Barry ("Bears") Neil Kaufman

• Co-Founder/Co-Creator of The Son-Rise Program^®
• Co-Founder/Co-Director of The Option Institute.
• Teaching The Son-Rise Program® to parents and professionals for over 36 years.
• Author of 12 books including the best-selling Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® in Europe, North and South America

"Bears' awareness of each student is incredible. I feel as though each class has been designed just for me and yet everyone else I talked to feels the same way. His energy, his presence and his constant nonjudgmental love encourage me to find that same potential in myself."

"Bears has to be the most amazing teacher I have ever listened to. His knowledge and understanding of Autism and human life are a rare gift. I will be taking part of him home with me."

"10+. Bears was the one who gave me my life back! He was able to give me strength, energy, love and courage again. He has been my inspiration. What an incredible teacher he is."

Samahria Lyte Kaufman

• Co-Founder/Co-Creator of The Son-Rise Program^®.
• Co-Founder/Co-Director of The Option Institute.
• Teaching The Son-Rise Program® to parents and professionals for over 36 years.
• "Presented The Son-Rise Program® in Europe, North and South America.

"To have this fabulous, feisty little lady, Samahria, who founded this whole earth-shattering enterprise come bursting into the room had an astonishing, uplifting impact. Her warmth, wisdom, wit and humor, insight, common sense and unforgettable laugh filled the room with enriching energy, practical advice and sheer fun."

"It's almost as if Samahria could heal the whole room with her presence. Strong and soft; gets to the point; fast with humor; caring and unqualified love."

"Samahria is a fountain of information, and it quickly becomes obvious that there is no situation or child that she could not help."

Bryn Hogan

• Working with The Son-Rise Program® for over 16 years.
• Facilitating children with special needs for over 20 years.
• Director of The Son-Rise Program®.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Teacher and Teacher Trainer.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
• Lectured at schools, residential facilities and hospitals.
  

"Bryn – you are my new hero. You have an amazing gift; a family who I feel from the bottom of heart has truly changed the lives of thousands and thousands of families. You are vibrant, beautiful and passionate. Thank you for teaching me how to live. At 44 years old, I have a brand new life with my own family as a result of what you have taught me."

William Hogan

• Working with The Son-Rise Program^® for over 16 years.
• Executive Director of Programs.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Teacher and Teacher Trainer.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

"William is the warmest, most intelligent man alive. I have never met someone so full of knowledge, compassion and deep caring."

Kate Wilde

• Working with The Son-Rise Program® for over 15 years.
• Director of The Son-Rise Program® Intensive
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Teacher and Teacher Trainer.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® in Europe and North America.

"Kate was born to do this. She is a patient listener, and I defy anyone not to be inspired by her! Kate has facilitated immeasurable change in our family."

Raun K. Kaufman

• Working with The Son-Rise Program^® for over 7 years.
• CEO of The Option Institute and The Autism Treatment Center of America™
• Certified Option Process^® Group Facilitator, Mentor/ Counselor and Mentor Trainer.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® at conferences, symposia and universities in Europe and North America.

"I think Raun is the most outstanding teacher I have ever encountered. He has such enthusiasm—it radiates from him. He brings humor and total acceptance to his teaching combined with authentic love and humanity. Truly exceptional."

Gerd Winkler

• Working with The Son-Rise Program^® for over 18 years.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Teacher.
• Certified Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator.
• Presented The Son-Rise Program® in Europe and North America.

"Gerd was like an angel who helped to restore kindness, love and acceptance to our family. Our son has made remarkable progress because of his influence—it is amazing! He brought a light into our home and we will never be the same again."