About Stellar Village
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We are a global folk school cultivating deep community, eldering, diversity, and kinship tending skills in real time, via online and hybrid events.
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This is a trauma-informed space, gently stretching the global capacity for community care and joy through wisdom-sharing opportunities, singing together, leaning into grief, and practicing embodied relational skills.
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Who is it for?
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Anyone who wants to be part of creating a culture of Belonging, especially those in roles like song leaders, coaches, therapists, grief tenders, educators, event planners, elders, non-profit organizations, moms, and anyone who holds space for others.
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Our Offerings
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We provide a variety of ways to engage, from community singing and grief tending to building relational skills and sharing wisdom.
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Our Vision
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We believe in the power of kinship to create a safer world, in which humans are led by kindness and community instead of enmity and isolation.
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By learning relational skills, we can live authentically, play joyfully, and deepen our connections—with each other, with ourselves, and with the planet.
The Butterfly Council members are the humans tending the heart of Stellar Village.
Listed alphabetically by first name, in groups of 2 or 3. Use the sideways arrows to view everyone.
Aaron Johnson
Touch Activist, Butterfly Council member
"Human connection is a primary disruptor of oppressive systems."
Aaron Johnson is a facilitator, public speaker, and touch activist who practices closeness as a way to break down barriers between people. As co-founder of both Holistic Resistance and Grief to Action, Aaron takes the time to hold the stories of Black people around homophobia, transphobia, internalized racism, and those that are Chronically UnderTouched.
Grief to Action is a semi-mobile camp with a land-based community in the Mojave Desert. The community holds space on the land and with the land for deep grief and rage that gives birth to the creative solutions we need to resist and end oppressive systems. The land and sanctuary are Black-owned and Black-led, centering the needed grief support for African-heritage folks and all People of the Global Majority.
Interrupting four hundred years of the Black Brute archetype. Tender, caring, platonic touch between Black men, the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project’s short film, Dark and Tender, drops Fall 2024.
Because oppression is a part of historical and present American culture, the long term impact of those trauma stories should be acknowledged and held as a map for our collective healing.
Aaron Johnson practices and invites various methods of moving through these stories, such as the communal listening ear, sound healing, meditation, and closeness to the earth.
Aaron Johnson is a facilitator, public speaker, and touch activist who practices closeness as a way to break down barriers between people. As co-founder of both Holistic Resistance and Grief to Action, Aaron takes the time to hold the stories of Black people around homophobia, transphobia, internalized racism, and those that are Chronically UnderTouched.
Grief to Action is a semi-mobile camp with a land-based community in the Mojave Desert. The community holds space on the land and with the land for deep grief and rage that gives birth to the creative solutions we need to resist and end oppressive systems. The land and sanctuary are Black-owned and Black-led, centering the needed grief support for African-heritage folks and all People of the Global Majority.
Interrupting four hundred years of the Black Brute archetype. Tender, caring, platonic touch between Black men, the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project’s short film, Dark and Tender, drops Fall 2024.
Because oppression is a part of historical and present American culture, the long term impact of those trauma stories should be acknowledged and held as a map for our collective healing.
Aaron Johnson practices and invites various methods of moving through these stories, such as the communal listening ear, sound healing, meditation, and closeness to the earth.
Alyx Somas
Community Organizer, Butterfly Council member
Alyx Somas is a Native Northern American with roots from multiple Detribalized Peoples whose lineages have been living upon Tongva Lands for four generations. Their primary work is within movements of Collective Cultural Re-Indigenization, partnering alongside cultures of Belonging, Reciprocity, and Restorative Action.
Their community organizing is in service with Indigenous Knowledge Systems, supported by their training in group facilitation and somatic healing. They have spent the last decade working in education and organizing collective spaces for expressive arts, healing, de-colonization, honoring ancestry, connecting with the land, communal grief and prayer, and rituals of initiation. They especially find joy in decentralized spaces of ceremonial song, dance, and counsel.
They are on a journey of Initiation, training to be a Good Elder. All of their work holds heart in the belief that "we all come from peoples who gathered around fires storytelling, dancing, and grieving together." They are gently composting generations-old colonial wounding; resourcing in prayers that dismantle inner-supremacy, disengage from cultures of shame, blame, and carceral action, and offering prayers towards the unfolding of a multicultural peoples living out restored relations, in devotion to Inter-Dependence and to the ancestral ways of reverence for all that lives.
