Board & Staff
Board Members
Sara Brody
(she/her/hers), Co-President | 2024-Current
Sara grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of rural Virginia, where her parents—both homesteaders and educators—instilled in her a deep appreciation for ecology, organic farming, and land stewardship. She pursued her passion for sustainable living at the University of Colorado, where she became deeply involved in urban farming and food justice initiatives.
While in Boulder, Sara founded TSK Food Co-op, a volunteer-driven organization that provided affordable, organic food to the local community. Under her leadership, the co-op managed over 300 volunteers and offered educational programs in gardening, food preservation, and cooking. Despite her continued dedication to food justice, Sara felt drawn to a new path and relocated to the Pacific Northwest to study midwifery.
As a birth worker, Sara had the privilege of supporting families and welcoming many new lives into the world. After several years busy attending births in Oregon, she and her husband decided to move back to Colorado to plant an orchard, grow peaches, and live closer to their values.
Sara is honored to serve on the board, supporting TLC’s mission, which aligns closely with her dedication to community building, sustainable farming, health, and environmental stewardship. In her free time, she cherishes being a mother, preparing nourishing meals for friends, gardening, preserving food, singing, and adventuring through Colorado’s backcountry.
Laura Parker
(she/her/hers), Co-President | 2024-Current
Laura Parker is a self proclaimed seed freak who owns and operates High Desert Seed + Gardens in Paonia, CO. Her seed company is committed to the stewardship of seeds that thrive in the short season and arid regions of the west. Raised on a ranch in western Colorado that practiced holistic management, she has a deep passion for regenerative agriculture and systems thinking. After college she worked in India with Vandana Shiva’s seed banks and later with seed growers across the US as executive director of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA). These experiences crystalized her commitment to ethical seed stewardship and seed sovereignty. Maintaining seed free of restrictive intellectual property rights and preserving genetic diversity while adapting varieties to the pressures of place and climate change are a focus of the work of High Desert Seed + Gardens.
Betsy Johnson
(she/her/hers), Vice President / TLC Ambassador! | 2025-Current
Betsy comes to The Learning Council from an itinerant life throughout the middle states. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio, began her career and family in Toledo, OH before transitioning to humanitarian service in several cities with the American Red Cross. Her first disaster response was in 1995, when she helped manage 7,000 spontaneous volunteers during the first two weeks of the Oklahoma City Bombing. She and her partner Mick retired from their professional careers in Chicago in 2017, and immediately followed their son and son-in-law to Paonia.
Betsy is a maker and doer. She spends her volunteer time between the Paonia River Park, the Paonia Library, North Fork Ballet Troupe, NFSIS Handwork classes and is a charter member of the Western Slope Chapter of Fibershed. To that end, she began a Fibershed Free Knit-Along for knitters of all ages at the outdoor ARBOL market last summer.
Betsy’s passions for diversity, equity and inclusion are nurtured through all TLC programming. Wherever she is needed, she’ll give her all. She holds special love for the Diversity Library, DC CARES and Reparation Projects with 1st Nations.
Asa Hoffman
(he/him/his), Treasurer, 2023-Current
As a tenacious child, Asa Hoffman convinced the local pet shop owner to give him a job when he was just nine years old. By the time Asa turned eighteen, he had saved up enough money to buy his first business – igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. Asa also embraced his talents as a spiritual teacher, co-hosting a radio show, and leading educational classes and workshops. When he turned thirty, Asa set his sights on New York City: with only three clients and a hundred business cards, he launched a practice in Manhattan and has been using his extraordinary abilities to guide others as a psychic, medium, and energy healer for over 30 years. Asa’s powerful connection with those who have crossed-over and remarkable understanding of both the seen and unseen worlds helps people transform their lives.
In July of 2021 Asa moved to Paonia with his partner, Michael Cooper (Executive Artistic Director of Juniper Circle Productions), and their dog, Totem the Dalmatian. Both Michael and Asa are passionate about this community and committed to contributing to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future for Paonia.
