Our Board Members

Caren von Gontard

Co-Chair

Caren grew up in Colorado but her life path led her family to live in  different countries around the world. She trained in Foundational Studies of Anthroposophy and Waldorf education in  Scotland. She  studied biodynamics in Australia with Peter Proctor and Hamish MacKay, and developed a biodynamic farm in the hills of South Australia. She also trained in Anthroposophical Biographical Counselling under the tutelage of Karl-Heinz Finke.

She set up a mixed farm and dairy in Paonia using biodynamic principles. After bringing Enzo to the U.S. to teach about spiritual agriculture, the farm evolved using the principles learned from Enzo. The results of the methods of Spiritual Agriculture on her farm are a testament to their efficacy and the potential of this work to literally “change the world.”

Caren initiated the building of a therapeutic house in Paonia as a model of the possibilities of small, healthy housing accessible to many. She now devotes much of her time to the organizational and practical work of Viva la Vida. She is one of the main stewards of Lucas Farm and the development projects which continue to evolve and expand.

Alicia Michelsen

Co-Chair

Alicia is the CEO of The Learning Council (TLC) in Paonia. She is a teacher, herbalist, midwife and mother.

Both The Learning Council and Viva la Vida utilize the Gift Model for community-supported education and Alicia facilitates cooperative ventures between the two entities. She also sits on the boards of theWestern Colorado Migrant and Rural Coalition, Western Slope Native American Resource Center, and is the leader for the TLC Kitchen which offers meals to those in need whilst supporting local farmers by buying fresh local produce throughout the year. TLC is the support organization for Paonia’s Arbol Farmers’ Market. Started on a local farm during the Covid closures as a way to support farmers who had lost restaurant and farmers market contracts, the community responded with tremendous support. TLC began cooking an organic vegetarian meal from all local produce and offering it to those in need. The Arbol Farmers’ Market was such a success that it was moved to the Paonia Town Park.

After attending seminars with Enzo Nastati, and putting his suggestions into practice, she committed herself to a Spiritual Scientific path and helps Viva la Vida in all capacities. Alicia is crucial to the collaborative working model amongst various other non-profits and organizations as well as community members.

Denise Claire Laverty

Secretary

I am an artist, wilderness guide, healer, and whole foods cook and educator. Studying with Enzo Nastati has been an opportunity to embark on a deeper journey into the connections and underlying aspects of spirit – a path that is a true gift. Enzo’s insights into therapeutic architecture have transformed our current house-building adventure here in Paonia.

My husband, Tony, and I have been building a therapeutic home inspired by a design created by Enzo. This has been a therapeutic journey in itself, as we learn to trust the spiritual guidance we receive from the house and in our nightly work. This journey has been parallel to the journey of developing our consciousness through our work on our farms, our exercises and meditation.

Our Sunday gatherings at Lucas Farm honor each element and the ethers associated which them. As a group we have continued to gather every Sunday as a practice to honor what is evolving there, also contributing our own evolving imaginative consciousness.

Stone Hunter

Board Member

Cache Stone Hunter was raised at Sunrise Ranch, an intentional spiritual community west of Loveland Colorado. He attended Waldorf School in his youth and later completed his Biodynamic Apprenticeship at Sustainable Settings in Carbondale, Colorado.

Stone currently lives in Paonia, Colorado with his wife and two young children. He works building strawbale and therapeutic homes using the techniques of Spiritual Architecture in collaboratioin with Viva la Vida and others. As a devoted student of Rudolf Steiner and those who have furthered his work, Stone aspires to integrate the wisdom of Spiritual Science with his love for natural building, agriculture and community development.

Kirk Mills

Board Member

With degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Montana State University, Kirk worked as an environmental engineer for 35 years. He was involved in many issues including cleaning up old dump and Superfund sites, and helping companies use lower amounts of chemicals, water, and energy.

For 30 years Kirk has been a student of Anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner. After retirement, he encountered the work of Enzo Nastati and joined the board to help educate others. Kirk is one of the leading members of a study group in Paonia devoted to the study of Rudolf Steiner in the Rosicrucian sense. In other words, dedicated study rather than just reading.

Kirk serves as a jack-of-all trades and a willing worker in all the endeavors of Viva la Vida.

Cindy Ziegler

Board Member

Cindy has been enjoying the Good Life in Paonia for over 25 years. Learning about Biodynamics lead to discovering the path of Spiritual Science, and studying with Enzo Nastati. This work has been rich and deeply satisfying, as it offers not only a path of personal spiritual growth, but an opportunity to engage in practical applications for the healing of the land, the plants, and the animals.  She has also been learning and practicing the therapeutic healing arts brought forward by the work of Ita Wegman.