Mokhlessin, Banker, California

Excellent bundle of brilliant energy, clarity and curiosity. Excellent dialogue processor!
Dennis Dougherty, CEO – Landscape, Mill Valley, CA

Leah displays a delightful presence. She is open and accepting and loving. She is so accepting and wants the best for you so it is easy to grow in transforming and powerful ways.
Patrick Davenport, Venture Capital, Massachusetts

Beverly Haberman

Practicing The Option Process for 21 years
Special Projects Communications Coordinator
Certified Option Process® Mentor-Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher Trainer
Previous Background: Professional Musician and Teacher

Fun Facts about Beverly:

Favorite Pastime: Strolling through the streets of Great Barrington with Clyde as we eat and shop our way through a Saturday afternoon.
Greatest Accomplishment: “Learning to stand tall in who I am.”

Testimonials:

Beverly’s excitement for The Option Process is what got me here! Her continued excitement surrounding what she does here is amazing. I enjoy being around someone who is so passionate. When she walks into the room, I find that I want to hear everything she has to say.
Kristine Jones, Interior Designer, New Jersey

Beverly is a sweet soul who quietly teaches with confidence and compassion. She passes on her knowledge succinctly and clearly. Her explanation of the Option Process® Dialogue is to the point and easy to understand. Clarity is her trademark.
Michael Pearl, Lawyer, England

Lauren Astor

Practicing Option Process for 19 years
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor since 2001
Working at The Option Institute as Mentor/Counselor and Special Projects since 2000
Previous Background: NYC Teacher, MA Ed.
Founder/owner Manhattan Bookstore

Fun Facts:

Wrote 85 original songs including the hit, Exceptional Woman
Cooks up an awesome chicken matzho ball soup

Client Testimonial:

Lauren has been my counselor for over a year and I always, always look forward to our dialogues together every week. She helps me work out the big issues and the little ones and, through it all, she offers the gifts of deep love and acceptance, both quite palpable. When I develop comfort and conviction about something, I can feel her cheering me on. I am pursuing a new career and have had a number of doubts and fears along the way. Our weekly sessions have enabled me to get past each obstacle I encounter. I feel so comfortable and safe with Lauren that I have discussed just about every aspect of my life with her! Lauren is a gem, a jewel, a precious gift to me and others.
~Abigail L. Austin, TX

I have worked with two other therapists, but our work together was by far, the most effective, rapid and so easy. Although we never met in person, I instantly felt comfortable. Your gentle, but probing questions helped me breakthrough my deepest circular and unhappy thinking patterns. I now have tools to use for myself and I see so many situations differently. You have given me the insight for how I make my world. Thank you for holding up that mirror. I finally feel more grounded and responsible for myself than ever. I will certainly recommend you to everyone. I’m so thankful!
~Julie C. New York, NY

There have been areas of my life where I have felt stuck. I have tried yoga, therapy, mediation and wine and I just couldn’t move past the psychological barrier. Your methods, compassion, and generosity have helped me see things from a brand new perspective. This has been freeing and is helping me move to a whole new chapter in my life.
~Elizabeth B. Millbrook, NY

Zoe Zappa

Senior adult program counselor
Practicing The Option Process for 22 years
Used to be an operating room scrub nurse
3 children – 30, 26 and 24 (all of them take programs here)

Fun Facts about Zoe

Greatest Accomplishments: When I realized that I am fully responsible for what I think and feel and moving from the mountains of Colorado to work at The Option Instituteto support others with their journey to personal happiness.
Favorite pastime: Walking in nature – collecting rocks, wood, feathers and interesting bugs, and surrounding my life with nature.

Dane Griffith

Director of Administrative Services
Working at the Option Institute for 15 years
Previous Background: Engineering Management
Current Interest: Holistic Nutrition

Fun Facts about Dane

Favorite place to be: At my home in Sheffield, on the deck, in a lounge chair next to Liz, dogs playing in the yard, tea mug in hand, deep blue sky with white puffy clouds overhead, nowhere to go and nothing to do – it doesn’t get any better than this!
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Jan-Marie Gundacker

Son-Rise Program Senior Program Advisors
Practicing The Option Process for 15 years
Previous background: executive director and development director of nonprofit agencies feeding the hungry and teaching adults to read; counselor and coach; published writer.

Fun Facts about Jan-Marie

Favorite place to be: walking the beach and boards of the Jersey Shore talking to God and basking in the joyful, exquisite beauty of our world.
Greatest Accomplishments: my son and daughter, my two biggest miracles; learning to love by watching my mother; seeing the gifts in cancer, twice.

Click here for more on Bears' Cancer Journey

Our Teachers and Key Staff

Our Teachers

Key Staff

Program Enrollment Department

World Wide Communications

Administration & IT

Our Teachers

Key Staff

Program Enrollment Department

World Wide Communications

Administration & IT

Contact Us

Click here for more on Bears' Cancer Journey

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Our Teachers and Key Staff

Our Teachers

Key Staff

Program Enrollment Department

World Wide Communications

Administration & IT

Our Teachers

Key Staff

Program Enrollment Department

World Wide Communications

Administration & IT

Option Institute

Contact Us

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NOTE: Attendance of live sessions via Zoom are required to complete this course.

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Dear Donor,

Dear Donor

Dear Donor,