Michael Cooper
(he/him/his), 2025-Current
Michael Cooper is writer and producer who nurtures, illuminates, and builds bridges between the urban and rural creative communities, providing a circle of support where diverse artists can create, exchange, and present new work. His songs and shows have been produced on Broadway and on stages across the country as well as internationally. From 2021-2025 Michael served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Paradise Theatre in Paonia, CO. Visit www.michaelcoopermusicandlyrics.com and www.junipercircleproductions.org.
Sara Brody
(she/her/hers), Co-President | 2024-Current
Sara grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of rural Virginia, where her parents—both homesteaders and educators—instilled in her a deep appreciation for ecology, organic farming, and land stewardship. She pursued her passion for sustainable living at the University of Colorado, where she became deeply involved in urban farming and food justice initiatives.
While in Boulder, Sara founded TSK Food Co-op, a volunteer-driven organization that provided affordable, organic food to the local community. Under her leadership, the co-op managed over 300 volunteers and offered educational programs in gardening, food preservation, and cooking. Despite her continued dedication to food justice, Sara felt drawn to a new path and relocated to the Pacific Northwest to study midwifery.
As a birth worker, Sara had the privilege of supporting families and welcoming many new lives into the world. After several years busy attending births in Oregon, she and her husband decided to move back to Colorado to plant an orchard, grow peaches, and live closer to their values.
Sara is honored to serve on the board, supporting TLC’s mission, which aligns closely with her dedication to community building, sustainable farming, health, and environmental stewardship. In her free time, she cherishes being a mother, preparing nourishing meals for friends, gardening, preserving food, singing, and adventuring through Colorado’s backcountry.
Laura Parker
(she/her/hers), Co-President | 2024-Current
Laura Parker is a self proclaimed seed freak who owns and operates
High Desert Seed + Gardens in Paonia, CO. Her seed company is committed to the stewardship of seeds that thrive in the short season and arid regions of the west. Raised on a ranch in western Colorado that practiced holistic management, she has a deep passion for regenerative agriculture and systems thinking. After college she worked in India with Vandana Shiva’s seed banks and later with seed growers across the US as executive director of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA). These experiences crystalized her commitment to ethical seed stewardship and seed sovereignty. Maintaining seed free of restrictive intellectual property rights and preserving genetic diversity while adapting varieties to the pressures of place and climate change are a focus of the work of High Desert Seed + Gardens.
Betsy Johnson
(she/her/hers), Vice President / TLC Ambassador! | 2025-Current
Betsy comes to The Learning Council from an itinerant life throughout the middle states. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio, began her career and family in Toledo, OH before transitioning to humanitarian service in several cities with the American Red Cross. Her first disaster response was in 1995, when she helped manage 7,000 spontaneous volunteers during the first two weeks of the Oklahoma City Bombing. She and her partner Mick retired from their professional careers in Chicago in 2017, and immediately followed their son and son-in-law to Paonia.
Betsy is a maker and doer. She spends her volunteer time between the Paonia River Park, the Paonia Library, North Fork Ballet Troupe, NFSIS Handwork classes and is a charter member of the Western Slope Chapter of Fibershed. To that end, she began a Fibershed Free Knit-Along for knitters of all ages at the outdoor ARBOL market last summer.
Betsy’s passions for diversity, equity and inclusion are nurtured through all TLC programming. Wherever she is needed, she’ll give her all. She holds special love for the Diversity Library, DC CARES and Reparation Projects with 1st Nations.
Asa Hoffman
(he/him/his), Treasurer, 2023-Current
As a tenacious child, Asa Hoffman convinced the local pet shop owner to give him a job when he was just nine years old. By the time Asa turned eighteen, he had saved up enough money to buy his first business – igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. Asa also embraced his talents as a spiritual teacher, co-hosting a radio show, and leading educational classes and workshops. When he turned thirty, Asa set his sights on New York City: with only three clients and a hundred business cards, he launched a practice in Manhattan and has been using his extraordinary abilities to guide others as a psychic, medium, and energy healer for over 30 years. Asa’s powerful connection with those who have crossed-over and remarkable understanding of both the seen and unseen worlds helps people transform their lives.