Their labor is for the world coming, where we gather together over the open flames that birth reciprocity from the fertilizer of our decay, united in our Praise and Grief towards the expression of our true nature — Reciprocity and Deep Beauty. You can connect with their work on their budding website https://thecollectivityproject.my.canva.site/landingpage and the IG @collectivitypr oject. Reach them at [email protected] for collaboration.
Their community organizing is in service with Indigenous Knowledge Systems, supported by their training in group facilitation and somatic healing. They have spent the last decade working in education and organizing collective spaces for expressive arts, healing, de-colonization, honoring ancestry, connecting with the land, communal grief and prayer, and rituals of initiation. They especially find joy in decentralized spaces of ceremonial song, dance, and counsel.
They are on a journey of Initiation, training to be a Good Elder. All of their work holds heart in the belief that "we all come from peoples who gathered around fires storytelling, dancing, and grieving together." They are gently composting generations-old colonial wounding; resourcing in prayers that dismantle inner-supremacy, disengage from cultures of shame, blame, and carceral action, and offering prayers towards the unfolding of a multicultural peoples living out restored relations, in devotion to Inter-Dependence and to the ancestral ways of reverence for all that lives.
Their labor is for the world coming, where we gather together over the open flames that birth reciprocity from the fertilizer of our decay, united in our Praise and Grief towards the expression of our true nature — Reciprocity and Deep Beauty. You can connect with their work on their budding website https://thecollectivityproject.my.canva.site/landingpage and the IG @collectivitypr oject. Reach them at [email protected] for collaboration.
Dani ❤️
Artist, Gardener, Grandmother, Butterfly Council member
I was born in 1947 in the USA. Three years after World War ll ended. The America I grew up in (from my perspective as a white female) was giddy with new possibilities and the lack of war. We hid our grief & PTSD, valiantly tried to stuff the women who had been operating the country during the War back into high heels and kitchen aprons, and effectively lost track off whatever cross racial, gender, nationality, and religion community we had achieved in times of crisis.
It worked with variable success up until the 60’s when folks including my generation, the Boomers, started to seriously question things and rock the boat a bit...
The US (and from what I can see of it, the World) is a much different place today. Issues are now coming to light that were not even considered thinkable, let alone public conversation. I look upon the present day with awe and sincere appreciation. I do feel the human race is gaining! It may not always seem like it, but to my over three quarters of a Century mind we are making fantastic progress! Not that we don’t still have far to go, but progress none the less. Step by step (sometimes painfully) we are learning to play well together and work through the myriad vicious “isms”.
Throughout my life, music has been one of my great salvations. Singing with my children and singing within a group is a wonderful and healing part of my life. I am grateful to be able to help in some small way to make singing and all we are working toward here at Stellar Village readily available. Myself, I hope to be able to reach people my age. We sometimes lose track of how important community is.
For the last 36 years of my life, I have been fortunate enough to be living my dream life with my best friend / husband. Now, through Stellar Village—and technology we would have considered magic as youngsters—I can communicate with so many lovely people from diverse backgrounds all over the world, all from a cabin on a mountain, off the grid! Thank you for this opportunity to get to know all of you! :)
It worked with variable success up until the 60’s when folks including my generation, the Boomers, started to seriously question things and rock the boat a bit...
The US (and from what I can see of it, the World) is a much different place today. Issues are now coming to light that were not even considered thinkable, let alone public conversation. I look upon the present day with awe and sincere appreciation. I do feel the human race is gaining! It may not always seem like it, but to my over three quarters of a Century mind we are making fantastic progress! Not that we don’t still have far to go, but progress none the less. Step by step (sometimes painfully) we are learning to play well together and work through the myriad vicious “isms”.
Throughout my life, music has been one of my great salvations. Singing with my children and singing within a group is a wonderful and healing part of my life. I am grateful to be able to help in some small way to make singing and all we are working toward here at Stellar Village readily available. Myself, I hope to be able to reach people my age. We sometimes lose track of how important community is.
