Get to know us

We are a group of introverts and extroverts who love nature and the planet, and we are all looking for a deeper connection with our neighbors and community. Our intent is to grow a multi-generational community with 40 up to 120 members ranging in age from 0 to 90!

A Day in the Life . . .

We dream of waking up and taking our dogs for a walk or run or for a romp at the dog park, chatting with neighbors along the way. Afterwards, we might go to the Common House for a workout or yoga session and then get a cup of espresso and a light breakfast in the common house dining room. There, we might chat with a couple of friends and check in with the kiddos at the preschool. Then, we could work at one of the desks or have a meeting in a huddle space at the Common House for a couple of hours. Our neighbors who work outside the community might drop their younger children off at the preschool and grab a cup of coffee before catching the bus or taking one of the EVs to work. School age children could walk together to the local elementary behind the community or join with a home school group for daily lessons in the Common House.

Those of us who are retired might walk over to the community garden and help with pulling weeds and maintenance and then gather some vegetables for lunch. Walking home, we might sit on one of the shaded benches and watch some of the neighborhood children playing on the climbing structures before continuing to our house. In the winter, we might hangout in the hearth room reading a book by the fire or work on various arts & crafts projects in the Maker Space. If it's cold enough, our natural pool might freeze over and create an ice skating rink!

After lunch at home, we might work in our own garden, watering the flowers and topping off the bird feeders before relaxing on our shady, private back porch. A winter afternoon might see us dozing off as the winter sun shines through our big, triple-glazed windows. We might work at our home office for awhile or head over the naturally filtered pool for a refreshing swim in the summer. In the winter we might head to the music room to practice piano or jam with some of our neighbors.

Later, we might go for a bike ride or winter sunset walk and then join our neighbors at the Common House for dinner and perhaps a movie in the common house theater. Alternatively, some of us might head into the city to catch a concert or show before coming home and calling it a night.

Our members & potential members

Our strength lies in our individuality and our commitment to community. We value both connection and privacy and strive to make Gratitude Village a place where all are welcome and feel at home.

Suzie

Founder / OG 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 so I decided to start Gratitude Village!

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

Dr Wanda Bedinghaus headshot
Dr Wanda Bedinghaus headshot
Dr. Wanda

OG 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

OG Member

I am an enthusiastic advocate for Early Childhood Education, graduating with an 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

Dr Dean Lee
Dr Dean Lee

Dr. Dean Lee

EXPLORER

I am Dr. Lee. My family valued education and celebrated our cultural heritage which shaped who I am today. In my practice, I aim to blend the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern medicine, a mission that deeply resonates with me. Outside of the hospital, you’ll often find me hiking, capturing landscapes through my camera, each photo a reminder of the world’s beauty. As a polyglot, speaking three languages allows me to connect with diverse patients, enhancing my practice and enriching my life by understanding their unique stories.

Living life fully is my core belief, and each day brings new learning. I’m genuinely excited to learn more about Gratitude Village. Its values of community, sustainability, and connection are deeply meaningful to me, and I look forward to possibly calling it home soon.

Mom and 7 year old daughter
Mom and 7 year old daughter
Older African-American woman in front of Eiffel Tower
Older African-American woman in front of Eiffel Tower

Sara & Joy

EXPLORERS

I am Sara, a vibrant single mother creating a life rich with culinary adventures and educational pursuits. As a passionate teacher, I find joy in igniting creativity within my students, often blending my culinary enthusiasm into the lessons I share. My daughter, Joy, a spirited 7-year-old, mirrors my zest for life and eagerly takes on the role of sous-chef in our charming kitchen. Together, we embark on a flavorful journey, crafting tasty memories, one recipe at a time.

When I’m not conjuring up culinary delights or nurturing young minds, I delight in wandering through local farmers' markets, unearthing fresh treasures to inspire my next gastronomic creation. My life is a symphony of love, laughter, and learning, with Joy as my unwavering muse. Each day unfurls with new adventures, whether it involves a classroom initiative or experimenting with a new dish, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m excited to learn more about Gratitude Village because it feels like a place where Joy and I can truly belong—a community where neighbors share in each other’s lives, values, and passions. I look forward to the chance for us both to grow, learn, and create alongside like-minded people in a place that celebrates connection and discovery.

Sun & David

EXPLORERS

We are Sun and David! I (Sun) moved to the United States from bustling Seoul when I was young, and I've always carried a deep appreciation for Korean food and traditions. Over the years, my passion for my heritage has only grown, and it has become a shared love with my husband, David. We find joy in exploring Korean cuisine together — from sizzling bulgogi to spicy kimchi, we often whip up these delicious dishes in our cozy home.

