FOUNDER LORI-GRACE KOCHEVAR, MS LPC
Lori-Grace, founder of Brighten the Brain, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, adoptive mother, and seasoned professional with over 30 years of clinical experience.
As a Transitional Specialist and Master Therapist, Lori-Grace helps families, businesses, and communities navigate change with research-backed models that deliver fast, safe, and lasting results. She believes in challenging old assumptions and creating new pathways for growth.
Beyond her clinical work, Lori-Grace is a Community Advocate, Trainer, and Presenter. One of her proudest achievements—besides raising her two inspiring children—is co-founding the Boys and Girls Club in Alamosa, Colorado, which has served hundreds of children daily for over 20 years.
Today, Lori-Grace continues to build spaces for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth with Dragonfly Retreats at her ranch 8 miles outside of Boulder, CO, bringing people together to create something truly transformative.
Accomplishments:
Child welfare professional for over 20 years
Community Advocate, founded San Luis Valley Boys and Girls Club
International Trainer and Presenter
Adoptive Parent of two incredible children
WHY "DRAGONFLY"?
Dragonflies have deeply spiritual significance with much to teach us:
"In the radiant presence of the dragonfly, we embrace the essence of transformation, adapting with grace and courage as we navigate the ever-changing currents of life. With its magical energy guiding us, we find the clarity to see beyond illusions, the resilience to embrace change, and the wisdom to cherish each moment as we embark on our transformative journey of growth and self-discovery."
Likewise, Dragonfly Retreat embodies this courageous transformation and creates a sacred container for others to discover their own clarity, wisdom, and expansion, both individually and collectively.
THE SPACE
Take a break and unwind at this serene oasis. Join us for a rejuvenating stay at Dragonfly Ranch, a mountain retreat nestled among forested land on three sides, offering unparalleled views. A stream flows just outside the deck, surrounded by towering spruce, aspen, and pine trees in the Emerald Forest.
Dragonfly Ranch is conveniently located just 9 miles from Boulder surrounded by forrest outside of Nederland, a charming Colorado mountain town known for its exceptional cuisine, bookstores, and unique shops, including a food co-op. Nederland is a hub for outdoor adventure, live music, breweries, coffee shops, and eclectic living. You can easily take the bus from wherever you are coming.
This is truly a place to escape and rediscover yourself. The land's energy is unmistakable, and we honor and acknowledge the ancestors who once called it home. This land is recognized as the unceded territory of the Tsitsistas (Cheyenne), Inuna’Ins & Hinono’eiteen (Arapaho), and Núuchiu (Ute).
THE CHEF
Cooking for retreats is Steve Lamborn's real passion. Supporting someone's personal and spiritual growth with conscientious cookery and love-filled nourishment is his favorite arena for serving food
Steve's earliest food endeavor was home baked banana bread that he sold to fellow students at school. He started cooking as a chef after moving to Oregon and expanding his knowledge about different cooking styles in numerous venues and under different circumstances.
Steve then developed an interest in “traditional gastronomy,” a way of food preparation that honors culinary traditions of our ancestors and the food choices and preparation techniques of healthy non-industrialized nations.
"I want those who participate in transformational work to feel supported and able to focus on their process. It brings me great joy to take retreatants on a culinary journey around the world by providing dishes from different cultures and culinary traditions."