Fearless – Teacher Reviews

Back to program page. Bears Kaufman Samahria Kaufman Raun K. Kaufman Clyde Haberman Beverly Haberman Stan Cohen

Bears Kaufman

“The ultimate. Great material, high energy. His passion is beautiful.”

Sean Buxton, Financial Advisor, California

“Fantastic! So authentic, loving and unique. I love you Bears. What an honor to be learning love and happiness from you. It is a gift and I am deeply grateful. Thank you!”

Fran Liautaud, Mentor / Coach, Maine

“Incredible, amazing awareness, perception, modeling and teaching.”

Ray Zwack, Business Executive, Minnesota

“Excellent, loving and confrontational. Dynamic. Cuts right through to the core of the issue.”

Gennifer Saul, Unemployed, Germany

“Extremely skilled teacher, comfortable in his own show and genuinely loves and wants the best for each participant!”

Caren Kolerski, Seminar Leader, New York

“I continue to learn more about myself through his teachings than anyone else I have met. His mastery of the subject, the strong convictions of his teachings and the love that he gives us with the pure offering of being there, to help us be the best that we can be is priceless. I love his classes, I love and adore him and I love being his student. Bears is absolutely magnificent! Thank you for sharing your life with us!!”

Dane Griffith, General Manager, Massachusetts

“Bears is an amazing facilitator. He is energetic, intelligent and loving toward his ‘students of self’. I am always amazed at how present he is and how much he makes use of so many of his talents to help us see our own wonderful possibilities. He gets ‘in your face’, pushes your buttons and draws out the ‘stuff’ you are trying to hide even from yourself. This is the first time I have had Bears as an instructor for the entire week, and I believe it is because of that, the program has been so powerful, valuable and life-changing.”

Gizelle Alexander, Bookkeeper, New York

“I LOVE THIS MAN!! WOW . . .What an experience! Bears is authentic, present, in the moment and filled with compassion . . . Your light is so bright . . . Thank you for loving me.”

Tobey White, Airport Counter Clerk, Wisconsin

“Bears is an outstanding visionary – his message is inspirational, compelling and deeply potent, and clearly and movingly presented. He brilliantly cuts to the core, and his scope of experience and learning is mind-boggling.”

Diane Berger, Art Historian/Writer, England

“Bears, you have fantastic energy. How you keep track of 40+ individuals is really a wonderful gift that you give to the entire class. You seemed to give at least one rough-cut jewel to every participant.”

Leslie Burns, Flight Attendant, Illinois

“Bears is insightful, loving, a splendid teacher and a rich storehouse of understanding.”

W. Thurston Wilson, Clergy, Georgia

“A true master who exudes passion for what he does. The program seems to flow through him naturally.”

Joe Petras, Medical Sales Manager, Massachusetts

“Bears’ teaching rocked – he seemed to be like a blazing fire at every moment! I was amazed at his ability to be so focused and present. And his love and gentleness were obvious in his every action.”

Maria K. Wolf, Editorial Assistant, Pennsylvania

“Bears is the best teacher I’ve ever experienced. His love, insight, playfulness, knowledge and delivery are so useful to any person seeking self-studentship.”

Stan Cohen, Certified Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, New York

“Bears’ style was provocative, challenging, effective and entertaining. I wouldn’t change a thing. (However, I was just wondering how he is able to see out of the back of his head.)”

Jeff Cohen, Self-Employed, New York

“Bears has an incredible ability to determine who is in need and to guide them through their issues. He has a great sense of humor, and is clearly a master of the process and at explaining how it works.”

Fran Boucher, Engineer, Massachusetts

“Bears was wonderful! He has an amazing ability to work with the group, to be spontaneous, loving and very useful. His sessions were always stimulating and insightful.”

Barbara Goldsmith, Son-Rise Mom/Homemaker, Connecticut

“Wonderful! Bears is a phenomenal teacher. He is so natural, so sharp and so fun. I loved his classes and his gentle and challenging styles. So incredible at helping people get to the heart of it. I love you! Thank you so much for loving me this week.”

Sean Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Massachusetts

“I so appreciate the clarity, playfulness, and sensitivity that he brings to his teaching. He embodies and models where I want to go. I also experience a growing spirituality that moves and inspires me.”

