Email the board chairperson with any questions and comments for the board. Individual board members can be contacted directly with the links below.
See Board of Directors Position Description below and Board Meetings for more information.
All officers are elected at the annual meeting in July.
If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Board Governance Committee, Orient Land Trust, PO Box 65, Villa Grove, CO 81155 or email to the Governance Committee chairpersons. Please highlight your experience with nonprofits (including volunteer boards), fundraising, finance, work on committees, volunteerism, familiarity with OLT, your interests and expertise that you can bring to the board, and the reasons you want to be its newest member. Candidates for the Board of Directors will be asked to attend one meeting prior to being interviewed by the Board Development Committee. Committee work is also strongly encouraged prior to serving on the board.
Not Pictured: Board Member Scott Hamilton. Pictured: Former Board Member Sarah Halliday Resigned 08/12/23. Mike Allen who resigned from the Board in January 2024 After This Picture Was Taken in July.
Officers |
|
 |
Douglas Bishop - Executive Director (email) Doug Bishop is a native of Colorado, born in La Junta in 1950. He moved to the San Luis Valley, Saguache County and was caretaker for property at Major Creek, three miles south of Valley View Hot Springs, from 1973 to 1980. His children, Kestrel and Alan, were born there. He first visited Valley View Hot Springs in March of 1973. In 1980, he moved to ten acres, originally part of the homestead that became Valley View Hot Springs, and built a house. For the past four years he's been building a new house on the property. He conducted recreational horseback rides in the area around the hot springs from 1984 to 2002. In 1984, he started working as a part-time ski instructor at Monarch Ski Area. He attained PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Level II certification in 1991, PSIA Children's Accreditation in 1992, and PSIA Level III certification in 1993. He was selected Colorado Ski Country USA's Ski Instructor of the Year for the 1992-93 ski season. His seasonal full-time employment for Monarch began in 1988, and in 2001, he completed his eighth and final season as manager of the Monarch Children's Center. In 2003 Doug received a BA degree in Elementary Education from Adams State College. He taught second grade at Jewell Elementary in Aurora for the 2003-04 school year. For the 2004-05 school year, he worked as a teacher's aide for the Title I program in Saguache, Colorado at Mountain Valley Schools. For the 2005-06 school year, he worked as the classroom teacher for a combined classroom of third and fourth graders in Saguache at Mountain Valley Elementary. Doug has worked off and on for Valley View Hot Springs since 1975. Some of the Valley View projects he has assisted with include: Oak House remodel and upstairs dormitory addition, cabin repair and remodeling projects, Sunset Rooms construction, bath house construction, swimming pool reconstruction, stone retaining wall around swimming pool, soaking pools reconstruction, hydroelectric plant installation and upgrade, pipelines, housing, cleaning, maintenance, and registration/office duties. Doug is interested in maintaining the open space characteristic of the area, enjoying and promoting clothing optional policies, and preserving the existing natural and historical resources of the neighborhood that has been his home since 1973.
