I’m a middle school special education teacher, which is the most challenging and rewarding job I’ve ever had. Previously I owned my own graphic design company and worked as a freelance writer and illustrator.

After the last couple of years spent focusing on a graduate program and maneuvering a new career, I’m excited to get back out into the world to do what I love - make art, make music, meet interesting people, travel to beautiful new places, and enjoy nature.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have experienced so much generosity and kindness throughout my travels, and I want to provide that to others. As a traveler myself, it has been so enriching to stay with people in their homes and communities. For me, the richest travel is rootsy, authentic travel, and Couchsurfing is such a great way to do that.

Interests

I grew up with horses and near the ocean, so those two interests have always been dear to me. I’m also a nerd for geology, geopolitics, social justice, and sustainability.

Sharing vegetarian meals, comedy, connection, laughter, community, service, beauty, art, gardens, hiking, rollerskating, wildcrafting, local food, cultural exchange, education, kayaking, surfing, sailing, mountain biking, hotsprings, travel, making and writing music, yoga, snowboarding, allyship to causes I care deeply about, including support of the LGBTQIA+ community, social justice causes, environmental and humanitarian causes, always learning, and committed to health and wellness.

• horses
• surfing
• sailing
• travel
• art

Music, Movies, and Books

Music I’m currently digging: Cradle by Starling Arrow and El Bueno y El Malo, by Los Hermanos Gutiérrez. Also, José Gonzalés’ new album, Local Valley is gorgeous. Lido Pimienta is my favorite. ✨

Book I recently liked: 4th Wing by Rebecca Yarros, recommended by my friend who described it as “dragon smut.”

Movie and Shows: Outlander, Broad City, Schitt’s Creek, Queer Eye, and Next in Fashion for shows. My go-to films when I want to feel cozy are Pride and Prejudice and Napoleon Dynamite.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm pretty fond of the memory of flying in a hot air balloon with my father over Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise.

Teach, Learn, Share

I studied archaeology at the University of Colorado and am a pretty great tour guide of Mesa Verde National Park and the surrounding Ancestral Puebloan area. I also taught art for years, so love to support people in getting creative. After 12 years of living in Mancos, I can show you some pretty magical spots.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A delicious meal, a cup of coffee, an icecream cone, great conversation, a hike, laughs, and an empathetic, listening ear.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, China, Mexico, Spain