Jane Wyker, Family Counselor, New York

“Bears has been the most useful person in my life ever! If I could spend time every day with one individual on this planet, he would be my first choice!”

Steve Minkewicz, Computer Programmer, Texas

“Highly organized, a powerful personality and nimble on his feet. Bears has the quality of sincerity that draws me to him.”

Charlene Black, Retired, Illinois

“Awesome as always. Bears’ sincerity and love shine.”

Michael Steir VP, Legal Department, New Hampshire

“Bears makes it so very clear how fear functions and how one can uncover the underlying beliefs. Also, I really appreciate the spiritual component that I see in Bears’ teaching.”

Mary Spangler-Blair, Psychotherapist, South Dakota

“Bears chooses the right question at the right moment to initiate not only teachings for the people being asked, but for the entire group.”

Peter Burns, Writer, Illinois

“Woo-hoo! What a ride! How does he do it? I think he has eyes in the back of his head. Thanks, Bears!”

Robin Sacks, Student, Canada

Samahria Kaufman

“I love being with you. You truly are a force of nature and I remind myself, through your example, to show up big and authentic-you are a beautiful teacher. Thank you.”

Fran Liautaud, Mentor / Coach, Maine

“Excellent. I loved her style. Warm, gentle and loving, while being confrontational.”

Gennifer Saul, Unemployed, Germany

“An amazing wealth of knowledge. I took so much information down I have a novel in my mind. This time it’s about living in the truth, not in the fiction.”

Debbie Anne Binnie, Full Time Student, Scotland

“I adore her! I’ve gotten the most aha moments while in her class. She’s an inspiration to me.”

Yinan Estrada Ortiz, TV And Film Production, PR

“Teaches from the heart to the heart! Amazing, empowered woman! Great energy!”

Caren Kolerski, Seminar Leader, New York

“I love Samahria’s way of understanding and intuition. When Samahria teaches, I’m riveted. She connects a lot for me; out of the pieces that Bears helped me throw up in the air-Samahria helps me sort it out.”

Sandy Sinclair Bruns, Mom And Coach, New York

“I love Samahria. I love her joy of life, her laughter, her love of self and others. She is playful, strong and sweet. I don’t think there was a single person who wasn’t on the edge of their seat as she was speaking. We were all extremely attentive because she makes the material seem so compelling.”

Gizelle Alexander, Bookkeeper, New York

“To me, she is the queen of the universe. Insightful while employing wonderful humor. Loving and accepting . . . on a scale of 1 – 10, she’s 25!”

Marcia Murphy, Health Consultant, Colorado

“What a loving soul and wonderful being. I love her laughs. She is a guiding Angel.”

Najat Abuhaliqa, Systems Analyst, Saudi Arabia

“Samahria has a fabulous, inspiring presentation style. Her insights are incredibly perceptive. She exudes love and warmth and her humor is divine. She makes you want to get up and dance to her ideas, beliefs, and compassion. Really extraordinary. I’d love her to be my best friend!”

Diane Berger, Art Historian/Writer, England

“Samahria’s energy was incredible. But most important were her love and sense of humor. My time with her flew and definitely left me wanting more. Thank you, Samahria! I love you.”

Peter Burns, Writer, Illinois

“Samahria is an absolute wonder in her ability to convey ideas and provide a safe place to explore fears. I had a riotous good time with her.”

Lois Atherton, Museum/Gallery Director, Massachusetts

“Samahria, I enjoy your humor and love. You constantly remind me I can grow while having fun. It doesn’t have to be hard work.”

Melissa Ford, Business Owner, Illinois

“A love bundle! Samahria’s love, humor and playfulness are my greatest lessons.”

Jane Wyker, Family Counselor, New York

“JOY! JOY! JOY! This lady is funny! A smile comes to my face just thinking of Samahria.”

John Bardeen, Marketing, Colorado

“Wow! When Samahria taught I just laughed and laughed and laughed. I was amazed at the wisdom and insights she had, and all the more so because of her laid back, fun manner!”

Maria K. Wolf, Editorial Assistant, Pennsylvania

“A model of love and fearlessness. Samahria, you always inspire me (or, I inspire myself around you) to love bigger.”