|
 |
Crystal England - Deputy Director/ED Select (email) Crystal was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. On a family vacation to Colorado, when Crystal was 11, she set her sights on returning some day to live among the mountains, surrounded by trees. In the summer of 2015, she and her boys, Noah and Gabe, visited Crestone for the first time. They planned to stay a few days, which turned into a week. They returned soon for another visit. Then the decision was made, and the three of them became Crestone residents. Crystal’s dream of mountain living was achieved! Crystal began working at the front desk in May of 2016 and immediately fell in love with the magic that is Valley View Hot Springs. 2017 introduced her to the Everson Ranch where she continues to create memories working in the garden, the kitchen, and hosting events. Dedication to protecting this water, land, community, and continuing to the legacy of the Orient Land Trust shapes her future. Crystal loves to feed people and, when not at work, can usually be found in the kitchen, tending to her giant collection of house plants, or spending time with her children. She is passionate about organic food, clean water, enjoys studying history, and spreading joy. |
Board of Directors |
|
 |
Roger Courtemanche - Board Chairperson (Term expires 2025) (email)
|
.jpg "Jon Florey") |
Jon Florey - Vice Chairperson (Term expires 2024) (email) Jon was born in South Dakota. He moved away from that state in the early 1990’s to begin his professional career in sales and marketing and lived in Chicago, Dallas, Tampa, and few other places during this time. After the terror attacks of 9-11-2001 he joined the United States Air Force (USAF). During his 4-year tenure in the USAF he was based at Croughton Royal Air Force Base in the United Kingdom, England. He served 3 years overseas and, for his last year, he served at Hanscom, Air Force Base near Boston, MA. He left the USAF as a Captain and moved to Steamboat, CO eventually ending up living in the burbs of Denver. Jon has a Master’s degree in Information Systems and started a towing company in Denver in 2011. He met his husband, Aaron, in 2007 and whom introduced him to Valley View Hot springs in 2009 and they have been members ever since. Aaron and Jon now live in Golden, CO where they own a small business. They enjoy snowboarding in the beautiful Rocky Mountains that surround them and, of course, visiting Valley View as much as possible. When asked, “What do you love about Valley View and why are you on the Board of Directors?”, Jon says, “Let’s just say this, if more people were like the people that are members of Valley View Hot Springs and Orient Land Trust, out in the real world, we could fix everything…outside of the magic of the land and water…the people are what make this place special. I’m honored and blessed to be able to be a small part of it.”
|
.jpg "Patrick J. Comiskey") |
Patrick Comiskey - Treasurer (Term expires 2025) (email) Bio coming soon.
|
.jpg) |
Scott Hamilton - Secretary (Term expires 2024) (email) Scott Hamilton's first experience with Valley View Hot Springs was in the early 80's, before the first bathhouse was built, when his girlfriend (now wife) Rachel suggested a visit to this cool place in the northern San Luis Valley "where you don't wear any clothes – anywhere". Always a naturist at heart, he was intrigued and then charmed by the magic of Valley View. He visited sporadically during the 80's, but after the first boy was born in the early 90's, visits accelerated. Soon two more boys were added to the roster (identical twins) and all three learned to swim in the Valley View swimming pool. Camping and swimming and diving for baubles in the party pool – ahem – "soaking pond" -- what's not to like? Scott and Rachel and kids loved the family-friendly atmosphere, rustic setting and clothing-optional environment found nowhere else.
|
 |
Susan Hicks - (Term expires 2025) (email)
|
 |
Bill Moench - (Term expires 2026) (email) Bill grew up in Iowa with a family that vacationed in Colorado and the west nearly every year.After attending music school at UNC in Greeley, he became a public school band director for six years. He then went to law school in St. Louis, and became a trial lawyer over the next thirty-five years, specializing in employment discrimination and other civil rights cases on behalf of employees. He first discovered the peace and freedom of Valley View on a solo vacation from St. Louis during a rough patch in his personal life, and was hooked. After moving to Denver to work for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2009, he was able to visit Valley View more often. He retired from trial work in 2015, and started volunteering as a camp host. He has continued hosting every year, and became a board member in 2022 in hopes of contributing to the legacy and positive direction of the Orient Land trust.
|
 |
Terry Seitz - (Term expires 2024) (email) Terry, cofounder of Orient Land Trust, has resided in the San Luis Valley since 1976. Terry was a long time employee of OLT who retired in 2012.Before joining the staff of OLT she, along with her husband Neil, owned and operated Valley View Hot Springs. She served for many years on the Supervisory Committee of the Saguache County Credit Union, and received the Colorado Credit Union League's Volunteer of the Year Award in 1997. She has also been active in the Villa Grove Area Merchants Association since its founding in 1987. Terry was appointed to the OLT Board in January 2024 for the remainder of the term of retired board member Sarah Halliday.
|
 |
Aleia Schaum - (Term expires 2026) (email) Aleia retired from a 30 -year career in public education. As an educator she specialized in environmental education and creating community within the classroom. She made the mountains of Colorado her home during college. Valley View became her home away from home since 1983. Aleia has supported and celebrated the transformation from just a hot springs to a nonprofit organization that promotes conservation, preservation, research and education. Her commitment to being a steward of Earth motivated her to join the OLT board. She is dedicated to supporting the management to makes decisions balancing economic and environmental issues. She is delighted to give back by volunteering in the office, serving on committees, and being on the board. Aleia served previous terms on the OLT Board and her most recent appointment to the board is to serve the remaining term of retiring board member Mark Allen.
|
 |
Vacancy - (Term expires 2026) There is an opening on the board due to a board member resigning. |
Trading Post
Massage Therapists
Artists
[link to policies / application]
Orient Land Trust is a great place to work! We have a dedicated and friendly staff who work year-round to promote the mission of the land trust, maintain this beautiful property, and assist guests with their visit.
