ABOUT US

We use an educational model based on The Rite of Passage Framework to help individuals strengthen their sense of self, learn critical life skills, discover their potential and create a healthy vision for the future. We are working to create a world where all people and communities thrive. 

WHAT IS A RITE OF PASSAGE?

A Rites of Passage is a process that transforms you from one stage in life to the next. For thousands of years, Indigenous and Traditional communities recognised the importance of these transitions for the growth, connectedness and health of an individual and community. In modern society we have lost most Rites of Passage and instead we see young people trying to create their own, often with disastrous consequences. The need for programs that help equip young people with the confidence and tools to tackle the adventure and challenges that lie ahead are more critical than ever.

OUR TEAM

Dr Arne Rubinstein

CEO

Dr Arne is the CEO and Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute. He has over 30 years experience as a medical doctor, counsellor, mentor, speaker and workshop facilitator. The programs, seminars and camps he’s helped to develop have been attended by more than 350,000 people globally, while some of the largest schools in Australia have implemented the framework effectively. The programs are designed to support boys and girls successfully make a safe, healthy transition into adulthood. His goal is to make Rites of Passage mainstream once again. Dr Arne is the proud father of two wonderful young men and a mentor to many others.

Paula Conroy

Strategy Consultant & Women's Facilitator

Paula works with the Rites of Passage Institute to deepen the impact of the current programs as well as build the strategic direction of the enterprise. She co-facilitates the Leadership Training with Dr. Arne Rubinstein and is a senior facilitator for the women’s programs. Having worked in a global organisation for 15 years, Paula has great insight into how to scale businesses into new markets, and her extensive team management experience enables her to strategically manage the enterprise to work cohesively and in alignment with core values. Paula discovered a crucial puzzle piece in her journey when she recognised the absence of healthy Rites of Passage in modern day living, and has been a passionate advocate of bringing this into the mainstream ever since.

Karim Kaufman

Program Manager

Karim is deeply passionate about supporting young people to grow and develop into healthy adults. He works with young adults as a youth worker, runs a Boys Groups, facilitates on our Rites of Passage programs and is the Head of our Junior programs including Young Warriors and the Father Daughter weekends.

John Imbrogno

Training Officer

John has been working with young men since he sold his business in Melbourne and moved to Northern NSW. He is a talented story teller, drummer and singer. He was a senior facilitator at The Pathways Foundation and is a Senior Facilitator and Training Officer for our Making of Men program. He works at a local High School.

Mandy Ziegler

EA and Head of Communications & Marketing

Mandy is a young and vibrant Digital Media expert who has focused her Masters degree on digital media in education and well being. Mandy brings a keen eye for detail and an understanding of how to bridge the connection between the current system of education and wellbeing with the up and coming youth culture and concerns, utilising innovative marketing techniques and strategies. She believes wholeheartedly in the value of creating Heathy Rites of Passage for people of all ages, and is inspired to play her part in creating a sustainable offering to have maximum impact.

Sofia Mazquiaran

Schools Program Coordinator

Sofi is the heart of our schools program, managing all the underlying aspects of the Rites of Passage Transformational offering within schools. From content creation and delivery, to internal systems and ways of working, Sofi brings her sparkle and fine eye for detail to ensure that the schools we work with are cared for, their needs are met and we are delivering a program that surpasses their expectations. Born and raised in Patagonia, Sofi is a qualified and trained lawyer, an avid traveller, and holds deep family values, which she bring to the Institute via her passion and commitment to playing her part to be the change in the world.