Meet The Northern Lights Team

Romain Cavillon is a farmer, engineer, musician, and traditional Chinese medicine practioner. He is the founder of the Northern Lights organization, initiated after having experienced a multitude of youth work through non profit organisations. After his degree in Global Engineering and a few years working as an engineer he started a journey around the globe, looking for answers and living building examples of sustainable places. After living nomadically around differents parts of Europe, he chose to settle down in his ancetral land and start working for relocalisation rather than globalization. His vision for the Northern Lights is to make what he would call, an Oasis. A dream of self sustainability on a local scale for food, energy production and inter-cultural social gatherings. Romain is the project co-ordinator of the Erasmus+ trainings that take place at The Northern Lights. 

Zein Gaia is an artist, architect, and eco-feminist with a Masters in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design. Through her experience living, learning and working with eco-conscious communities around the world, she has become an advocate of global citizenship and embodied sustainability through inner work and authentic expression. Currently she supports the Northern Lights as the media and communications manager, content creator, project writer and group facilitator. She is the main project coordinator for the Erasmus+ trainings hosted at the Northern Lights. Her style of group facilitation incorporates eco-feminist principles and has introduced practices from Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects”. Her journey weaves between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual connection to Mother Nature. 

Veronica Hong is on a mission to foster an inclusive, inspiring, and loving world where people lead fulfilling lives as their authentic selves, in harmony with all beings and nature. Driven by a desire to contribute to positive change and support others in realizing their potential, Veronica creates playful and regenerative spaces for exploration, deep connection, and co-creation.  Her approach centers on shifting mindsets and expanding consciousness, cultivating the inner capacities for positive transformation. She believes that by nurturing authenticity, fostering connections, and developing our inner resources, we can collectively create a more compassionate and vibrant world.

Thomas is an experienced organic market gardener and horticulture specialist with over 15 years of hands-on work in ecological food production, seed saving, and educational gardening. He holds a Scientific Baccalaureate from Lycée Lalande in Bourg-en-Bresse and a BTS in Horticultural Production (floral specialization) from the Lycée Horticole d’Antibes, complemented by training in organic agriculture at the Ferme de Sainte Marthe. In 2025, Thomas established his own diversified market garden at the Northern Lights, cultivating 3,000 m² in open field and 1,000 m² under greenhouse with a no-till approach, hay mulching, and heritage or population varieties, supplying produce through direct sales. Previously, he worked as a market gardening worker at the Ferme biologique de Marillat (2019–2023), where he was involved in crop planning, technical improvements, seed production, plant propagation, harvest, and trainee supervision. His earlier experience includes roles as gardener for the Métropole Grand Lyon, animator-gardener with the association Le Mat-Drôme, where he developed school workshops, shared gardens, and urban farming initiatives and agricultural team leader in medicinal plant production. In line with his personal values, Thomas does not use a smartphone, has never subscribed to social media platforms, and prefers that no photographs of him be published online.

Telmen Chimeddorj is a skilled welder specializing in precision metal fabrication and pipe welding. He is proficient in working with carbon steel and stainless steel and operates a wide range of electric welding processes, including TIG (GTAW), MIG/MAG (GMAW), and SMAW. Known for his accuracy and reliability, Telmen is experienced in reading technical drawings and executing complex joints in accordance with strict quality standards. He holds multiple EN ISO 9606 certifications across several welding positions and materials, as well as an International Welder (IW) qualification and VCA safety certification. His professional experience includes assignments with ISO-MES, Abalone, and Daoust in Brussels between 2020 and 2025, where he contributed to industrial welding and fabrication projects. A native French speaker with working proficiency in English, Telmen combines strong technical expertise and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.

Sipan is an architect with a background in ecological design and collaborative construction. He began his practice in Greece, working with both vernacular and contemporary techniques, and later completed the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) at IAAC Barcelona, where he coordinated the design and construction of a full-scale ecological prototype with an international team. He has also taken part in eco-construction trainings and realized projects ranging from habitats to sanitary spaces and installations, gaining hands-on experience with natural materials, timber systems, and sustainable building methods. His work is driven by a commitment to creating spaces that respond to human needs and material availability while respecting wider ecosystems, and he is passionate about sharing this approach through collaborative learning and building.

