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Meet Us
Pare (Evi) Gerou Founder & Project Lead I am a Greek-American attorney specializing in refugee representation and a devoted mother to my son, Atticus. My love for Greece began during childhood summers on Lesvos. After earning my law degree from the University of Virginia Law School, I pursued a career in refugee law, serving in various roles, including Director of a Refugee Resettlement Agency, solo practitioner, Clinical Professor at University of Virginia Law School, and refugee adjudicator for USCIS. I spent five transformative years in Touchstone cohousing community in the U.S. The years at Touchstone deeply impressed upon me the power of intentional community and cohousing design and its effect on one's sense of belonging and fulfillment in everyday life. I witnessed daily the dramatic effects of a community design that choreographs connection, and I saw the power that focus on connection, functionality, and values can bring to a higher quality and lower footprint life. I also simply experienced the joy of a community whose neighbors have commitment to share time in celebration and co-management, and I felt the health benefits of community in greater connection to the land. The fact that Touchstone happened to be situated near two other cohousing villages of different ages taught me about how these villages manage over time. The experience inspired me to dedicate over a decade of my life to better understanding cohousing and intentional community, visiting numerous communities, taking courses, and conducting research. My return to Greece during the 2015-18 refugee crisis rekindled my dream of retiring there. During the pandemic, I decided to merge my love for Greece and cohousing, creating Greek Village Cohousing. Starting with a website and an officially registered organization, I’ve worked to lay the foundation for an ideal location and land, of developers who understand, for membership who share common values, of sociocratic governance, and other foundations that create fertile ground for an intentional community. Now that we've got the land, developers and professionals, and other important foundations in place, in year three, our small seed group has begun to build community, create policies, and mold village culture. As Project Manager, I oversee the entirety of the project. Last year, I organized participatory design workshops and collaborated with our developers to create the opportunity for members to enjoy multiple trips to the land. There they collaborated in the design of our Common House, and on Zoom the group began to realize their vision. I continue promote to utilize and promote a best practices approach to our growth, using data from empirical studies and a researched and thoughtful approach so that we take advantage of all the wisdom that has come before us in this now decades old movement, and I am grateful for our many cohousing mentors who have helped me. We are now focused on sustainable features, climate change planning, and policy making. We enjoy planning our gardens, creating our conflict resolution plan, and beginning our sociocracy and NVC training. However, none of my work would have created the strong foundation for the group had it not been for our wonderful developers and advisor board members. Managing Partner Stavros Tampouglou, Visionary Partner Peter Eliopoulos whose land will become our home, and advisory board member Robert Peck have given us what we’ve needed to overcome many hurdles to make our dreams a reality. I am proud of our group's progress and the strong foundation I was able to lay with the help of our developers. From this foundation, our diverse, multigenerational seed group is crafting something extraordinary. The community is thriving, attracting skilled members who deeply value community, connection, community service and living sustainably. See our visions and values page to get a glimps of what drives this community. Together, we are now nurturing my initial vision and turning it into a flourishing community that embodies our shared values and aspirations.
Panos, from Kiato Community and nature. That is the basis of all for me. People with similar values - I need not too many personally - to share feelings, thoughts and ideas, discuss, play, start the next "project" together. Being close to nature to feel in one's heart how much "happiness", euphoria, tranquility and non-anxiety is given for free, without even asking, better than any self-help book. Walking in beautiful landscapes, have a little bit of adventure, hiking, swimming to rivers and sea. I feel I am kind of an "explorer", not taking anything for granted, searching and shaping my own views, which I then support wholeheartedly, even though I am actually intrigued to lose an argument and adopt another point of view. Trying to never identify too much and be static, but instead to be more dynamic and flexible is my approach since this means I become wiser than before (even though in the grand scheme of things nothing really matters - I am a Camus advocate). I have noticed in that journey of exploring, that I value simplicity ("less is more" motto ftw!), authenticity, respect, actively thinking of the others and having not much ego, fairness and then, lastly, freedom: freedom to explore, create, being curious or simply being. Some of my interests are philosophy, politics, economy, educating, trying to build a mini community, thinking how to try to change the current status quo even in a tiny way, and "playing around" with a little bit basketball, chess, callisthenics, gym. I was working as Backend Software Engineer but now I have paused for 1.5 years, since I was feeling not much interested in programming anymore, while there are also so many other things to explore. I am Greek, born and living in Greece and currently living in Kiato, 1 hour away from Athens. I moved here, less than a year ago with my girlfriend Fotini, as a first safe mini test to live outside Athens for the first time in my life. The idea was to be closer to nature, which, due to the free camping vacations on mountains and rivers, feels now as something necessary for me. The test has clearly and easily passed and there is no more the feeling of needing to be in a safe 2-hour distance from Athens and family. Now I feel ready to explore further in all directions: people, community, way of living, nature! :)
Jenn from Hawaii Aloha! I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts on the East Coast of the United States. I moved to Hawaii when I was 25 and have lived on all four major islands. I worked in the hospitality industry for 25 before segueing into business ownership as a professional organizer. I also cared for my mother during this time and slowly let go of the business as her needs became more demanding. After both my parents' passing, I moved back to Hawaii in 2019 just before Covid and was blessed with a remote job shortly after. I'm spending late spring and half of summer 2025 traveling and exploring Greece for the first time. My core values are kindness, generosity, and integrity. I'm a very independent and private person but also highly value people and community. I'm excited to explore the options that Greek Village Cohousing may provide for the next chapter of my life!
