About Us

About Dr. Amit Sood

Executive Director

Dr. Sood is the creator of the Resilient Option program. He is one of the world's leading experts on resilience and wellbeing, and executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing. He was also professor of medicine, and Chair for student life and wellness at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Sood has authored or co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers and is the author of several books including, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness, Mindfulness Redesigned, SMART with Dr. Sood, The Resilience Journal, and Build Your Immune Resilience.

Dr. Sood has presented at some of the highest impact forums like, TEDx, Lake Nona, Forbes Under 30 Forum, Conference Board, Beckers, YPO, NPR, NAMI, NBGH, NASA, keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, universities, foundations, and others.

He has received numerous awards including the 2010 Distinguished Service, 2010 Innovator of the Year, 2013 Outstanding Physician Scientist and 2016 Faculty of the Year awards, all from Mayo Clinic. He was selected as one among top 20 intelligent optimist in the world (Ode Magazine). Dr. Sood was also selected by RWJ Foundation as one of the health care pioneers.

Dr. Sood serves as the member of the Everyday Health Wellness Advisory Board.

About our team

Debbie Fuehrer, M.A., LPCC

Program Manager

Ms. Fuehrer is employed as a Mind-Body Medicine Counselor in Integrative Medicine

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Carla J. Paonessa

Administrative Director

Carla Paonessa lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband of 46 years, Russ Paonessa.

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Ann Clark

Education Director

Ann Clark is an Education Consultant, Facilitator, and Coach at AC Company. 

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Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Research Advisor

As director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program,

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Carla J. Paonessa

Administrative Director

Carla brings her enormous corporate experience to support the growth of the programs.

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Arush Chandna

Director of Strategy

Arush supports the strategy and technology aspects of the program.

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Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Research Advisor

Dr. Bauer is one of the world's foremost experts on research and practice of Integrative Medicine.

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Sherry S. Chesak, Ph.D., R.N.

Research Advisor

Sherry is a Global Resilience and Inner Transformation Institute certified Resilience Trainer.

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Debbie Fuehrer, M.A., LPCC

Program Manager

Debbie oversees the administration of the Transform and Certified Resilience Trainer courses.

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Our collaborators

Bridget Berkland

Sandhya Chandna,
Ph.D.

Sherry S. Chesak,
R.N. Ph.D.

Susanne M., Cutshall,
R.N., C.N.S.

Ed Spilg, M.D.

Deirdre R. Pachman, M.D.

Scott Koon, M.A.

Why choose Resilient Option?

For the engaging and actionable modules, or the simple and relatable but effective approach we take.
But most importantly, for the science behind it all.

Our four modules – Gratitude, Mindful presence, Kindness, and Resilient mindset – are science enabled and scientifically proven to decrease stress, and help you withstand and bounce back from adversities.

Through short engaging videos, quizzes, and a blend of science, stories and skills, each module takes you a step closer to fostering a resilient mind, helping you get the most out of life.

ENROLL IN COURSE

In the news

Our work has been highlighted in several leading publications
and media houses. With some of the notable ones being:

Implementation of our program improved resiliency, quality of life, and health behaviors, and reduced anxiety and stress among professionals

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Implementation of our program improved resiliency, quality of life, and health behaviors, and reduced anxiety and stress among professionals

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Implementation of our program improved resiliency, quality of life, and health behaviors, and reduced anxiety and stress among professionals

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