Greatest Hits – Teacher Reviews

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Bears Kaufman
Samahria Kaufman
Raun K. Kaufman
Clyde Haberman
Stan Cohen

Bears Kaufman

“A supremely fantasmagorical, gardener of love. Thank you Bears for this beautiful, wonderful life-changing philosophy.”

Kathy Graham, naturopathic physician, website developer, Canada

“Very loving and kind. It’s hard to express the love and warmth that you feel emanating and radiating from Bears. He really holds your gaze and lets you know how loved your are.”

Susan Haverty, Neuro Developmental Therapist, UK

“Fabulous! Bears is truly amazing! I aspire to have the knowledge and wisdom he displays. I loved his classes.”

Diane Marayos, Nurse, Medical Sales, Life Coach, NH

“The Choreographed chaos continues. Bears complete faith and trust in himself, invites all of us to demonstrate those qualities and here’s the kicker: He teaches us how! Bears fearlessness and willingness to go off curriculum is an inspiration for me to live in the moment.”

Louis Rosenbaum, Owner, Environment Service , CA

“Pushes things to the outer limits and I think it is positively amazing. He is a genius in the way he conducts a classroom taking life at the moment as it comes. He has so many wonderful things to teach just by watching him do what he does to make him Bears.”

Lauren Brown, Medical Sales, NJ

“You are wonderful! I love your style. Your love for everyone and your love for life is so incredibly contagious – and I thank you for being here and doing all that you do.”

Martha Nichols, Teacher, NH

“An awesomely knowledgeable and creative teacher”

Doug MacDonald, Exhibition Designer, CA

“It was such a gift to be in Bears’ presence. He is such a master at what he teaches and it was wonderful to observe him applying the Option Process® as he was facilitating the class. I have become more comfortable in his presence-a demonstration of my growth.”

Janet Blair, Web Designer, MI

“Fabulous. So refreshing (and relieving) to find a teacher who is willing to say he’s still in the process and doesn’t know everything. I loved the classes where we went off curriculum and the stimulus Bears applied to particular participants. That was the most fun and intellectually stimulating for me. Thank you Bears, it was a blast getting to know you.”

Tasaday Lewis, Massage Therapist, CA

“I have not found a more dynamic, loving, or skilled teacher than Bears. He has warmth, humor, and creativity while simultaneously being challenging and loving. I am so grateful to be with such a visionary!”

Phil Lomas, Psychiatrist, WI

“Fabulous! The manner in which Bears facilitated and got us into the learning/discovery process was exhilarating. He helped us to see ourselves clearly and his love was very apparent. I so appreciated his wisdom and expertise.”

Howard Gorbach, Investment Advisor, CA

“Perfect, sharp, spontaneous. Very knowledgeable and open-hearted”

Ekaterina Baranovskaia, IT Consultant, Canada

“Fabulous – wanting to facilitate the best for everyone”

Clio Osman, Teacher, Germany

“An awesomely knowledgeable and creative teacher”

Doug MacDonald, Exhibition Designer, CA

Samahria Kaufman

“Just an absolute ball of fire! What an incredible spirit. I loved having her energy flow through the classroom. Just beautiful!”

Diane Marayos, Nurse, Medical Sales, Life Coach, NH

“Great presence, so much humor and love and wisdom.”

Cindy Atlas, Home Manager, TX

“Right on everything, so clear and loving. Her warmth and humor is one of a kind. Wisdom with a big W.”

Bright van der Loo, Director, The Netherlands

“Goddess, mother, teaching her love and delight to share her wisdom comes through like a bolt of lightning. Thank you.”

TerryAnn Luther, Full Time mother, OR

“Samahria when you entered the room I got a burst of loving and positive energy you are also a wonderful teacher and person.”

Zac Gross, EMT, CT

“Fantastic!!! I would enjoy any workshop she gave as she is so warm and caring. She was the highlight of the week. The Empowered workshop content was made more alive and accessible by her delivery.”

Jacqueline Gilbert, Retired, VA

“I can never be in Samahria’s presence and not feel overwhelmed by love and happiness. I learn so much about myself and women in her presence.”

Kola Romano, NYC

“Samahria’s essential joy of life and joie de vivre is alive every moment she is in class. It is infectious and contagious, a virus of love, to be transmitted and spread far and wide.”

Louis Rosenbaum, , Owner, Environment Service CA

“Breathtakingly outrageous, smart, witty, fun and one of the most loving people I have ever met. I loved her teachings and insight.”

Lauren Brown, Medical Sales, NJ

“All heart, intelligence, grace and grit in a beautiful package. Samahria, you have a way of going right to the heart of the matter and evoked an emotional response from me, which is far less easy than the intellectual response I’m likely to give.”

Tasaday Lewis, Massage Therapist, CA

“A wonder! So full of life, infectious enthusiasm, so comfortable in the world, and a fantastic, loving teacher.”

McCarthy Huffard, Mother, Business Woman, NY

“I’ve never felt so tangibly loved by someone (especially a teacher) as I have with Samahria”

Phil Lomas, Psychiatrist, WI

“You are so loving and continue to be a model for me. Thank you for your loving patience and sharing your insights. I will cherish and actively use my new insights as well as will practice those let goes. I’m so excited! Thank you.”