Robin Sacks, Student, Canada

“Samahria was delightful – humorous, loving and on target. I find myself completely at ease in her presence and, thus, more authentically me.”

Mary Spangler-Blair, Psychotherapist, South Dakota

“Samahria is a life force. Her laugh is infectious. Her attitude, insights and presence are contagious.”

Doug Stevenson, Writer, Illinois

“I so enjoy the fun I have with this woman. I love her ability to find humor when cutting to truths. Laughing and joining people in laughing is such tremendous medicine.”

Karen Taylor, Accounting, Illinois

“Fabulous! Warmth and humor flood out of Samahria. She’s very helpful and hopeful and peace-giving.”

Judith English, Programmer, Canada

“It’s like Samahria finds a way to be more loving and at ease when I thought she had taken that as far as anyone could possibly go.”

Brian Nelson, Custom Controls/Program Management, Michigan

“Superb energy. Great earthiness. Samahria cut to the chase in each activity.”

Leslie Burns, Flight Attendant, Illinois

Raun K. Kaufman

“Truly amazing mentor, teacher, and person. The energy you bring to your teaching is mind-blowing. Teaches with humor, excitement and great love.”

Ava Dweck, Explorer, Massachusetts

“Funny and playful, challenging us with such love and kindness and acceptance.”

Adrian Deal, Explorer And Adventurer, North Carolina

“Thank you, sweet, outrageous and loving man!”

Jan Hafner, Social Worker, Minnesota

“A gift from God!! You are beautiful and like the seven wonders of the world. Now I can say I have been in the presence of the eighth wonder! You’re awesome.”

Tobey White, Airport Counter Clerk, Wisconsin

“Always a blast! Your sense of humor is just great – and your knowledge of what you teach is amazing. I love what you’re doing with Son-Rise!!”

Ellen Stanley, Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Maine

“He’s so cool! He’s full of life, light, and love. His openness and honesty encourages me to seek the best out of any situation. He lights up the room with his enthusiasm.”

Debbie Hall, Student, Canada

“Raun is the BEST. His enthusiasm is total joy. His teaching manner is sheer pleasure.”

Cindy Rinehimer, Retired Insurance Broker, New York

“Raun was exceptional. I was motivated by his intensity. He was incredibly present and asked terrific questions. I would love to work more with him. What a joy.”

Peter Burns, Writer, Illinois

“Raun’s commentary and teaching really helped me to see some things in a totally new way. I loved his sense of humor and amazing personality.”

Maria K. Wolf, Editorial Assistant, Pennsylvania

“Raun blew me away. I wanted a lot more program time with him. His effortless, fun, crystal clarity was like the pure playful light of God!”

Steve Minkewicz, Computer Programmer, Texas

“YOU ROCK!”

Steve McCabe, Data Manager, Illinois

“It is great to see and experience his style of teaching – full of excitement, focus, clarity, and love.”

John Burke, Attorney, Minnesota

“Raun is a person who loves to laugh and is great at poking fun at himself. He is very infectious. I love watching his eyes light up and his enjoyment of what he’s doing.”

Karen Taylor, Accounting, Illinois

Clyde Haberman

“What a joy! His ability to facilitate meaningful discussions from the simple dynamics of the group was fascinating.”

Kathy de Castro, HR Executive, Connecticut

“Excellent. I like Clyde’s teaching style-laid back yet assertive when key points needed to get across.”

Marty Schecter, Director Program Management, MA

“The amazing Clyde. I wish I could bottle him and take him home. He finds things inside me I thought I’d dealt with but hadn’t. He helps me bring them out to explore them in safety.”

Debbie Anne Binnie, Full Time Student, Scotland

” Wonderful. His soft way of putting things was very good. He is someone that I feel I could spend days talking to.”

Frank Dandridge, Sales, Kansas

“Excellent! I have grown to truly respect and love Clyde. He is totally genuine in his presentation and understanding. Thanks for making such a difference in my life!”

Rhee Gold, Event Promoter, Massachusetts

“Tender, true – wanting the best for everyone.”

Dennis White, Physician, Maine

“Clyde connects immediately with the class and creates immediate trust by his love. Thanks, Clyde.”

John Burke, Attorney, Minnesota

“I really appreciated Clyde’s gentle humor and manner. I felt he was very present and this really enhanced his teaching.”

