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We are a group of SW Michigan residents, working diligently to create a model sustainable residential community in SW Michigan.
Although we come from different walks of life and have diverse backgrounds, what unites us is our desire, through sustainable design approaches, to form a supportive and diverse human community that seeks to model a way of living in greater harmony with each other and the natural world.
If you would like to join us, feel free to come to the next Future Organizing Group F.R.O.G. meeting. It is always the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1:30pm at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI. Print map.
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Michael D. Swords, Ph.D - Treasurer
Mike Swords is a scientist, researcher, and writer. He was a Professor of Natural Sciences and Human Biology at Western Michigan University, where he received a Teaching Excellence award.
Mike graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. He studied biochemistry at Iowa State University where he earned his M.S., and at Case Western Reserve university where he earned his Ph.D.
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Virginia Jones, CSJ, Ph.D - Marketing, Coordinator
Ginny Jones has been actively involved in environmental education and action for more than 20 years. She holds a doctorate in environmental education and a certificate in spiritual direction. She is a spiritual director with the Nazareth Center for Eco-Spirituality, a program that promotes environmental awareness for a greater harmony balance with the Earth community. Ginny is known for her work in eco-spirituality and for her efforts in establishing Manitou Arbor Ecovillage.
Ginny is also an adjunct faculty member of environmental studies for Western Michigan University and Sienna Heights University. She has planned, coordinated, and directed many environmental activities including statewide conferences on Christianity and the Ecology in the Kalamazoo metropolitan area.
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Fr. Michael Howell - Treasurer
Fr. Mike has been working on the MAEV project since its beginning in 1999. His interest is in trying to help create a style of living that shows we Americans can live in keeping with a "one-earth" standard. Fr. Mike's message: if all people in the world lived as we do, it would take two and a half to three earths to supply the resources.
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Carolyn V. Pesheck, Ph.D - Fund Development, Corresponding Secretary
Carolyn is a retired physical chemistry scientist from Pfizer with experience in pharmaceutical chemistry and chemical engineering. She has educated herself on green building, and has designed and helped to build her own house. Carolyn also has experience in landscaping with native plants, and is an avid outdoors person. |
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Sue Norman - Member U.S. Green Building Council, Interior Designer LEED AP
Sue is an interior designer experienced in all phases of a commercial design/build project. Her first career was in teaching and Sue currently teaches Green Advantage courses through Grand Rapids Community College as well as interior design studio courses at Michigan State University. Sue’s passion for sustainability is woven throughout her life and work. She created and manages www.easytobegreen.com, a sustainable design resource for interior designers. Sue was a founding member of the West Michigan Chapter of the US Green Building Council and was a member of the chapter’s first Board of Directors. |
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Craig Ressler -
Researcher EasyToBeGreen.com educating interior designers on product sustainability
Craig has a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, and has worked in product development as a mechanical engineer. He is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys backpacking and camping. Craig is also involved with Inner City Outings, which gives inner city kids the chance to be in the outdoors through kayaking, camping, and hikes. MAEV is an opportunity for he and his long-time partner Sue Norman to design their own home and live in an environmentally aware community. |
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Richard Dailey, ACSW - Fund Development
Richard has undergraduate degrees from Notre Dame, Hillsdale College and Florida State University. He also has a Master of Social Work from the University of Hawaii and School Social Work Certification from the University of Michigan.
Richard's most recent activities include volunteering at St Monica Church, the food pantry at First Baptist, Phoenix Community Church, and the Michigan State Employee Retirement Association (SERA), all in the Kalamazoo area.
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Jordan Schau - Consulting Attorney
Jordan is an attorney in Kalamazoo who works primarily in the areas of business and real estate law. Jordan has a long-standing interest in sustainable living and intentional communities. He has been active with Manitou Arbor for over five years, both as a member, and providing certain pro bono legal services. |
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Brian R Bay - Consulting Real Estate Agent
Brian is a local agent with ERA Network Real Estate. He serves the Greater Kalamazoo Area and lives in Portage with his wife and 3 children. As a Realtor he has had much success in the residential market working with both Sellers and Buyers.
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Teresa Lyn - Graphic and Web Designer, Marketing
Teri is a web and graphic designer. She has a BS in E-Business, and attended the Center for New Media fo web and graphic design. She has 20 years of varied business and non-profit administration experience. She is the MAEV webmaster and graphic designer. Teri is an administrator and webmaster at Kalamazoo College in the Center for International Programs. She looks forward to building a cobb-strawbale house at MAEV.
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