David is an enterprising spirit, successfully running his own business right from our home. He skillfully balances the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys of our daily life. Meanwhile, I embrace my role as a nanny, finding great fulfillment in nurturing and supporting the children I care for. Together, we thrive on our shared interests and complementary careers, creating a harmonious and joyful life that reflects both our backgrounds. We're excited to explore the Gratitude Village vision, seeing it as an inspiring way to build a connected, vibrant community.

Josh & Eric

EXPLORERS

Hi! I’m Josh, and my partner, Eric, and I have always been adventurous souls, now diving into a new chapter as we move to Colorado. This journey promises unforgettable moments with our two adorable dogs, Bella and Luna.

The moment we first visited Colorado, the breathtaking mountain views took my breath away, and Bella and Luna darted into the grass, tails wagging as they explored their surroundings. It felt like a grand adventure for all of us.

We’re thrilled to dive into the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Denver, meet new friends, and share our love for outdoor activities, from hiking stunning trails to gathering around a fire pit under the stars. Game nights with friends are already on the calendar, and we can’t wait to fill a community with laughter and joy.

Eric and I are especially excited to learn more about Gratitude Village. The sense of belonging and shared experiences here resonate deeply with us, and we look forward to building lasting connections in a community that feels so welcoming.

Rose

EXPLORER

Bonjour! I'm Rose, a spirited single woman just back from an enchanting adventure in Paris, where I indulged in pastries and soaked up the city's art and history. When not exploring foreign streets, you’ll find me cozily at home, knitting scarves and sweaters—a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.

Family is my heart, and I treasure moments with them, whether sharing stories over a meal or a lively game night. Life is an evolving tapestry, and I’m eager to keep weaving in new memories.

I look forward to seeing Gratitude Village grow and hopefully calling it home one day—a place to put down roots, build friendships, and add my own thread to a warm, creative community.

Emily

EXPLORER

Hi there! I'm Emily, an adventurous spirit who thrives in the great outdoors. There's nothing like hitting a new trail or conquering a peak. My love for hiking began on a spontaneous trip to the mountains in college—where I fell for the serenity and beauty of nature.

When I’m not exploring, I'm often curled up with a mystery novel or experimenting with healthy recipes. I believe the best conversations happen under an open sky, which is why I always carry extra granola bars for sharing!

I’m especially excited to learn more about Gratitude Village—a community that shares my passion for nature, adventure, and connection. I look forward to evening or weekend hikes with neighbors, fresh meals from the garden, and building a community we're proud to call home.

Susan

EXPLORER

Meet Susan, a vibrant adventurer who finds joy in the simple pleasures of gardening, biking, and exploring the world. Her garden is a lush oasis, a blend of colorful blooms and hearty veggies that she tends with care, bringing a piece of nature's beauty into every season. An avid cyclist, Susan loves hitting the trails, feeling the wind on her face as she discovers new paths around town and beyond. Her love for travel has taken her to beautiful places near and far, each adventure adding to her collection of memorable stories. At home, she shares her life with her beloved pets, Henry a cattle dog mix she rescued whose antics bring endless laughter and Hazel an orange tabby who loves to cuddle or curl up in the sunshine in a window plus Jack a gray tabby who adores Hazel.

Susan is thrilled to get to know everyone at Gratitude Village. She’s excited to build connections with people who share her love for community, sustainability, and growth, and she can’t wait to make Gratitude Village her home!

Jake & Emma

EXPLORERS

Hi, we’re Emma and Jake, an adventurous couple whose love for each other is only rivaled by our passion for exploring new horizons. With over 30 countries stamped in our passports, each destination holds a special story.

We still feel the thrill of soaring in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s landscapes or sampling Bangkok’s vibrant street food amid wafting spices. Emma’s eye as a photographer captures these moments, letting us relive the beauty and essence of our travels. Emma, with her keen eye as a professional photographer, has a way of capturing the essence of our adventures through her lens while Jake writes about our adventures for various magazines and blogs. We’re excited to start a travel podcast. One of our favorite memories? Dancing under the Northern Lights in Iceland!

Eager explorers at heart, we can’t wait to learn more about Gratitude Village—a place that seems to offer a community as rich in connection as our travels. With curious spirits, we’re excited about finding a home where shared experiences and new friendships await.

Alex

EXPLORER

Meet Alex, a vibrant and passionate recent college graduate with a degree in musicology. As an unapologetic lover of all things melodious, they spend their days exploring diverse musical genres and creating playlists that capture the essence of their eclectic taste. Alex proudly embraces their identity as a lesbian and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Their infectious enthusiasm for music often leads to spontaneous jam sessions with friends, where their guitar skills truly shine. When they’re not strumming away, you might find them at local music festivals or volunteering at community events promoting equality and acceptance. With their unique blend of creativity and compassion, Alex is set to make an unforgettable impact on the world. Alex is looking forward to calling Gratitude Village home because it offers a supportive and inclusive environment where they can build meaningful connections while sharing their love for music. They’re excited about joining a community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and mutual respect.