Miriam, Spiros, Anna, and Yannis, from Amsterdam and Greece We are a family of 4 (plus dog) with mixed roots living in Holland. Miriam is half Dutch, half Danish while Spiros is Greek. Anna our daughter will soon turn 18 and is finnishing high school in a few moths; after which she is ready to spend some time exploring the world before she wants to commit to a study. Our son Yannis will turn 16 this year and is a fanatic basketball player who loves seafishing. Spiros has a background in chemistry and is fortunate enough to be able to work mostly remote. He shares his main hobbies with his son. Miriam has a background in antropology and nursing and has worked mostly in mental health and community health settings. At the moment she is working in projectmanagement for ukrainian refugees. We spend as much time as possible in Greece, with the greek part of a family and friends. We have always had the intention to move to Greece at some point as we love the people, the way of life, nature, food, climate…oh well the whole deal I guess. Although we do not have a background in community living the concept appeals to us a lot and we have been envisioning this way of life for ourselves at some point in the future.
Vicky from Birmingham, UK. I was born and raised in Germany, where I lived until completing my university studies in 2001. Shortly after, I moved to the UK and began my career as a Management Consultant in London. Over time, I transitioned into a career in Recruitment and now reside in a small village near Solihull, close to Birmingham. Both of my parents are Greek, and I hold Greek citizenship. Greece has always been a big part of my life. My parents, eager for me to stay connected to my heritage, enrolled me in a Greek school, which I attended for several years in addition to the German school. Every summer since childhood, I’ve spent time in Greece, immersed in Greek culture, sunshine, and quality time with my extended family and many, many cousins. Although I initially planned to move to Greece after university, life had other plans, and I found myself settling in the UK. Now, as a divorced parent of three growing sons, I am reflecting on the next chapter of my journey. Being far from my roots and family has deepened my desire to one day live in Greece. Once my sons are grown, I envision a future where I can work and thrive there. The concept of co-housing greatly appeals to me, offering a sense of community, connection, and shared values. Living on my own in another country has shown me the importance of good company and belonging. Over the past five years, I’ve spent my holidays in the Peloponnese, a region I’ve completely fallen in love with. Although I have no personal roots there, its unspoiled beauty, large mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and ever-improving infrastructure make it an ideal place to call home. I enjoy yoga and Pilates, spending time in nature, and swimming in the sea. I hope to create a life in a picturesque part of Greece that not only nurtures my well-being but also becomes a welcoming haven for my children and extended family to visit. With several working years still ahead of me, I remain optimistic about transitioning to a fully remote role in my current company or finding a new opportunity in Greece.
Nell and Cliff from Ireland
Cliff is an editor, teacher and thinker from California who has resided in the West of Ireland since 2005 . He shares with his wife a deep love of Greece and its extraordinary culture and nature. He has backgrounds in theatre , writing, biology and philosophy and has designed and built his own eco house in Ireland.
Nell is a teacher trainer in Waldorf Steiner education, a Middendorf breath worker and writer of books and plays for young people. She has lived and worked in the UK ,Italy,America and Ireland and taught all ages from early years, primary to secondary, and tertiary . Currently she is co director of the Steiner Waldorf teacher training in Ireland and lives with her partner and dog on an acre in rural Ireland where she gardens.
nd bio on the training website
Advisory Board Member Robert William Peck, Canada Former Ambassador to Greece Recently retired after 35 years with Global Affairs Canada, Robert Peck has held a variety of positions in Canada, Greece, and abroad. At Headquarters, these included Press Secretary and Departmental Spokesperson to two Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol of Canada. He was Canada’s Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria from 2004 to 2007, and Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus from 2011 to 2015. As Canada’s representative to both Algeria and the Hellenic Republic, former Ambassador Peck worked closely with the Canadian oil and gas and mining sectors. This involved advocacy at the ministerial and head of state/head of government levels and providing strategic advice on critical issues and emerging trends. Earlier in his career, he served in various diplomatic roles in Nigeria, Switzerland, and Greece. During a two-year leave of absence from the Government of Canada, Mr. Peck was Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at CAE Inc., the global leader in aerospace simulation technology. Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador Peck has been a strong supporter of cultural diplomacy and worked closely with leading Canadian and international artists and organizations. As Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic he played a leading role in supporting the unprecedented and highly successful exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History in 2015: “The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great.” Mr. Peck was named in 2017 as an independent, non-executive member of the Board of Directors of Energean PLC, a leading independent oil and gas company in the Eastern Mediterranean. He is also actively involved in the voluntary sector as President of the Board of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO), a member of the Canadian Institute in Greece (CIG), and an Honorary Director of The Hellenic Initiative (Canada). He continues to be engaged with several charitable organizations in Greece, including a local non-governmental organization that provides a safe haven for refugee minors on the Greek island of Lesvos.In 2010, he agreed also to dedicate himself voluntarily to the Michaëlle Jean Foundation as Executive Director until 2020. Promise kept. The position will be opened next July. Former Ambassador Peck has received numerous awards including the Canadian Foreign Minister’s Citation for Foreign Policy Excellence, the Minister’s Merit Award, a Citation from the Fondation Club Avenir for his exceptional contribution to Canada-Algeria relations, and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix conferred by the President of the Hellenic Republic.