In July of 2021 Asa moved to Paonia with his partner, Michael Cooper (Executive Artistic Director of Juniper Circle Productions), and their dog, Totem the Dalmatian. Both Michael and Asa are passionate about this community and committed to contributing to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future for Paonia.
Michael Cooper
(he/him/his), 2025-Current
Michael Cooper is writer and producer who nurtures, illuminates, and builds bridges between the urban and rural creative communities, providing a circle of support where diverse artists can create, exchange, and present new work. His songs and shows have been produced on Broadway and on stages across the country as well as internationally. From 2021-2025 Michael served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Paradise Theatre in Paonia, CO. Visit
www.michaelcoopermusicandlyrics.com and
www.junipercircleproductions.org.
Staff Members
Alicia Michelsen
(she/her/hers), Executive Director 2018-current
Alicia is the current Director of The Learning Council. She is also a village herbalist in the Wise Woman Tradition. For over 20 years Alicia has been growing medicinal herbs, making plant medicines, and teaching students of all ages how to enjoy the bounty of the green nations. Alicia sits on the board of Viva la Vida, a foundation for developing spiritual agriculture in the traditions of Biodynamic and Trinium methods. She is a Sexual Health Educator and advocate in Delta County, runs the TLC Kitchen, and curates community events and educational opportunities with a focus on Social Justice and Equity. Mother of three boys, Alicia has worked in Waldorf inspired education since 2000 and brought two groups of students through the elementary grades. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and now lives in the North Fork Valley.
Emily Goughary
(she/her/hers) Administrative Team Leader
Since moving to the North Fork Valley in 2014, Emily has woven community connection, hands-on healing, and sustainable living into everything she does. She joined TLC’s team in 2021, coordinating the many moving parts that keep our programs thriving.
Emily’s journey includes Environmental Studies at Hamilton College, immersive learning at Bolad’s Kitchen in New Mexico, and off-grid permaculture and community building in the Peruvian Andes. As a certified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Death Doula, she’s bringing gentle healing modalities and dignified end-of-life care options to our rural community. When not at The Hearth, Emily enjoys farming, cooking, singing, and beading jewelry.
Sara Tonin Rodriguez
(she/her/hers) Arts For All Team Leader
Sara Rodriguez is a visual artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Colorado Mesa University, where she focused on community-based arts, sculpture, and metal casting, and minored in Psychology. She also holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Colorado Mountain College, along with extensive coursework in Anthropology and Archaeology. Guided by the belief that art has the power to heal, Sara is committed to expanding access to arts education and creative opportunity.
Through her work as an art educator with BAM! (Business Art Mentorship) in Mesa County, she supports at-risk youth with foundational art skills and business mentorship. Her practice centers on co-creation, cultural connection, and empowering marginalized communities through art. She is excited to share all she’s learned as a student, mom and artist co-creating in the North Fork Valley and Western Slope for 25 years.
Kirby M Wade
(she/her/hers) Administrative Team Leader
Kirby M Wade moved to Paonia about a decade ago to be closer to public lands and to live in a small, close-knit community. Over the years, the town of Paonia has shown her what true community really is, rooted in neighborly support and the understanding that when someone is in need, people show up for one another.
As a painter, collage artist, and muralist, she founded her own business, Word of Mouth Co. Named in the spirit of Paonia, she creates hand-drawn, limited-edition bandanas that are both functional and works of art. Within her role at TLC, she hopes to continue growing while giving back to the community she has come to love so deeply.
Summer Ester Orr
(she/her/hers) Arbol Farmers Market Manager
Summer Ester Orr is a Honduran-American object-maker, farmer and educator living in rural Colorado. She previously completed programs in both graphic design and fabrication/welding at TMCC in Reno, Nevada. She has been working with non-profit arts organizations for over a decade, recently as the administrative coordinator at Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology Project — a ceramic residency specializing in atmospheric firing, forest ecology & land stewardship in Northern CA. She is an avid bird-watcher, flower fan, and facilitator for arts & culture in the intermountain west. www.summerorr.com
Joe Bob Merritt
(he/him/his) Systems Artkitect
Joe Bob Merritt is an artist, builder, and cultural organizer whose work bridges visionary art, architecture, and community development. He studied architecture at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture), where systems thinking and spatial imagination continue to inform his practice. Merritt is a core contributor to The Learning Council (TLC) and a cultural steward at South Main Gunnison (SMG), supporting place-based arts, education, and regenerative local economies. He is also an active collaborator with Vision Train, connecting local cultural work to a global network of visionary artists and creative practitioners.
