The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center, located at the foothills of the Pocono mountains, has been a sacred place for hundreds of families and guests for over 150 years. The original farmhouse, built in 1850, has been renovated to combine the best of old-world charm and modern convenience to create ideal living and learning environment in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Country Place provides the perfect setting for workshops, meetings, family reunions and weddings. Hiking trails and our spring-fed pond offers access to the scenic beauty of the great outdoors.

The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center is owned and operated by Creative Energy Options, Inc. (CEO), a global consulting firm specializing in transformative leadership development an optimizing workplace relationships. CEO founders Herb Kaufman and Dr. Sylvia Lafair purchased The Country Place in the late 1980s, recognizing that this pristinely beautiful, yet easily accessible property was the ideal site for CEO’s headquarters and private educational facility.

After several years, Herb and Sylvia decided this rejuvenating environment was too special to keep to themselves, so they opened The Country Place to outside groups seeking a unique venue for their gatherings. Now, in addition to housing CEO programs and offices, The Country Place has become a favorite destination for church and spiritual retreats, personal growth workshops, environmental conferences, “spa days,” educational seminars, and corporate meetings.

 Our Staff

 Mary Jane Saras, B.A., LCSW is the Vice President, Leadership Development for Creative Energy Options, Inc. (CEO) at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. Mary Jane is an experienced educator, executive coach, and facilitator, specializing in leadership, team building, and optimizing workplace relationships. Her goal is to help organizations grow in trust, collaboration, and accountability. She is a graduate of Clemson University and Marywood University. She facilitates CEO programs such as ” Total Leadership Connections™ (TLC), “OUCH! Resolving Conflict at Work”, “Communicating for Clarity”, “The Team Challenge Course”, and many more.

“All our dreams can come true- if we have the courage to pursue them.”
- Walt Disney

Elika Almeida is the Business Development Director for Creative Energy Options, Inc. (CEO) at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. With a Business Management Degree and a Certified Wedding and Event Planner, who speaks three languages, Elika brings multi-dimensional facets to both CEO and The Country Place. Her expertise in guest services and attention to detail make all our first-time and returning guests feel welcomed.

“Write in your heart that every day is the best day of the year”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shirley Sabol is the Executive Coordinator for Creative Energy Options, Inc. (CEO) at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. Shirley is your first point of contact and her pleasant and warm personality offers a true authentic welcome to CEO. As a graduate of Alvernia University with B.A in Communications with an emphasis on Interpersonal Communication and Public Relations, Shirley brings a wealth of knowledge to this position to assist in the visibility and promotion of CEO and The Country Place Retreat.

“Alone, all alone – Nobody, but nobody – Can make it out here alone”
- Maya Angelou