Karim and Harper from Toulous & DC Karim Is a musician from Toulouse, France. He has played various instruments and genres of music. With a DIY spirit he is an avid learner who has a love of Feldenkrais, kayaking and good food. He has been living in the United States of America for over 10 years now. Harper has an interest in film and the arts. She started her love of community as a student at a small Quaker farm school in Iowa . She has been a Riot Grrrl, poet, a baker, an artist and had various jobs over the years. She returned to the United States from France to care for her beautiful mother. Her film Angel Food was featured at numerous international festivals including the International San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Her writing was featured in Inga Muscio's award winning book Cunt: A Declaration of Independence. After her own health challenges she became even more interested in health and studied to become a Bioenergetic Health Coach, She continues to work on creative and film projects because she believes that creativity is an ntegral part of wellbeing.
Wei & Daniel from Quanzhou, China & Ann Arbor USA Hi everyone, My name is Wei. I am a Chinese immigrant living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. This is my 8th year living in the US. Daniel and I are living at Touchstone Cohousing where Evi used to live, and this is our fourth year here. ‘It’s not always rainbow and unicorns’ as our neighbor shared with us, but community still has great value on many aspects. We are grateful for knowing Evi’s Greek Village Cohousing project through our marketing neighbor. I am a entrepreneur growing different varieties of micro greens for our 3 Cohousing community neighbors and local farm stop. Currently, I am attending Traditional Tibetan Medicine school for my first year, and my goal is to become a TTM doctor in the near future. In addition to Tibetan medicine, I like meditation, practicing Nejang Yoga, and learning Tibetan astrology. In my spare time, I also love studying about whole-food plant based nutrition, making meals with local and organic ingredients, studying diffident kinds of herbs, making herbal remedies for my family, and gardening. I hope to have a piece of land growing my own organic herbs and preserve them to help patients. Daniel and I both love sustainable organic way of living and traveling around the world, learn about other culture and other people. Greece is definitely our next destination for 2024! Hi everyone, I am Daniel. I currently work in IT, working a remote job at Amazon Web Services (AWS). When I am not working with technology or playing video games, I enjoy reading and learning languages. One of the things that excites me about Greece is the opportunity to grow a bunch of high quality, natural nutritious food.
Vilma, Georgios, Aurora and Gabriel From Finland and Now Greece! The Karhu-Jopasin Family: Vilma, Georgios, Aurora and Gabriel The Karhu-Jopasin's are a family of four from Finland who just recently moved to Athens. Vilma and Georgios have two beautiful children, Aurora and Gabriel. Aurora is an active toddler who loves singing, dancing, climbing and counting in Finnish, English and Greek. Gabriel is a sweet, curious and calm 1-year old who is interested in learning more about the world around him. Vilma has a degree in English linguistics and has previously worked in university administration at Tampere University, focusing on exchange studies and international Master's degree programmes. She has been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel, study and work in different countries. She is now home with the kids and also works as a freelance translator (FI-EN) when she has time. She played volleyball for 16 years and has now taken up kickboxing. She also enjoys spending time in nature either hiking, downhill skiing or surfing (surfing skills are rusty though!). Among other things, Georgios (or Georgi) has a background working at the Finnish national broadcasting company YLE as a media journalist. Georgi is an entrepreneur-minded truth seeker and an observer of people. Due to his past at YLE and his curiosity to explore, he has been exposed to many things and has learned from those experiences a lot. He is now working remotely from home for a Greek company. On his free time he produces music or listens to podcasts. The family values natural approaches to health as well as strengthening a well-communicating and loving family unit. Second hand stores and relaxed jazz music on Saturday mornings are their thing. They also have experience in community building in Finland, where they were part of trying to set up two different types of communities. The first would have been a cohousing community in the Finnish archipelago and the second a commune for families with children located in the countryside. They are grateful for the lessons learned from their previous experiences and want to contribute to creating a safe, thriving and diverse multigenerational community in the Peloponnesos .