Carter Keegan Arbol
(he/him/his), Facilities Lead & Volunteer Coordinator
Born and raised in the North Fork Valley, Carter has called Paonia home for 32 years. A self-described "spiritual, autistic, photographer, globetrotter, naturalist, and future lunatic farmer," he graduated from Canisius University in 2020 with a degree in environmental studies and minors in animal behavior, ecology, conservation, and anthrozoology.
With hands-on experience in animal husbandry, including raising happy, healthy hens at Sunshine Mesa Farm, Carter brings a deep passion for animals and nature to his work at TLC. He's dedicated to supporting volunteers, strengthening community connections, and ensuring all generations benefit from the Learning Council's mission.
When not working, Carter loves photography, writing, reading, and spending time in nature. He also hosts Thoughtful Thursdays on theaboriginalchild.wordpress.com, sharing weekly reflections and photos to encourage mindfulness in his community.
Kylie Gettleman
(she/her/hers), Bookkeeper
Kylie lives in Paonia with her husband and two young children, deeply committed to giving back to the North Fork Valley community. She studied comparative religion at Colorado College and trained as an organic farmer at UC Santa Cruz's Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.
Over a decade of agricultural work shaped Kylie's expertise: she co-founded the Denver Handmade Homemade Market, managed a 35-acre organic vegetable farm in Boulder, served as operations manager for The Growhaus nonprofit farm, and installed community gardens. Originally drawn to TLC through the community meals and Kitchen, she's become passionate about TLC's broader mission supporting local teens, lifelong education, and marginalized communities.
Kylie brings her wide-ranging agricultural and nonprofit experience to her work as TLC's bookkeeper.
Sophie Browner
(she/her/hers), Front of House Manager
For the past three years, Sophie has been grateful to call Paonia home. She finds joy in farming, engaging in the local arts scene, and building community. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Sophie studied Speech Therapy in college before pursuing a path dedicated to veggie growing and land tending. She is continually inspired by the work of The Learning Council and believes it is the beating heart of our community.
Alicia Michelsen
(she/her/hers), Executive Director 2018-current
Alicia is the current Director of The Learning Council. She is also a village herbalist in the Wise Woman Tradition. For over 20 years Alicia has been growing medicinal herbs, making plant medicines, and teaching students of all ages how to enjoy the bounty of the green nations. Alicia sits on the board of Viva la Vida, a foundation for developing spiritual agriculture in the traditions of Biodynamic and Trinium methods. She is a Sexual Health Educator and advocate in Delta County, runs the TLC Kitchen, and curates community events and educational opportunities with a focus on Social Justice and Equity. Mother of three boys, Alicia has worked in Waldorf inspired education since 2000 and brought two groups of students through the elementary grades. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and now lives in the North Fork Valley.
Emily Goughary
(she/her/hers) Administrative Team Leader
Since moving to the North Fork Valley in 2014, Emily has woven community connection, hands-on healing, and sustainable living into everything she does. She joined TLC’s team in 2021, coordinating the many moving parts that keep our programs thriving.
Emily’s journey includes Environmental Studies at Hamilton College, immersive learning at Bolad’s Kitchen in New Mexico, and off-grid permaculture and community building in the Peruvian Andes. As a certified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Death Doula, she’s bringing gentle healing modalities and dignified end-of-life care options to our rural community. When not at The Hearth, Emily enjoys farming, cooking, singing, and beading jewelry.
Sara Tonin Rodriguez
(she/her/hers) Arts For All Team Leader
Sara Rodriguez is a visual artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Colorado Mesa University, where she focused on community-based arts, sculpture, and metal casting, and minored in Psychology. She also holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Colorado Mountain College, along with extensive coursework in Anthropology and Archaeology. Guided by the belief that art has the power to heal, Sara is committed to expanding access to arts education and creative opportunity.
