Zoom Info Session Wednesday January 28, 2026 5:00-6:00pm

Meet Your Future Neighbors at Gratitude Village

We are a growing group of introverts and extroverts, creatives and caregivers, young families and wise elders—all drawn together by a shared desire for deeper connection, meaningful belonging, and a more sustainable way of living. What unites us is a love for nature, a reverence for the planet, a desire for deeper connection with each other and a belief that community is not just where we live, but how we live. Our vision is to live with purpose, with people, and with the planet in mind.

Our families are building a village where children are surrounded by support, spontaneity, and safe, joyful spaces to grow. Our elders find purpose and connection in being of service, sharing wisdom, and aging in place with dignity and care. People with disabilities are fully welcomed and included, with thoughtful design and a culture of accessibility ensuring that everyone can thrive and participate fully in community life. Together, we’re cultivating a diverse, multigenerational, mixed income neighborhood of 60 up to 90 members—from babies to grandparents and all stages between.

We celebrate individuality while honoring our shared commitment to community. We value both connection and privacy, spontaneous play and quiet reflection, shared meals and personal space. Gratitude Village is being designed as a place where everyone—of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—feels welcome, seen, and truly at home.

Suzie

FOUNDING Member

I have long dreamed of a community where I felt deeply connected. I felt that strong sense of connection at various points in my life: as a child spending summers with my grandparents in their small town in Oklahoma; traveling and living abroad in Nepal and Peru; and as a young family in a newly built suburban community. Since the pandemic, that deep sense of connection has not been as easy to create or maintain so I started researching alternative community options in 2016. That led me to discover cohousing. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for and discovered I couldn't afford most of the new communities that were being build, so I decided to start Gratitude Village!

I am excited for this adventure and look forward to living in a diverse community with friends old and new along with my daughter, our dogs, Ollie & Nova, and our parakeet, Mr. Pickles!

Dr. B (Wanda)

FOUNDING Member

Dr. B graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School with a degree of ‘Doctor of Medicine’. She did her postgraduate residency in Pediatrics, became board certified and practiced Pediatrics in Plano, TX. Dr. B also trained in homeopathy and graduated from the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy. Adding to her passion for helping people heal, she studied at the Institute of Functional Medicine and recently was certified by the IFM. Dr. B founded Healing Unleashed with her business partner, Dr. Joan. Together they have created a wonderful medical clinic to serve their community in Denver, CO. Wanda knows how important social connection is for people, mentally and physically and is excited to be part of this amazing community!

Reyna

FOUNDING Member

I am an enthusiastic advocate for Early Childhood Education, graduating with a degree that focuses on Early Childhood professions. I enjoy infusing happiness and innovative teaching techniques into the lives of young learners. I am also a small business owner and I manage a small online venture that showcases my creativity. Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a passion for anime, music, arts, and I have 2 dogs that I love, cherishing companionship and positivity in my life and in my community. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling and learning new languages to connect with diverse cultures, and I love hiking, relishing the beauty of nature and the great outdoors.

Ron

FOUNDING MEMBER

Ron grew up in Denver and received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and master’s degree in Range Science from Colorado State University. He was in the Peace Corps in West Africa. His professional life focused on the disciplines of agriculture and natural resources. Ron also house/pet sat full time at numerous locations in the west for six years after retiring in 2010.

Ron is a widower with one treasured son. He reads lots of books, likes to try new places to eat, and relishes hiking above timberline. He gardens, particularly enjoying his annual potato crop, and walks dogs once a week at the local shelter. He has consciously experienced aloneness and thus understands the value of community. A simple pleasure for him is being witty.

Ron was president of the Colorado County Agricultural Agents Association, and served on the board of directors of the Colorado Weed Management Association, and on the Thornton, CO Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission.

Emily

FOUNDING MEMBER

Growing up in Colorado, I was privileged to be part of a community that valued connection, gardens, support, sharing, and learning. My soul yearns to be part of a close-knit community again and to help others design their own. I currently reside in South Dakota.

A decade of my life was devoted to healing from and fighting Lyme disease. Drawing on this experience, I now advocate on behalf of fellow Lyme Warriors. For the past 18 months, I have been pursuing further education under the tutelage of a Shamanic teacher in Colorado, with the aim of teaching others about the inter-connectedness of mind and body and the importance of maintaining a positive, healthy environment.

I am also working towards obtaining my certification as a coach, with the goal of guiding individuals towards achieving health, success, and joy during challenging times. I am excited and honored to play a role in creating a mindful, loving community that prioritizes sustainability and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Bill & Scottee

EXPLORERS

Bill and Scottee are world travelers and adventurers who spent time in the UK as well as Turkiye, Spain and Scotland this past year. When Bill retired from his federal job after a few decades in the DC area, Scottee and he decided to move to Denver where he grew up. Bill traveled frequently to South America with Suzie's adventure travel company including hikes to remote areas in Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia.

Royce, Makena, Sagan & Kamin

FOUNDING MEMBERS

We are very interested in intentional community and sustainable building practices and have been looking for a community to call home for about 15 years. Makena grows a backyard food forest and works for an artificial turf company. Royce is an actor/writer and works for a climate non-profit. Sagan likes to read and make stories and Kamin likes to climb, jump, and do anything active. As a family, we love to play board games and watch movies together.

