Theresa Bundgaard — Optimizing Happiness, Phoenix AZ

About Theresa

Helping Children and Women Live with Clarity, Purpose, and Lightheartedness

I discovered my true calling while teaching 6th grade math and science. Although I valued academics, I quickly realized my heart was drawn more to developing my students' character than simply teaching content.

When students began returning to share how what they had learned was positively impacting their relationships at home and school, I saw something much deeper taking place. Watching them recognize that their thoughts, choices, and behavior truly influence the world around them was incredibly inspiring.

That experience led me to earn my Applied Positive Psychology Certification and found Optimizing Happiness, LLC. My work is rooted in a few core beliefs: we must be good stewards of our time, thoughts, and behaviors; happiness and good character do not happen by accident — they must be developed; and it is through cultivating good character and living with emotional maturity that we experience true, lasting happiness.

Character Development Women's Coaching
Applied Positive Psychology Certified Coach
Published Author Optimizing Happiness
Phoenix, AZ In Person & Online

"Happiness, developing good character, and emotional maturity do not happen by accident — they must be developed."

Biblical Character Development
for Children

A structured, faith-based program for students in grades 3–6 that builds character, confidence, and emotional maturity through the principles of Scripture.

The Program

Learning to be the Light

Taught in small, in-person groups of up to four children (grouped by age), this program gives students individualized attention and impactful discussion in a warm, encouraging setting. Each lesson builds upon the last, creating a consistent progression of learning.

We begin with the understanding that God is our ultimate authority, and that through Jesus Christ everything in the world was made and sustained. Students are introduced to prayer, the Fruit of the Spirit, and the truth that their thoughts, words, and actions matter — to God and to those around them.

  • Identity and self-worth rooted in faith
  • Foundations of prayer and communication with God
  • Character through the Fruit of the Spirit
  • Emotional awareness and personal responsibility
  • How to pause, reflect, and respond wisely in any situation
  • Living with a light heart — confident in God's love and protection
Arizona ESA Approved Vendor

Arizona ESA Approved Vendor

This program is proudly offered as an approved Arizona ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) vendor. Arizona families may use ESA funds toward enrollment. Contact Theresa to discuss your family's eligibility.

Biblical Character Development small group

Pricing

Simple, Straightforward Enrollment

One monthly rate covers all weekly sessions. ESA funding accepted for eligible Arizona families.

$139 /month
Billed monthly · In-person · Phoenix, AZ
  • One 1-hour in-person session per week
  • Small group — maximum 4 children per group
  • Grouped by age · Grades 3–6 (ages 8–13)
  • Structured, faith-based curriculum each month
  • Arizona ESA funding accepted
Enroll Your Child

*For ESA payments, a $3.00 ClassWallet service fee will be added to your invoice.

For class times, availability, and location details, contact us here

Policies

Enrollment & Tuition Policy

Our program is structured in 12-week sessions to ensure students receive the consistent experience necessary for measurable emotional growth. While tuition is billed monthly, we strongly recommend a single payment for the full three-month term to streamline the administrative process. Please note that our curriculum builds progressively each week; because a new student cannot join mid-session to fill an opening, tuition is required for the duration of the term to secure your student's placement, regardless of attendance.

Payment

Monthly tuition is due before the start of each month. ESA families should confirm funding prior to enrollment. We accept major credit/debit cards, Venmo, and Zelle.

Enrollment

Groups are limited to four students to ensure individualized attention. Spots are limited — complete the inquiry form below to discuss availability and reserve your child's place.

Get Started

Enrollment Inquiry

Complete this form and Theresa will follow up within 1–2 business days. Once you've had your questions answered and are ready to enroll, a full intake form will be sent directly to you.

Thank you! Your inquiry has been received. Theresa will be in touch within 1–2 business days.

One-on-One Private Coaching

Optimizing Happiness for Women

Helping women quiet the noise, cultivate inner peace, and return to a life that feels aligned, purposeful, and genuinely happy.

About the Program

This Work Is For You If…

  • You feel something is missing, even when life looks fine from the outside
  • You're overwhelmed, over-busy, or quietly exhausted
  • Life feels cluttered, chaotic, or out of balance
  • You want more peace, more clarity, and more of yourself back
  • You're ready to live more lightheartedly and aligned with your values

Optimal happiness begins with inner peace. Together we work to quiet the noise of the ego, identify your core values, and evaluate honestly whether your current lifestyle is aligned with them. We simplify and slow down areas of life that feel overwhelming — and look at where patterns of complacency have developed and change is needed.

A foundational principle of this program is personal responsibility. Your choices are always your own. As you begin to recognize where life has slipped out of balance and make thoughtful adjustments, you create a life that feels more peaceful, aligned, and fulfilling — one that reflects true, optimal happiness.

In Person · Phoenix, AZ
Video Meeting · Anywhere

Session Rate

Private One-on-One Session (1 hour) $89

Have questions before getting started? Contact us here or visit our FAQ page.

Start the Conversation

Fill in a few details and Theresa will reach out personally. A full intake form will be provided before your first session.

Thank you! Theresa will be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Optimizing Happiness — A Simple Guide to a Happier Life by Theresa R. Bundgaard

The Book

Optimizing Happiness

A Simple Guide to a Happier Life  ·  Theresa R. Bundgaard

What does genuine happiness actually look like — and how do you find it when the noise of daily life is so loud? In this book, Theresa shares practical insights grounded in positive psychology to help readers clear the mental, physical, and spiritual clutter that stands between them and real contentment.

Written with honesty and warmth, Optimizing Happiness is for anyone ready to stop performing happiness and start living it.