About us

Why We Do What We Do, Discover Our Mission and Vision

Presence Project exists to catalyze curators to develop their unique ecology of practice—a dynamic, evolving system of experiences, tools, and values that nurture the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Curators transcend societal distractions and ideologies, reconnecting with their inner wisdom, authentic selves, and a greater sense of belonging.

We do that by creating retreat spaces, tools, and transformational experiences that empower individuals to choose their lives with integrity, strength, resilience, and love. Together, we co-create a world where growth, joy, and service are the essence of being human.

Mission

We believe that each individual has a purpose and destiny, a potentiality, and that it is critical they fulfill it. The premise is each person’s evolution and flourishing is the key to the evolution and flourishing of our greater world. The world we live in is full of distractions, patterns, religions, ideology, cultures, identity, marketing, one’s own mind… the attention economy. These barriers have become impactful. A cornerstone of our work is to take back our attention, to create space to access our inner wisdom and gifts and to bring those forward, to live in our bodies, to bring presence to our relationships and lives. And to integrate that into our culture as a condition of being human.

There is a recognition that many paths to human flourishing exist. We make available resources and transformational experiences to those with the courage and commitment to consciously evolve.

Vision

The Presence Project is committed to establishing a vibrant retreat center in North Carolina within the next five years, positioning itself as the leading Southeast regional hub for transformative work. We will build strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations worldwide. As we advance, we will deliver impactful workshops and classes that drive profound learning and foster personal and social evolution. Our retreat center will be designed to be financially self-supporting, ensuring long-term sustainability. Through these efforts, we will cultivate a thriving, committed community of growth seekers and leaders locally, nationally, and internationally.

2023

Founded 2023

+1

Retreats Hosted

4.98/5

Customer rating

“Each person’s evolution and flourishing is key to the evolution of our greater world. Through presence and conscious living, we aim to reconnect individuals with their purpose and create lasting impact.”

~ David Boer, Presence Project

Guiding Principles

At the heart of the Presence Project are guiding principles that shape our approach to conscious evolution and holistic well-being. These values anchor everything we do, fostering a space for growth, connection, and transformation. Explore our core principles below to see how they support our mission and inspire our community.

Being fully present in the moment is the foundation of transformation. We encourage mindfulness and the practice of bringing conscious awareness to daily life, deepening the experience of self and others. Everything we do flows from this…

At the heart of the Presence Project is the belief in the integration of body, mind, and spirit as essential to human flourishing. We nurture the full person—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—to foster a sense of wholeness and presence.

We promote practices that encourage physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Healing and movement are seen as vital aspects of conscious living, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and restore balance.

Creativity is a pathway to self-discovery and transformation. We value creative expression in all forms—art, music, writing, and innovation—as a way for individuals to connect with their inner selves and communicate their personal truths.

We believe that relationships and family are foundational to human experience. By nurturing conscious, compassionate, and authentic connections, we contribute to the well-being of individuals and the communities they are part of.

Conscious leadership and meaningful work are integral to creating positive change. We support the development of leadership skills grounded in integrity, empathy, and presence, fostering leaders who uplift others and serve the greater good.

We emphasize living in harmony with the earth, promoting sustainability as both a practical and spiritual practice. Our belief is that by caring for the planet, we contribute to the health and longevity of future generations.

Everything is interconnected—our bodies, thoughts, relationships, work, and environment. We embrace a holistic approach to human development, recognizing that addressing all aspects of life leads to more profound and lasting growth.

Personal evolution naturally leads to contributing to the well-being of others. We believe in the power of service as a core part of conscious living, encouraging participants to use their gifts to uplift their communities and the world.

We value a spirit of open inquiry and a lifelong commitment to learning. We foster environments that encourage curiosity, questioning, and the pursuit of deeper understanding as essential to growth and evolution.

Joy is a fundamental human desire and a sign of flourishing. We believe that the pursuit of personal growth and spiritual development should foster joy, creativity, and a deep appreciation for life.

Experiential Guidelines

Our experiential guidelines create a supportive environment where learning and transformation are grounded in embodied practice, connection, and self-reflection. These practices ensure that every participant’s journey is both safe and impactful. Discover the foundational elements of our approach below.

We emphasize the importance of grounding learning in the body through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. This embodied integration helps individuals connect more deeply with the present moment and fosters holistic well-being.

Our workshops and experiences are designed to be interactive and collaborative, believing that shared wisdom and collective exploration are powerful catalysts for growth. Participants engage in dialogue, group activities, and shared reflection.

We are committed to creating environments that are emotionally, physically, and psychologically safe. Our programs are structured to ensure that participants feel supported, respected, and empowered on their journey of personal evolution.

Recognizing that many paths lead to human flourishing, we offer a variety of approaches—spiritual practices, scientific insights, creative expression, and leadership development. This diversity allows individuals to discover what resonates most with their unique journey.

We emphasize the importance of applying personal insights to everyday life. Participants are encouraged to integrate their learning into relationships, work, and community, ensuring that the growth experienced during our programs leads to lasting change.

We prioritize moments of stillness and reflection throughout our programs, providing participants the opportunity to process experiences, relieve stress, and reconnect with themselves. This time for internal reflection is crucial for conscious evolution.

Meet the team

The heart of the Presence Project is our dedicated team of founders, teachers, and support staff, all united by a shared commitment to personal and collective growth. Our team brings together expertise from fields of spirituality, wellness, and holistic healing to provide a welcoming and enriching experience for all who visit.

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CEO and Founder

David Boer

A visionary entrepreneur and transformation and “presence” advocate, David brings a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual insight to the Presence Project. His personal journey has been one of resilience and growth, inspired by the desire to create a space where others can unlock their true potential.

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Chief Growth Officer

Michael Valverde

Michael Valverde, Chief Growth Officer
As Chief Growth Officer of the Presence Project, Michael brings decades of proven expertise in growth marketing and strategy, driving successful go-to-market for three startup exits totally more than $70M. With a track record of exceeding growth targets, he combines innovative storytelling, high-performance marketing solutions, and robust partner networks to achieve scale. Michael has consulted clients in hospitality (IHG) and healthcare (UCB, GSK) on transformative strategy and growth initiatives. His strategic vision and growth acumen are instrumental in guiding the Presence Project’s mission to expand and thrive.

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 Chief Development Officer

Michelle Dingfelder

As Director of Development Michelle Dingfelder is committed to fostering spiritual growth, connection, and personal transformation. With a background in nonprofit development, Michelle works to expand the organization’s impact while supporting individuals on their unique spiritual journeys. Rooted in the Christian faith, Michelle leads with an open, embracing spiritual approach. Presence Project offers a space where everyone can experience the power of presence and spiritual connection

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Advisory Board Chair

Holly Fraccaro

Holly Fraccaro, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, and 2023 National Executive of the year was instrumental in the charter approval of Granite Charter Academy. The academy’s focus on building trades, applied technology, and other professional pathways directly addresses industry needs, making it a model for creating opportunities and pathways for success—key principles of the Presence Project. Holly is a builder, a doer, and networker, and person par excellence in all she touches… And currently serves on the Board of the Presence Project and as the Chair of the Advisory Board…