Maria K. Wolf, Editorial Assistant, Pennsylvania

“Clyde was excellent. His warmth, clarity, and presentation were very useful.”

Stan Cohen, Certified Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, New York

“On point, confident and assertive. Clyde is comfortable with himself. I very much enjoy his gentleness.”

Karen Taylor, Accounting, Illinois

“A voice of serenity. I enjoyed his calm energy.”

Robin Sacks, Student, Canada

Beverly Haberman

“I love Beverly. Her passion and love for this work shines through everything she does.”

Kathy De Castro, HR Executive, Connecticut

“She’s the master of the dialogue; her simple and thorough explanations are most valuable to all.”

Yinan Estrada Ortiz, TV And Film Production, PR

“Beverly is gentle and full of love and compassion, an exceptional teacher! “

Geanne Salmons, Dental Assistant, Kansas

“I love Beverly. She’s a wonderful caring soul. She’s helped me so much on my journey to uncover my authentic self-hidden under years of fear and pain.”

Debbie Hall, Student, Canada

“A powerful teacher and a self-possessed woman. I believe Beverly walks her talk – she presents information in a clear concise manner and always checks in with the student. YEA!”

Nancy Bacigalupo, Clerical, Massachusetts

“Warm, sweet, clear, easygoing, but strong. I was very impressed with Beverly. She was excellent.”

Sean Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Massachusetts

“Beverly was very light, almost like a fairy. She was perfect. She has a gentle, whimsical style of confrontation that I enjoyed.”

Steve McCabe, Data Manager, Illinois

“I really enjoyed Beverly’s teaching style. She is so comfortable and radiates an incredible amount of love.”

Stan Cohen, Certified Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, New York

Stan Cohen

“Stan’s exercise and delivery were great. The pace was good and energy level was high.”

John Zieba, Restaurant Owner, Florida

“Dynamic, personable and engaged well with the class.”

Marty Schecter, Director Program Development, Massachusetts

“He was a great teacher, well spoken and had a great command of the subject matter. Humorous.”

Gary Kolerski, Disabled, New York

“He’s up close and personal, very soft and great to have for very delicate or significant issues.”

Yinan Estrada Ortiz, TV And Film Production, PR

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Dear Donor,

Jeannie Reid was searching for answers to the challenges she and her family were facing. Jeannie and her husband Stuart’s son, Carson, had been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a condition on the Autism spectrum. For Carson that meant being completely involved in obsessive behaviors and only using minimal words to identify objects, as well as frequently and completely melting down.

Soon after, Jeannie found the book, “Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues” and when she read it, she KNEW she had found what she was looking for. She began using some of the Son-Rise techniques described in the book on her own until she was able to come to The Autism Treatment Center of America for the Son-Rise Program Start-Up. As she put into practice what she learned there, Carson’s world was opening up. Today Carson is attending a Montessori school as a 'typical' student and functioning at or above typical grade level, being fully verbal and conversational, and very interested in learning about the world and interacting as much as possible with other people. He is even taking swim lessons at the local YMCA and doing great!

“It has been wonderful to get, and stay connected with other people and Son-Rise parents from all over the world. My son’s progress had already come very far, but now I truly believe we can go all the way!”

Jeannie wrote.

Stuart Reid then attended the Empower Yourself course and brought home a new sense of clarity, balance and personal power. He shared his new empowerment with Jeannie and she in turn gained in confidence, strength and enthusiasm. Their own relationship began to flourish anew, as well. Life-altering changes were happening for Jeannie and her family.

Jeannie journeyed again to Sheffield, this time for the Fearless course at The Option Institute to help her recognize and overcome her personal obstacles. Jeannie wanted to continue her amazing journey as she had found using the techniques she learned in The Son-Rise Program and in Fearless had absolutely changed the lives of everyone in her family.

But, because the Reids’ finances had been seriously stretched by then, their next steps were put on hold. Then an amazing event changed everything. Jeannie’s college roommate and lifelong friend decided to start a Son-Rise Program scholarship fund for people from the Cleveland area. Since then Jeannie has been able to move ahead with her courses, taking Radical Authenticity, Son-Rise Maximum Impact and Son-Rise Wide Awake ... and eventually she became a Certified Group Facilitator.