Olivier joined the Northern Lights after a difficult period in his life, where the community welcomed him with open arms, offering shelter, food, and the opportunity to contribute to the collective project. Prior to this, he lived a more conventional life, with his own apartment and a permanent position in a sawmill, which he had to leave due to health reasons. Since arriving at The Northern Lights, Olivier has discovered a new way of living based on community, cooperation, and meaningful human connections. He has been actively involved in practical projects on site, including the construction of furniture for the future kitchen and the development of the upcoming community shop. Alongside these activities, Olivier is developing his own small creative business focused on art and craftsmanship, including drawing, design, wooden objects, and handmade sewing accessories. His creations will soon be available in the on-site shop alongside products made by other members of the community and partner producers. Within the collective, he also takes on a supportive role as a well-being referent, offering active listening, helping mediate challenges, and contributing to the care and cohesion of the group. He looks forward to welcoming visitors and sharing the spirit of Matrignat.
 
 
 

Jean-Pierre Lhermet, born on 2 February 1956 in Lisieux, France, is a workshop, safety, and logistics coordinator with a strong hands-on background in agriculture, public service, and community engagement. After growing up in the Rhône and completing his BEPC at Champagnat School in L’Arbresle, he chose early independence, supporting himself through work and formative travels. Alongside his professional path, he trained in first aid with the Red Cross and Civil Protection, was actively involved in Scouts de France, discovered a passion for the mountains, and later became a paragliding pilot. Holding a BPA agricultural diploma, he first worked as a beekeeper on his own farm before building a full career in the French territorial public service. Since retiring at 65, he has settled near the Oasis of Matrignat, which he discovered in August 2023, and now contributes as an engaged neighbor to The Northern Lights project. His involvement includes facilitating woodworking and DIY workshops, ensuring site safety, supporting beekeeping and food production, providing logistical and technical guidance, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and offering artistic and reflective contributions such as rituals, games, and poetry. 

After studying agriculture and environmental topics (water, energy, nature…), Thomas started working in ecological building renovation. Later,  he went back into training to learn industrial maintenance, where was able to deepen his knowledge, especially in electricity. After that, Thomas worked in Germany assembling horse walkers. Following a CCP in permaculture, he ecologically renovated a house within a collective project. When this collective came to an end due to human difficulties, he  started doing WWOOFing to meet other people, learn in different ways, and share his knowledge and know-how. This is how he met the Matrignat collective, where he decided to put down his bags. Today, Thomas wants to grow his different skills there and participate in the development of an ecological place that proposes another way forward.

Originally from Brest, Mika spent 30 years in Paris working as a restaurateur and artist. Trained in hotel and restaurant studies (CAP-BEP Hôtellerie Restauration), with additional studies in sociology and economics, he has developed solid experience in kitchen management, team coordination, and event catering. Over the years, he held key roles in the Paris hospitality scene, including Restaurant Manager at Le Stube (2012–2021), Maître d’Hôtel at La Maison du Danemark on the Champs-Élysées, and several positions in kitchen leadership, notably in collaboration with the French Ministry of the Interior. Alongside his professional path, he has remained active as an author, composer, performer, and facilitator of creative workshops. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations (Restos du Cœur, Secours Populaire, Aurore) and, for the past ten years, has contributed within addiction support structures as a patient-expert with the French Red Cross. Since 2024, Mika has been based at the Oasis of Matrignat and today serve as the main chef at The Northern Lights, where he takes care of hospitality and catering while bringing his experience, reliability, and creative spirit to the daily life of the place.

Mariana approaches life with the belief that the world is like a large puzzle, where every person carries a unique place and contribution. Guided by a vision of a peaceful world without borders—where people can freely share their inner beauty and creativity—she dedicates her work to practices that nurture well-being, connection, and self-expression. Mariana has been practicing yoga for over 14 years and has been studying Ayurveda for the past three years. She also brings around a decade of experience in healthy vegetarian cuisine, combining mindful cooking with a holistic approach to lifestyle and nourishment. Alongside these practices, she facilitates creative activities such as knitting and mandala drawing, which she sees as tools to unlock inner creativity and presence. For Mariana, yoga, food, and creative expression are not separate disciplines but part of a way of life centered on balance, awareness, and sharing. She enjoys creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves and explore their own creative potential.