Fran Magnotti, Son-Rise Mom, NJ

“Samarhia’s high energy and loving vibration help to create a real easy environment to discover and re-discover ourselves.”

Howard Gorbach, Investment Advisor, CA

“So loving and wants the best for the class.”

Frances Yang, Credit Analyst, WA

“Samahria is such a role model for me of what it is to be an exceptional woman. She is feminine, fun, powerful, loving, and exudes warmth. It is always such a delight to be in a class led by her.”

Janet Blair, Web Designer, MI

“A most beautiful and loving soul. Her laughter is infectious.”

Doug MacDonald, Exhibition Designer, CA

Raun K. Kaufman

“Gentle and real. Thank you Raun for being so down to earth. You remind me that we’re all practicing this philosophy and imperfectly at times. Thank you for helping me see my own humanity.”

Kathy Graham, naturopathic physician, website developer, Canada

“Youthful, Direct, playful, intelligent, meaningful, insightful, and at ease with his words – what a joy. Thank you.”

TerryAnn Luther, Full Time mother, OR

“Outstanding! I want to hang out with you the rest of my life!”

Julanne Lum, Homemaker, CA

“Very genuine and caring. He is an excellent teacher.”

Susie Gibson, Owner & Manager of Farm and Retail Store, AR

“Your thoughtfulness about life and learning is truly inspirational. I enjoyed your classes and discussions immensely. Keep doing what you are doing.”

Martha Nichols, Teacher, NH

“Raun shows up with a twinkle in his eye, option mischief in his heart. He can wait to get into it with us. Raun’s sharing display his deep belief in authenticity and utter transparency.”

Louis Rosenbaum, Owner, Environment Service, CA

“Incredibly enthusiastic, funny, playful and clear in his teaching. I saw a passion and confidence that I didn’t see before.”

Brownyn McCarthy Huffard, Businesswoman, NY

“You are laser sharp. I enjoyed how quickly and decisively you facilitated the class. I especially valued the times you shared the times in your life where you choose to not be comfortable.”

Fran Magnotti, Son-Rise Mother, NJ

“Wonderfully powerful. His contemporary style was both a breath of fresh air and a strong influence. He is a natural in the classroom.”

Deborah Lys, Property Manager, MA

“High energy and deeply gifted. His session was superb and clearly touched everyone.”

Ann Olivarious, Lawyer, United Kingdom

“Raun brings the most energy and enthusiasm into the room. He’s quick thinking, sharp, and seems always to change the tempo and depth instantly.”

Phil Lomas, Psychiatrist, WI

“Charming and delightful delivery of useful and provocative ideas. His playfulness mixed with his grounded wisdom provide a great invitation.”

Tiahna Skye, Teacher/Cousnelor, CA

“His class was excellent.”

Jeff McAllister, Journalist, United Kingdom

“Raun is razor sharp, witty, energetic, and compassionate. I love his ability to keep the class moving and stimulating.”

Doug MacDonald, Exhibition Designer, CA

“Fabulous, energetic, purposeful.”

Harry Ploss, Futures Speculator, TX

Clyde Haberman

“I love his lessons. He is so daring in a total loving way to invite people to go a step further.”

Bright van der Loo, Director, The Netherlands

“Clyde you are the man. I love how you teach and how big your heart is. Thank you.”

Zac Gross, EMT, CT

“Excellent teacher, motivator and communicator. Loved the classes and teaching, thank you for a great week.”

Steven Williams, Adult Residential Counselor, NH

“Funny, excellent teacher/facilitator. Fantastic! Thank you .”

Richard Banton, Clinical Social Worker, NC

“Amazing walking, talking, living example of just how well The Option Process® works. Clyde brings a fabulous blend of knowledge, love, generosity, courage and humor.”

Tiahna Skye, Teacher/Counselor, San Rafael, CA

“Wow Clyde. You blow me away every time I see you. I feel like we’re meeting a new you. Very approachable (as was everyone on staff), moved with the flow of the class, pulled out insights, an example of what The Option Institute can do.”

Alan Talker, Podiatrist, Madison, WI

“What a guy! I love Clyde! He was funny, playful, loving, and clear in his teaching.”

Bronwyn McCarthy Huffard, mother/business woman, NY

“Gentle and intelligent. Also able to go to the heart of the matter and generate stimulus for us as participants.”

Tasaday Lewis, Massage Therapist, CA

“Clyde has such a gentle, loving approach to teaching that I feel so comfortable with. His warmth is disarming and his sensitivity and compassion so evident.”

Janet Blair, Web Designer, MI

“Clyde is my favorite. He is perceptive, gregarious, and funny too. He really cares.”

John Raleigh, WA

“Loving and wants the best for the class. Asks helpful questions. Love the guy.”

Frances Yan, Credit Analyst, WA

Stan Cohen

“I truly appreciate Stan’s higher flame classes. He is such an amazing mentor, that often times I am overwhelmed by his belief in the Option Process®.”

Justin Drake, college student, IN

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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