For the last 36 years of my life, I have been fortunate enough to be living my dream life with my best friend / husband. Now, through Stellar Village—and technology we would have considered magic as youngsters—I can communicate with so many lovely people from diverse backgrounds all over the world, all from a cabin on a mountain, off the grid! Thank you for this opportunity to get to know all of you! :)
Diane Redding
Social Media Coordinator, Butterfly Council member
Diane Redding (they/them) is the Social Media Coordinator alongside doing admin tasks for Stellar Village. They are also the insightful and curious co-host of the podcast The Lesson is Love.
Diane is also a doula in training for various life transitions including birth, death and gender exploration. As someone who has witnessed and experienced the struggle of navigating the manifestations of multiple systems of oppression, they are are dedicated to offering low-access-barrier support to marginalized communities, especially people of color who hold other marginalized identities.
Diane holds many identities but most notably is a mixed Black and white, queer, nonbinary, and neurodivergent human.
Diane is also a doula in training for various life transitions including birth, death and gender exploration. As someone who has witnessed and experienced the struggle of navigating the manifestations of multiple systems of oppression, they are are dedicated to offering low-access-barrier support to marginalized communities, especially people of color who hold other marginalized identities.
Diane holds many identities but most notably is a mixed Black and white, queer, nonbinary, and neurodivergent human.
Grisha Stewart
Certified Dog Trainer, Author, Singer-Songwriter, Stellar Village founder
I'm a collaborative dog trainer, author, international presenter, singer-songwriter, and keynote speaker of European ancestry (best guess based on DNA and some genealogy is Scotland, "England & Northwestern Europe," Wales, "Germanic Europe," Ireland, and Norway). I've been helping people and dogs professionally since 2003. My passion projects are community weaving, grief tending, community singing, and woodturning.
I'm fascinated by animal behavior (including humans), somatic awareness, spirituality, psychology. My work is directed at wholehearted living for all beings, including dogs with a history of aggression, frustration, or fear as well as puppies and my other favorite species: humans.
My Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT 2.0 book and BAT 3.0) is used worldwide to help dogs gain confidence and social skills. Well over 200,000 people have learned about BAT so far.
Diane Redding and I co-host a podcast called The Lesson is Love.
As an outgoing introvert, I refresh my batteries by singing, expressing grief in community, and savoring life with my husband (Tom), Labrador (Joey), cat (Garbanzo aka "Adventure Kitty" and "Baby Panther"), and Little Brown Dog (Zuki). I identify as a queer (pansexual), neurodiverse, middle age, white, raised in poverty and now of middle class, and US citizen, spiritual non-Christian leaning toward neo-Druid (but raised in Christian culture). My pronouns are she/her. I am working to live in reciprocity on the stolen river watershed of the Siuslaw people, who are part of the CTCLUSI.
I'm fascinated by animal behavior (including humans), somatic awareness, spirituality, psychology. My work is directed at wholehearted living for all beings, including dogs with a history of aggression, frustration, or fear as well as puppies and my other favorite species: humans.
My Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT 2.0 book and BAT 3.0) is used worldwide to help dogs gain confidence and social skills. Well over 200,000 people have learned about BAT so far.
Diane Redding and I co-host a podcast called The Lesson is Love.
As an outgoing introvert, I refresh my batteries by singing, expressing grief in community, and savoring life with my husband (Tom), Labrador (Joey), cat (Garbanzo aka "Adventure Kitty" and "Baby Panther"), and Little Brown Dog (Zuki). I identify as a queer (pansexual), neurodiverse, middle age, white, raised in poverty and now of middle class, and US citizen, spiritual non-Christian leaning toward neo-Druid (but raised in Christian culture). My pronouns are she/her. I am working to live in reciprocity on the stolen river watershed of the Siuslaw people, who are part of the CTCLUSI.
Lance ❤️
Student, Model, Songwriter, Butterfly Council member
Lance's bio is coming soon!
Miguel Gonzalez CPDT-KA
Certified Dog Trainer, Butterfly Council member
Born on March 20, 1973, to Dan and Annette, I have two sisters, Ana and Renee. I am a father to Nicho, Alexander, Isiah, and Bishop, and a husband to Sara.
I have been involved in dog training since 1999 and have been a certified CPDT-KA since 2010. Previously, I served as the Director of Training for All Breed Rescue & Training and worked as the Canine Behavior Manager for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
I no longer practice any religion after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses as a teenager. I identify as a messy American with indigenous roots, and my pronouns are he/him.
p.s. You can learn more about Miguel's dog training business in Colorado Springs at Tava Dog.