Doug & Cheryl

EXPLORERS

Although Doug is a man of many trades and talents, he and Cheryl are both educators - he at the college level and she in elementary education. Having lived in Switzerland for a time, they love spending extended periods of time in Europe. They are looking to downsize from their large family home south of Denver as their adult children live in the Denver area. A community that is relatively near their kids would be ideal, and they have both been interested in the cohousing model for many years.

Curtis & Cherlyn

EXPLORERS

Curt has more than 30 years experience working in youth recreation programs including 28 years with Denver Parks and Rec. He is now the disaster preparedness coordinator at Atlantis Community, Inc. For over 20 years, Cherlyn has been recognized as an organizational guru with a diverse skillset. She has expertise in small business office administration, payroll, tax filing, record keeping and customer relations have shaped her become an expert in finding ways to improve efficiency and helping the small business thrive. She's skilled at providing excellent customer service, quickly solving problems and finding the best solutions for both the company and the client.

Jenna

EXPLORER

Jenna is an experienced publishing professional with over ten years in product and program management, e-learning and curriculum design and online course production (video and multimedia). She enjoys creating successful, high-impact teaching and research products focused on climate change, health and wellness and sustainability. Jenna is passionate about sustainability, climate change, conservation, social equity and social justice and public health and wellness.

Pamela & Will

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Will and I currently live in Merritt Island, Florida, enjoying the beauty of the coastline and the chance to be near the sea—a place that resonates deeply with Will, who grew up in Massachusetts by the ocean. I was raised in the mountains, and Colorado has always felt like home. Returning there has become increasingly important to us, both for the connection to family and lifelong friends and for the opportunity to settle into a community that feels meaningful.

I work as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Will is retired. Together, we love traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring new cultures. As we look toward the next chapter of our lives, we’re excited to build new relationships, reconnect with old ones, and root ourselves in a place that reflects our values and sense of belonging.

Kathy

EXPLORER

Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy transplanted to Colorado in the 70s. She has worked in corporate training, affordable multi-family and senior housing, and ran a volunteer time bank. "I've lived a few other places in and outside the country but I keep coming back to Colorado!" Kathy is happiest when she's involved in community building, supporting the arts, and playing with her two grandsons. Kathy, Pam and Joni are friends who look forward to having their own "Golden Girls" corner of the village!

Can't you see yourself here?

We want to be your neighbor!

first GVCO Founders, Explorers gathering May 2025

First GVCO gathering of Founders & Explorers

Pam F.

EXPLORER

Bio coming soon!

Anita & Dave

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Dave is a retired accountant and entrepreneur who now devotes his time to writing and publishing. His projects include Breathe In–Breathe Out, a series of one-minute meditations, Abundant Everyday Joy, and The Zest of the Lemon, a quarterly publication featuring global reflections on joy and connection. He looks forward to bringing his creativity and spirit of contribution to Gratitude Village.

Anita’s career included leadership roles as Director of Training for Hospice of Larimer County, Executive Director of The Time Exchange, and marketing national speakers. With Dave, she also ran Pillow Pet retail stores in California. Today, she is helping develop a peer-to-peer mutual aid app called Requests & Offers and supporting the Holochain Ecosystem to create a safer, kinder internet. She’s eager to explore and contribute wholeheartedly to Gratitude Village.

Michelle

EXPLORER

Michelle brings curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusion to the Gratitude Village community. Trained as a chemist, she now works in green building and clean energy, helping cities, developers, and organizations create safer, more energy-efficient buildings that give back to the planet. She loves being part of work that blends science, innovation, and real-world impact.

Beyond her professional life, Michelle’s journey as the mother of a medically complex child has profoundly shaped who she is and what she values. Navigating disability, caregiving, and the healthcare system opened her eyes to the importance of accessibility, dignity, and truly supportive community. These experiences have led her to advocate for compassionate care and medical equity, and to share her story widely in hopes of making systems more humane and inclusive.

Michelle is drawn to Gratitude Village because it brings together what matters most to her: sustainability, accessibility, affordability, and genuine connection. She’s excited by the idea of living in a place where neighbors look out for one another, everyone belongs, and community is built with intention. She looks forward to helping create a village where people of all abilities can thrive—together.

Michele & Patrick

EXPLORERS

Michele & Patrick, of Aurora, Colorado, have been married for 36 years and are the parents of four adult children, ages 26 to 33, and proud grandparents to a one-year-old granddaughter. They first met through separate years of service at Covenant House in New York City—an experience that shaped both their life paths and their shared commitment to community and service.

Michele recently retired after 22 years at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and now continues a part-time therapy practice while also working as a birth and death doula. Patrick is preparing to retire after a long career in poverty law and community wealth-building, including more than 20 years at The Denver Foundation. Together, they enjoy staying active, gardening, skiing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Drawn to intentional community for decades, Michele and Patrick explored cohousing when they first moved to Colorado in 2000. While it wasn’t feasible then, the idea has stayed with them. Now empty-nesters and beginning to think about downsizing, they are excited by Gratitude Village’s commitment to inclusivity, affordability, and shared values, and look forward to seeing how the community evolves in the years ahead.