Louis Allègre, is a former marketing and brand management professional who has recently shifted his career toward artisanal bread-making. A graduate of Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (IAE) with a Master’s in Brand Management and Communication and a Bachelor in Marketing and Business Management from Kedge Business School, Louis combines creativity, precision, and discipline in his new craft. After professional experience in growth marketing, brand management, and project coordination in startups and associations, he discovered a passion for sustainable food practices. He has trained in sourdough baking through Permaterra and is now practicing and perfecting his skills at The Northern Lights, where he contributes to daily bread-making while engaging with the collective’s ecological and collaborative lifestyle.  Louis brings proactivity, autonomy, and a hands-on learning spirit to his culinary and community-focused endeavors.

Originally from Lyon, Davy developed a deep connection with nature from an early age. He pursued formal training in forestry, as well as nature management and conservation, which led him to thrive professionally as a shepherd for ten years. Seeking to balance his strong bond with the natural world through social and creative expression, Davy later dedicated himself to a musical and artistic project. Following a significant health challenge, he spent the next decade engaged in deep personal exploration, using this period to realign his life path and priorities. Today, Davy is based in Matrignat, where he embraces the challenge of collective living and human evolution. His current work focuses primarily on animal-related activities—particularly with cattle and sheep—specializing in animal traction and animal-assisted mediation.

Florian Jacquier, born in Lyon on January 6, 1989, has always sought a strong connection with nature. After earning a BEP in horticulture with a specialization in fruit production, he oriented his career toward landscaping and outdoor maintenance, developing experience in hedge trimming, pruning, harvesting, and garden care. Today, Florian is part of the community at Matrignat, where he embraced the challenge of collective living and shared growth. His work there focuses primarily on the care and development of green spaces, including fruit trees, small fruit production, and general outdoor maintenance. Deeply passionate about nature and outdoor work, Florian brings dedication and practical knowledge to the stewardship of the land.
 
 
 

Coco, devoted mother of Inya, is the Swiss mama of The Northern Lights community, where she contributes with care, presence, and quiet leadership. With a background as a hairdresser and Ayurvedic chef, she brings a holistic, nurturing approach to both the people and the place. At The Northern Lights, Coco supports the farm’s daily life while embracing her role as a full-time mother. She plays a key part in maintaining the harmony and functionality of the space through organizing, cleaning, and clarifying shared environments so newcomers can feel welcomed and oriented with ease. Drawing on her strong community experience, Coco has also contributed to strengthening the project’s internal organization. She notably proposed a more balanced rhythm between work and rest, as well as the “Wednesday Feng Shui” initiative, dedicated to collective well-being. Her contributions are guided by a deep belief in the emergence of human-centered, intelligent, and hopeful collective projects for future generations.

Luca is an environmental educator and sports facilitator, certified with the BPJEPS in Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (EEDD). He is also an aspiring musician and storyteller, exploring creative ways to share knowledge and inspire connection with nature. Driven by the desire to deepen his understanding of farming practices and strengthen his work as an educator, Luca discovered the association The Northern Lights through WWOOF France. He quickly fell in love with the place, which he describes as a true “crossroads of knowledge.” Alongside his seasonal work with children and youth aged 5 to 18 on ecological themes such as gardening, water, and insects, Luca hopes to develop educational activities at The Northern Lights for schools and the wider public. His aim is to promote community living and the values of permaculture while continuing to learn through hands-on participation in building projects and collective life. At The Northern Lights, Luca believes anything is possible, workshops, performances, concerts, storytelling walks, and he is excited to help bring these experiences to life.

Sylvie grew up in the countryside and is the mother of three children. Throughout her professional life, she has worked in several caring and nature-related fields. She began her career as a service assistant supporting elderly people, before moving into organic market gardening, where she spent several years working with ecological food production. She later worked as a sales assistant in an organic food store, further deepening her connection to sustainable and healthy living. Sylvie joined The Northern Lights in search of a new way of life, embracing a return to nature and the challenge of living in community. At the farm, she contributes to the daily life of the collective, including the care and maintenance of shared spaces. At the same time, she is developing a personal project focused on raising sheep and producing artisanal cheese. For Sylvie, reconnecting with nature and participating in a collective rural life are essential values that guide her journey today.