Job Openings
Housekeeping
We currently have an opening for a housekeeper. Please email a letter of interest and the completed application to Housekeeping Manager Robin Shumway.
Position Type: Part time, or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstance. This position is an non-exempt, hourly position.
Pay Range: $14.00 to $15 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month after 60 days of employment depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.
Location(s): Any OLT property as required
Job Relationships: Housekeeping Staff cleans, stocks supplies, does laundry, keeps grounds clean and picks up trash and recycling. Works closely with facilities and front desk, as well as volunteers to keep the infrastructure in good shape and ready to provide amenities to visitors.
Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, Facilities Staff is responsible for the maintenance of the Visitor Services facilities, including structures, utilities and grounds. The Facilities Manager also supports the construction of improvements on OLT properties.
Responsibilities include:
● Safety of visitors and employees is a primary concern at all times
● Be constantly observant of the condition of all facilities and equipment including buildings, pools, ponds, vehicles, trails, electrical generation, plumbing; report any concerns or questions to the ED
● Clean all public areas daily, including restrooms, pool deck, saunas, and public areas of Oak House and Sunset Rooms
● Clean private accommodations following visitor departure
● Work with volunteers as appropriate
As directed by Maintenance staff:
● Monitor grounds including campsites (both vehicle and tent), pools, ponds, trails, saunas, fire pits, recycling and trash areas
● Shampoo carpets in cabins and other public use buildings
● Clean area rugs and mats with pressure washer on pool cleaning days
● Defrost freezers
Housekeeping Daily Duties
● Clean the Sauna (inside and out)
● Sweep the Swimming pool deck
● Pick up trash from Parking areas
● Clean around Ponds
● Clean the Restroom
● Clean the Oak House
● Clean Sunset kitchen and bathroom
● Clean Cabins/ Sunset Rooms as used
● Check mousetraps in all buildings
● Clean around the Campsites & Pavilion
● Keep Laundry areas clean/neat
● Bring Lost & Found to the Welcome Center
● Clean Welcome Center (weekly or as needed) including general office area, public areas and restroom
● Make sure cleaning items/sheets, etc are restocked DAILY
● Clean around trash trailer and recycle aluminum, glass, plastic & cardboard
●
Detailed Cleaning List for Restrooms:
● Clean: Sinks / faucets
● Tub
● Shower / Shower curtains
● Mirrors
● Countertops
● Soap dishes
● Floors / Rubber mats
● Toilets / urinals
● Baseboard and corners
● Drinking fountain
● Change bath mats and towels
● Install toilet paper (beginning and end of day)
● Replace soap as needed
● Empty Wastebaskets
● Sweep sidewalk
● Always check that all lights work
Weekly or As Needed
● Thorough, in-the-corners cleaning of
● floors, walls, ceiling
● Wash cabinets and walls
● Wash light fixtures
● Stock pads and tampons in
● "Personal Supplies" cabinet
● Water plants
● Wash windows and shower curtains
● Vacuum ceiling lights
● Wash skylights (inside)
● Give rugs to Rick on pool-cleaning day
Detailed list for Cabins, Sunset Rooms and Oak:
Daily
● Vacuum/mop floor
● Change sheets
● Put out clean towel and dishrag
● Replace napkins and facial tissue as needed
● Put away dishes
● Wipe/dust all fixtures including tables, stoves, shelves, base-board heaters, light fixtures,window sills, bed frames, chair rungs, etc.