An Evening with Charles Durrett Sep 18 2025

Charles Durrett Saturday morning workshop

An Evening with Charles Durrett Sep 18 2025

Warren & Dee

EXPLORERS

Warren is a retired, rural family medicine physician. Originally from Queens, NY Dr. Johnson attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and got his medical degree from University of Colorado Health Sciences and has called Colorado home for many years. He has been married to Dee (Diane) for nearly 20 years. Dee is retired from public education where she served as a teacher effectiveness coach in DPS for many years. Both are avid travelers who love life, learning and staying active with skiing, biking and hiking (they recently were on a two-week bike trip in Portugal). They also enjoy their beautiful granddaughter. Life is good.

Robin & Peter

EXPLORERS

Robin & Peter bring a deep commitment to inclusion, community, and thoughtful leadership to Gratitude Village. Robin is a disability advocate and board member with L’Arche NoCo, as well as a Denver-based real estate broker with a passion for housing that fosters belonging. She holds an MBA from Texas A&M and brings both business acumen and heart to her work.

Peter has spent more than 20 years in executive leadership roles in the energy sector and currently serves as Vice President at CIMA Energy. Together, they are parents to two adult children, including a daughter with Down syndrome, an experience that has profoundly shaped their dedication to accessibility, dignity, and community for people of all abilities.

Nell

EXPLORER

Nell recently relocated to Denver after many years in Oakland California, wanting to share more time with family living here. Having experienced different kinds of cooperative living situations, learning from those experiences, and hoping to live in community again here, Gratitude Village’s vision and values really resonate.

Monica

FOUNDING MEMBER

Curiosity has always been my constant companion—sometimes to the exasperation of my parents, teachers and those around me! These days, I channel that endless “why” energy into exploring topics like sustainable design, passive and net-zero building, climate trends, the social connections that support mental and physical well-being and how connection shapes our well-being.

My research led me to recognize that lasting change happens in community. When I discovered cohousing—and later Gratitude Village—it felt like kismet. Here was a group of people who cared deeply about the same things I do: sustainability, diversity, authenticity and creating real human connection.

I’m thrilled to be part of Gratitude Village! Now, I get to help dream, plan, build, laugh, and maybe even cry a little as we work together to bring this beautiful vision to life.

Melissa, Ko, Kayla & Michael

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Ko and Melissa are celebrating 25 years of marriage this year and are the proud parents of two young adult children, Kayla (20) and Michael (19). As a family, they’ve shared a life rich in adventure—homesteading together, living in Southeast Asia, building bamboo bicycles and riding them across Iceland, and backpacking through Patagonia, among many other global experiences.

Now in a new chapter, Ko and Melissa are focused on supporting their children as they carve out meaningful, fulfilling paths of their own. They’re excited to explore cohousing for the safety it offers, the friendships it nurtures, and the deep “we’ve got each other’s backs” sense of belonging—where loneliness is reduced, relationships grow naturally, and every person is known, valued, and needed.

Melissa is a nurse, and Ko manages the family’s real estate investments and development projects. Melissa was born in Chicago, Ko was born in Laos and the two met in high school here in Denver. They bring a lifelong partnership and a shared commitment to community to the Gratitude Village journey.

Joe, Linda & Paul

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Linda & Paul were raised on the south side of Chicago and moved to Colorado 30 years ago with their three children. After raising their family in Arvada, they now live in Littleton and are very active in their church and community. Paul retired in 2023 after a 35-year career in human resources, and Linda retired after a career in human services management. She has a side passion in real estate. They enjoy traveling, spending time with their five grandchildren and giving back through their time, talent and treasure.

Joe, Michael & Kayla’s grandfather, is a building & electrical contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area who looks forward to retiring soon. He brings a deep commitment to connection, having spent many years in The Men’s Circle focused on communication and personal growth. His spiritual path spans Catholicism, meditation and contemplative practice, grounding his belief in purpose, compassion and community.

Together, they hope to help create a loving, connected environment where Michael and Kayla can thrive and are excited about building community at Gratitude Village.

Judith

EXPLORER

Judith believes that conversation is how community is created. A work and family dynamics expert, speaker, mediator, and podcast host, Judith has spent her career helping people build trust, respect, and inclusion—at home, at work, and in community.

Her journey has been anything but ordinary. Judith fulfilled a lifelong dream by working with the Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus, where living alongside a diverse, international group of performers taught her how people from very different backgrounds can collaborate, respect one another, and work toward a shared purpose.

Over the years, Judith has served as an elected public official, award-winning mediator, author, and Toastmaster, and she hosts podcasts focused on amicable divorce, neurodivergent community building, and healthy family dynamics. Whether leading workshops or sharing her TEDx talk, her work centers on helping people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Judith has a neurodivergent nephew and is drawn to Gratitude Village for its commitment to connection, inclusion, and intentional living, and she’s excited by the idea of a community where neighbors support one another & everyone belongs.