Jeannie Reid’s story is about wanting BIG and making it happen. She is about to embark on her renewed private practice as an art therapist, and plans to be a super advocate for The Son-Rise Program in her area. Her wonderful new life is a product of her persistence and belief, and of the wheels she helped set in motion for others when her friends learned of how she and her family had been impacted by The Son-Rise Program.

“I know I will be able to give back by helping others, and that will be the top of my personal mountain! Thank you to everyone who donates! You are making a big difference in the world!

Jeannie Reid

 

Dear Donor

Two years ago, Antonio's kindergarten teacher told us something was not quite right with our little boy. He was not socializing, he somersaulted all the time and hardly spoke at all. At the time I was working for a municipality close to Florence, Italy and basically I had nothing left after seeing to basic necessities.

In the meantime, I looked up Autism with Google and as I was also looking for happiness and personal growth, I was guided to The Option Institute, thence the Autism Treatment Center of America. I read up as much as I could and started trying to apply the “Happiness is a Choice” suggestions. I'm not quite good at it but it has helped me with attitude, and everything else that seemed trying is really different after all this.

When I decided to come for The Son-Rise Program Start-Up, I really had little or no money to pay for it. I spoke to my friends, old and new. My mother helped me, friends I thought couldn't [help] tried their very best and the scholarship did the rest.

What the scholarship did was give a HUGE boost to my fundraising. About six friends contributed the rest, at the travel agency a very kind lady who I may now call a friend helped me some more. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. Here I am, happy to have attended the Start-Up program and looking forward to learning more and praying to God for guidance.

So the gist of the matter is, I am a happy mum who hopes to implement a wonderful relationship with her child and is riding a not so easy moment with lots of hope in her heart and THANK YOU is not enough for what I feel. I still remember William's words, “If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always got.” Now I'm trying to do different, bit by bit, day by day. I feel the difference already.

About Antonio ... we are going on with the Italian program and I play with Antonio after school in a quiet room in the house. Knowing what the little guy is exposed to (he's always putting his fingers in his ears and he seems to have problems with too much light in his eyes), I find him very brave as he bears it tolerably. Drums a lot to digest it all.

When we went to the doctor, just weeks after starting the program at home, she told me that she found him more attentive. His attention span has increased. He is also tagging or pulling at one's arm when looking for attention. The child psychologist last Saturday reported the same thing and what's more, my son has always required that I enter the room, hence assisting in every session. Well, this time he went in along with the doctor and told me, “See you later.”

At school, his teacher who speaks English as well, read up and watched my DVD (Kyle’s Journey, Jade and “I want my little boy back”). Now she's changing, bit by bit and I do appreciate that very much. He seems to be OK with her and actually sent me away from class this morning, again telling me, “See you later.”

He is now ONE HUGE GREENLIGHT and I'm hoping to be able to really have volunteers (still looking), raise funds and settle down to business.

God bless,

Jackline

 

Dear Donor,

I am the mother of three children, all on the Autism Spectrum. Before I heard of the Son-Rise Program and the Option Institute, I was a desperate, angry and depressed person…. I was on Anti-depressants, sleeping multiple hours of the day, and for a period of time, using alcohol to run away from my pain.

Then I heard of the Son-Rise Program. I called to find out more about it and thought “this if for me!” But I could not afford it. You see raising one child with Autism is very expensive but raising three is just outrageously expensive with all the therapies and dietary interventions that we were doing.

But I was offered a full scholarship to the SRSU program. I have since attended all of the Son-Rise Programs and many of the Personal Growth programs offered by the Option Institute.  Each time I have been given a scholarship and each time I go I learn more about who I am and I change for the better each and every time.  Because of your most generous support, my children are recovering from Autism, I have found happiness in my life!  I am no longer on anti-depressants and I have so much more energy.

YOU are the reason that my family is in recovery. It is because of YOU that my oldest son now is enjoying school.  YOU are the reason my second son is speaking. YOU are the reason my daughter is no longer as rigid and controlling as she once was.  Thank you does not even begin to cover how much gratitude I have for you.  I thank God every day for you and I do not even know you.

Please know that you are changing lives with your donation to ATCA and the OI.  It is because of you that every day people are getting the help that they need. Thank you, thank you and thank you!

With so much love,

Kerry Rihtar