I have been involved in dog training since 1999 and have been a certified CPDT-KA since 2010. Previously, I served as the Director of Training for All Breed Rescue & Training and worked as the Canine Behavior Manager for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
I no longer practice any religion after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses as a teenager. I identify as a messy American with indigenous roots, and my pronouns are he/him.
p.s. You can learn more about Miguel's dog training business in Colorado Springs at Tava Dog.
Osprey ❤️
Singer-Songwriter, Songleader, Butterfly Council Member
I am a nonbinary singer-songwriter and song leader (using they/them pronouns) descended from Scotch-Irish and German settler colonists. I write quirky, authentic lyrics about love, healing, community, justice, and our relationship with the planet.
My songs (such as Grief and Praise) have taken flight all over the U.S. through the community singing circuit. My catchy tunes go deep and stay in your head for days, but it’s all good because they hint at answers that are relevant to now.
A blend of queer-folk-pop (with a hint of 90’s R&B), the songs I write are genuine, heartfelt, and easy to sing along to. See ospreyfliesthenest.com for more info.
My songs (such as Grief and Praise) have taken flight all over the U.S. through the community singing circuit. My catchy tunes go deep and stay in your head for days, but it’s all good because they hint at answers that are relevant to now.
A blend of queer-folk-pop (with a hint of 90’s R&B), the songs I write are genuine, heartfelt, and easy to sing along to. See ospreyfliesthenest.com for more info.
Sheniqua Trotman
Vocal Empowerment Coach, Butterfly Council member
Sheniqua is an activist, singer-songwriter, community leader, mother, and vocal empowerment coach based in Brooklyn, New York. She's also the host of online community singing with songleaders at Stellar Village.
Sheniqua’s sessions go beyond simply singing together; she creates a holistic journey of self-discovery and connection. Through intentional breath work, gentle stretching, and guided meditation, she helps participants release tension, center their minds, and open themselves up to the full potential of their voices.
Sheniqua creates sessions that culminate in the joyous expression of collective harmony, where seasoned vocalists and complete beginners alike come together in a non-judgmental space to share their voices and connect with others.
Whether you're seeking vocal empowerment, community connection, or simply the joy of singing, Sheniqua welcomes you to join the transformative experience at ElevatedExpression.net.
Sheniqua’s sessions go beyond simply singing together; she creates a holistic journey of self-discovery and connection. Through intentional breath work, gentle stretching, and guided meditation, she helps participants release tension, center their minds, and open themselves up to the full potential of their voices.
Sheniqua creates sessions that culminate in the joyous expression of collective harmony, where seasoned vocalists and complete beginners alike come together in a non-judgmental space to share their voices and connect with others.
Whether you're seeking vocal empowerment, community connection, or simply the joy of singing, Sheniqua welcomes you to join the transformative experience at ElevatedExpression.net.
Viviana Rodriguez
Dark Room Retreat Host, Butterfly Council member
Viviana's bio is coming soon! For now, you can learn more about her phenomenal work with darkness retreats at Dark Retreats Oregon.
Some quotes that inspire us!
“Blame, shame, and guilt come from being unable to express our grief properly. How can we pretend to be happy, peaceful and loving when we have so much pain and grief? I believe the future of our world depends greatly on the manner in which we handle our grief. Positive expressions of our grief are healing.”
Sobonfu Somé was a Burkinabe teacher and writer, specializing in topics of spirituality. Her village elders sent her and her husband to the West to share the practice of grief ritual.
“Building community is to the collective as spiritual practice is to the individual.”
Grace Lee Boggs was a community organizer and elder in movements for racial and economic justice. She was inspired by the daily struggles of the oppressed and shifted away from revolution towards "solutionaries."
“There is a future that I see for you my Loves I do believe.”
Amanda West is a singer-songwriter, recording artist, music teacher, and community song leader
“And we will care for each other, as the world around us unravels. And we will tend to the spark of hope that lives within our grieving hearts.
And we are here, now in this present moment, lifting our voices and hearts. And we are here, we have come together, we are tending the spark of hope.”
Heather Houston Heather is a community choir director, vocal coach, song writer, and community weaver.
Membership is an affordable all-access pass to everything online in the village - grief spaces, Village Hall, community singing, and workshops.
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We're co-creating this space with Stellar Village members.