● Clean sofas & under cushions on sofas
● Empty wastebaskets
● Empty and wash ashtrays
● Clean out refrigerator
● Sweep porch and steps
● Pick up trash around outside
● Always check:
● All lights work *
● Smoke alarms (check at least every Friday)
● Thermostats (should be left on low)
● Fire extinguishers present
● Sunset: Outside light switch on
● * Outside lights
● Inside lights with dimmers
● Inside lights without dimmers
Weekly or As needed
● Thorough cleaning of floors, walls, ceiling
● Wash curtains and all bedding
● Wash windows
● Wash wastebaskets
● Shampoo carpets several times per year
● Rotate mattresses
Required skills and experience:
● Organization of tools and equipment
● General use of a computer
● Employee, workplace and visitor safety
● Open to learning new skills and knowledge
● Self-motivated
● Excellent communication with others
● Keenly observant
Needed skills (to be acquired on the job if not already current):
● Complete understanding, support and enthusiasm for Orient Land Trust and its mission
● Knowing emergency procedures and able to instruct others
How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email: Robin Shumway
Closing Date: July 31, 2023
For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.
Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Front Desk
Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager
Job Relationships: Visitor Services staff work closely with the Visitor Services Manager, Office Manager, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and the Executive Director
Position Type: Part-time, seasonal or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstances. This position is a non-exempt, hourly position.
Pay Range: $14.00 to $16.00 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Benefits may include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage after 60 depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.
Job Overview: The Visitor Services staff has the important role of being the primary personal connection and first point of contact for most visitors to OLT/Valley View. This includes phone conversations answering questions, establishing memberships, making reservations, canceling reservations, check-ins, and educating visitors.
This is a part-time position, 3-4 days per week,7-hour shifts. You may be asked to fill in on days when needed.
Required Qualities and Skills:
Description of Duties:
How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for an application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email:
Closing Date: July 31, 2023
For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.
Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPROVED 2010-01-16, Amended 2010-07-17, 2011-01-15, 2011-04-16, 2012-07-21, 2014-04-19, 2015-07-18
Every July, at least three seats open on the Orient Land Trust (OLT) Board of Directors. We solicit applicants with interest and time to fill these positions. Any individual who is interested in serving on the Board of Directors is strongly encouraged to attend at least one board meeting in advance and applicants are usually asked to serve on a committee prior to joining the full board of directors. The Board is legally and fiscally responsible for the organization. It sets policy, establishes goals and budgets, and hires and monitors the performance of the Executive Director. A primary responsibility of each Board member is to carry out the goals, mission and other organizational requirements of OLT. Board member responsibilities include:
Board members sign the following acknowledgments when elected:
One-third of the directors are elected for terms of three years at the annual meeting each July. Board members are volunteers. Qualifications of competitive directors may include, but are not limited to:
OLT Directors serve on a volunteer basis and receive the following benefits as part of their service to the organization:
If you're interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Governance Committee, Orient Land Trust, PO Box 65, Villa Grove, CO 81155 or email to the Governance Committee. Please highlight your experience with nonprofits (including volunteer boards), fundraising, finance, committee work, volunteerism, familiarity with OLT, your interests and expertise, and why the board would want you as its newest member.
Most visitors find the familiar smiles as remarkably welcoming as the warm waters and unspoiled vistas. Even those who come to get away with __ acres all to themselves appreciate the respect and kindness of the few people they may encounter.
.jpg "Mark Allen, John Standish and Community Making Music")
.jpg "Graciously Accepting Applause in the Oak House")
.jpg "OLT Outreach Booth")
.jpg "Mining Camp at the Orient Mine")
For the education, enjoyment, and well-being of current and future generations, Orient Land Trust:
promotes a positive clothing-optional experience at all properties including Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine and Everson Ranch;
preserves the viewshed, including land acquisition;
protects natural, wild, agricultural, and historic resources, in the northern San Luis Valley.
.jpg "Mark Jacobi, Facilities Manager")
.jpg "Oak House Cleaning")
.jpg "Mike O'Donal, Master Craftsman")
-2.jpg "Oak House Cleaning")
-3.jpg "Oak House Cleaning")
.jpg "Pool Closed for Cleaning")
