The Center for Discovery (The Center) has long been recognized for its innovative approaches to caring for individuals with complex conditions. Now, its signature model of care has been reframed under a new name: the SynergE6 Healthspan Model.

The six-pillar framework is not entirely new. In fact, it traces back to 2015, when The Center President and CEO Dr. Theresa Hamlin authored the book “Autism and the Stress Effect: A 4-Step Lifestyle Approach to Transform Your Child’s Health, Happiness and Vitality”. The book laid out the foundation for what has become a holistic model of health, one that emphasizes lifestyle, environment and emotional well-being alongside medical care.

But while the components remain the same, the new name—SynergE6—better captures the heart of the model. “Synergy, that word in particular, really does reflect much more precisely the model itself,” Hamlin said.

The six pillars—evaluation, environment, eating and nutrition, energy regulation, emotional regulation, and evidence-based education and treatment—are designed to work in concert, not in isolation. Hamlin says that every aspect of care begins with a comprehensive evaluation, leading to individualized treatment goals across all six domains.

Evaluation is the starting point, with a full team of physicians, clinicians and educators examining the biology, behavior, and living situation of each individual. This broad picture allows The Center to identify risks and establish goals that are practical and meaningful.

Environment considers more than just a roof over one’s head. The Center looks at physical surroundings, from whether a child has access to green spaces to how classrooms are structured, as well as the timing of daily activities and social connections. Hamlin explained that even the timing of a lesson in school can determine whether a child succeeds or struggles.

Eating and Nutrition form the foundation for long-term health. Residents follow a largely organic, whole-food diet grown on site or sourced locally. Hamlin stressed that both quality and timing matter. “Highly processed foods with lots of sugar—no surprise to anybody now—really impact health. So we ensure that they have whole foods, organic foods, and the right quantity at the right times of day,” Hamlin said. “For example, people aren’t eating dinner at eight o’clock at night, that’s going to interrupt their ability to sleep.”

Energy Regulation focuses on sleep, exercise, and circadian rhythms. Staff encourage vigorous physical activity every day and help residents maintain routines that support rest and recovery. This regulation, Hamlin noted, is crucial for learning and behavior.

Emotional Regulation is equally vital. At The Center, individuals learn how to manage emotions, control stress and develop empathy through creative arts, therapy and social engagement. Hamlin says even her staff benefit from simple strategies like evaluating whether a problem is “pea-sized” or “watermelon-sized” to keep challenges in perspective.

The final pillar, Evidence-Based Education and Treatment, ensures that all interventions are backed by data and continuously adjusted through collaboration. Educators, clinicians and families sit together at the table, reviewing both quantitative and qualitative outcomes to shape care plans.

For Hamlin, SynergE6 represents more than treatment—it’s a path toward “healthspan,” the idea of living healthier for longer, not just extending lifespan. The Center has documented significantly lower rates of chronic disease such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension among its residents, results that Hamlin attributes directly to the model.

“You want to live healthier longer, you still want to live longer, but you want to be healthier,” she said.

The model has already shown transformative outcomes. Hamlin recounted the story of a young boy who had regressed severely until an integrative team at The Center diagnosed a rare genetic disorder and adjusted his care. “I met with a mom this week and she said, ‘Terry, for the first time in two years, he said to me, I love you, mom,’” Hamlin said. “ That’s the synergistic effect that this model has.”

The impact extends to staff as well. With access to walking trails, stress-reducing environments, and a staff cafeteria offering organic meals, employees are immersed in the same healthspan principles. Many, Hamlin said, bring those lessons home to their families.

Hamlin said The Center is now preparing to share SynergE6 beyond Sullivan County, through training programs, grants and potentially online access.

Even as looming Medicaid cuts threaten nearly two-thirds of The Center’s budget, Hamlin remains determined to keep the model moving forward. “We all know that our outcomes are life changing,” she said. “They are transformative, life-changing results that we have here at The Center.”