Autism friendly house! My research centers on autism and how the diagnosis may influence and alter “traditional” (neurotypical) patterns of communication. My PhD may sound fancy but I am super down to earth and not snooty at all (the stereotypes are inaccurate-lol).

I have way too much going on to do this BUT - I love meeting new people and doing my small part to help others achieve their dreams.

I’ve secured visas for a neighbor who was told by the US State department that her income was too little to sponsor her 3 teen sons. She planned to leave the oldest with extended family. How wrong of the government! I had to act. I just co-signed and all 3 teens arrived. We all should do more to help others- even if we have to give of ourselves!

I taught inner-city high school English for 9 years, was an Assistant Principal for 5, and then a foster parent to 30+ kids for ten years. I now teach at a local college (Business Communications). It may not surprise you to learn that I’m an academic junkie. I will complete my 3rd Masters degree in December and I already have the Ph.D. Never met a textbook I didn’t like. My research focus centers on the transition of autistic youth from high school to college. I am currently on sabbatical to design a formal program of support.

I have two biological kids and we adopted 7. (#8 will be adopted before Dec 2024.) All but two are grown and the house is somewhat empty. I like to garden when I have the time. My reading choices center on the brain chemistry involved in learning and of course, AUTISM!). I love to sew as a hobby and do my own home repair projects, woodworking, etc. I'm a high-energy person with a go-go-go activity level.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hosted 10+ exchange high school students for years now, some return ed with friends to the US and travelled via this app. I enjoy meeting new people and learning their stories while sharing the fables and histories of my town - the Dallas Cowboy heritage and the Wild West cowboys of history . I highly recommend seeing cowboys drive longhorn cattle down the street in nearby Ft Worth! Take photos sitting in the bulls.

My kids are mostly off to college and life, so I have the room and love to make contacts around the world. My husband, Randy, works in the metals trading business. Really chill and open to all kinds of people. Super non-judgy. The differences among us make us great.

Interests

• scientific research
• international students

Music, Movies, and Books

70s music from my childhood is what I rock to when cleaning the house.
I like movies that make me laugh and feel good.
I like books mostly in non-fiction about persuasion, motivation, and just "how people think,"

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I adopted 7 of my kids from Child Protective Services - most all of them teens (yes, we actually agreed to hang out with teenagers who were often angry at what life had handed them.....)

Foster parenting and being a host family for 7 exchange students in the recent past has cemented our love of travel. We believe that travel teaches more and with better results than a textbook (and you know I love a textbook!)

We have 3 dogs: two are boxers and one is a mutt. All are kenneled if a visitor wishes.

Teach, Learn, Share

Love to share fun places to see in the area. Love to cook Texas BBQ and good Mexican food. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences in travel and life where you live. We are thrilled to learn about your world-view (totally non-judgmental) and think that others' experiences and perceptions of the world are fascinating.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a decent story-teller. I'll tell you truthful stories of the wackiness I've lived, however most people will think of it as fiction.
The only scary part is that it's all true!
As a mom of many I will also never leave a place messy!

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States