OUR TEAM
“From my own experience I know that the adolescent years can be a big challenge. A lot of things change, both physically as mentally. I felt a lot of anger and ambiguity as a teenager and as a result, I stopped communicating, went against my parents and started leading a double life. When I look back on this life period I wished that I have had more support and I could certainly have made better decisions.“ - Lars Verburg, Founder of Rite of Passage Netherlands
Lars Verburg
Founder of Rite of Passage Netherlands
Lars worked 10 years at a large high-tech company after completing his degree in mechanical engineering. At the age of 34 it started he moved with his wife and two sons to Byron Bay Australia. There he followed courses and worked closely together with Dr Arne Rubinstein, CEO of ‘The Making of Men’ and ‘Rite of Passage Institute’, who is internationally known as an expert in the field of adolescence and Rite of Passage programs.
Through his years of experience, Lars has developed a unique program that is accessible to everyone. With his enthusiasm, people knowledge and down-to-earth mentality, he knows how to take the participants along in an experience that they will never forget.
“After working as an engineer for a long period, something did not feel complete. I enjoyed the things I did, but there were times when I felt no satisfaction. When I became a father, a lot changed. Responsibility, unconditional love, but especially the intention to be the best possible father for my boys was a feeling I had never felt before. This intention brought me closer to myself and led me to this work. The satisfaction I get from seeing a father and son grow together is immensely valuable to me. “
Rob van Wetten
Group Facilitator
“During my teenage years I drifted further and further away from my family of origin. I did not feel understood or heard. I had the feeling that I couldn’t honestly share everything at home. As a result, I often searched the limit of permissible and I regularly crossed that boundary. Through this experience I am convinced that a listening ear and understanding can make a big difference in making the right decisions in puberty.”
After his studies Rob has been working as a teamleader at a large sailmaker. During the last few years the urge to help young people became bigger and bigger so he completed an education for youthworker and coach, he’s been working as a volunteer with young people with special domestic circumstances and in 2018 he participated in the Rites of Passage leadership training ran by Dr. Arne Rubinstein.
With his calm appearance Rob is able to create an environment where personal growth can take place. His positive mindset and listening ear are the foundations of his warm personality.
“When I was thirty I had a big displeasure about how my life went by. I was doing my daily things and was not satisfied with where I was at. I had to set a new coarse! Through a more conscious lifestyle and personal development it became clear to me that my life must be about stimulating growth. For young and old. For father and son.”
Agnes Eising
Founder of Wilde-bloem.nl
My name is Agnes Eising and in my life I walk my path in my own way and at my pace. Growing up in nature, studying law in the city, working in business and as an independent entrepreneur with a “wild flower” shop in the heart of The Hague, currently mainly myself.
My heart lies with the Rite of Passage work and motherhood of three teenagers, where the earth & flowers are my medicine and I feel enormous confidence and sparkle towards and in life.
I have missed a conscious transition from girl to woman and this always made me curious about how things could be done differently. I now know that things can be done in a better way and I am happy to share this knowledge and experience. Motherhood (a daughter and two sons), various courses including Rites of Passages training and shamanic techniques make me a richer and more complete person/woman and have shaped me into who I am today and what I have to offer the world.
“It is my mission and passion to inspire our current and next generation of women to be aware of their inner strength, self-esteem and self-love, to maintain and empower them during the different phases of life. Together with my dear colleagues who guide boys and men, we contribute to making the world flourish from an open heart.'“