Through her work as an art educator with
BAM! (Business Art Mentorship) in Mesa County, she supports at-risk youth with foundational art skills and business mentorship. Her practice centers on co-creation, cultural connection, and empowering marginalized communities through art. She is excited to share all she’s learned as a student, mom and artist co-creating in the North Fork Valley and Western Slope for 25 years.
Kirby M Wade
(she/her/hers) Administrative Team Leader
Kirby M Wade moved to Paonia about a decade ago to be closer to public lands and to live in a small, close-knit community. Over the years, the town of Paonia has shown her what true community really is, rooted in neighborly support and the understanding that when someone is in need, people show up for one another.
As a painter, collage artist, and muralist, she founded her own business, Word of Mouth Co. Named in the spirit of Paonia, she creates hand-drawn, limited-edition bandanas that are both functional and works of art. Within her role at TLC, she hopes to continue growing while giving back to the community she has come to love so deeply.
Summer Ester Orr
(she/her/hers) Arbol Farmers Market Manager
Summer Ester Orr is a Honduran-American object-maker, farmer and educator living in rural Colorado. She previously completed programs in both graphic design and fabrication/welding at TMCC in Reno, Nevada. She has been working with non-profit arts organizations for over a decade, recently as the administrative coordinator at Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology Project — a ceramic residency specializing in atmospheric firing, forest ecology & land stewardship in Northern CA. She is an avid bird-watcher, flower fan, and facilitator for arts & culture in the intermountain west.
www.summerorr.com
Joe Bob Merritt
(he/him/his)
Joe Bob Merritt is an artist, builder, and cultural organizer whose work bridges visionary art, architecture, and community development. He studied architecture at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture), where systems thinking and spatial imagination continue to inform his practice. Merritt is a core contributor to The Learning Council (TLC) and a cultural steward at South Main Gunnison (SMG), supporting place-based arts, education, and regenerative local economies. He is also an active collaborator with Vision Train, connecting local cultural work to a global network of visionary artists and creative practitioners.
Carter Keegan Arbol
(he/him/his), Facilities Lead & Volunteer Coordinator
Born and raised in the North Fork Valley, Carter has called Paonia home for 32 years. A self-described "spiritual, autistic, photographer, globetrotter, naturalist, and future lunatic farmer," he graduated from Canisius University in 2020 with a degree in environmental studies and minors in animal behavior, ecology, conservation, and anthrozoology.
With hands-on experience in animal husbandry, including raising happy, healthy hens at Sunshine Mesa Farm, Carter brings a deep passion for animals and nature to his work at TLC. He's dedicated to supporting volunteers, strengthening community connections, and ensuring all generations benefit from the Learning Council's mission.
When not working, Carter loves photography, writing, reading, and spending time in nature. He also hosts Thoughtful Thursdays on theaboriginalchild.wordpress.com, sharing weekly reflections and photos to encourage mindfulness in his community.
Kylie Gettleman
(she/her/hers), Bookkeeper
Kylie lives in Paonia with her husband and two young children, deeply committed to giving back to the North Fork Valley community. She studied comparative religion at Colorado College and trained as an organic farmer at UC Santa Cruz's Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.
Over a decade of agricultural work shaped Kylie's expertise: she co-founded the Denver Handmade Homemade Market, managed a 35-acre organic vegetable farm in Boulder, served as operations manager for The Growhaus nonprofit farm, and installed community gardens. Originally drawn to TLC through the community meals and Kitchen, she's become passionate about TLC's broader mission supporting local teens, lifelong education, and marginalized communities.
Kylie brings her wide-ranging agricultural and nonprofit experience to her work as TLC's bookkeeper.
Sophie Browner
(she/her/hers), Front of House Manager
For the past three years, Sophie has been grateful to call Paonia home. She finds joy in farming, engaging in the local arts scene, and building community. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Sophie studied Speech Therapy in college before pursuing a path dedicated to veggie growing and land tending. She is continually inspired by the work of The Learning Council and believes it is the beating heart of our community.