After living in New York City for 7 years, I am now based in Ann Arbor, MI where I am pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Michigan. Within social work I am primarily interested in prison reform/abolition work and research related to physical and mental health in prisons.

I am currently working on a research project that analyzes arts programming in prisons around the world. I am finishing up a stint in Brazil where I have been studying Augusto Boal's work and helping to facilitate theater of the oppressed workshops in Rio-area prisons. Next, I am heading to Berlin to do similar work and would love to couchsurf to meet local residents and explore different areas of the city!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am new to the Couchsurfing community, but am excited to create genuine connections with people from around the world, through both surfing and hosting. I think communities such as these are incredibly important, and though I have yet to Couchsurf, I have participated in other types of exchanges such as WWOOF and Workaway.

Interests

I like listening to a variety of music and enjoy having thoughtful conversations about it; I'm generally into anything artistic/creative. Practicing mindfulness and meditation is something that I started taking seriously about two years ago, and find that it has really improved my overall wellbeing. I love learning from others, discussing history, politics, travels, favorite netflix binges, etc. (especially over a few beers).

• street art
• festivals
• yoga
• meditation
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

I grew up in a very musical family, play several instruments, and have a deep appreciation for music and live performance. I've been listening to DAMN. on repeat for the past month, and am generally into hip-hop, r&b, punk, grunge, americana. I absolutely adored the movie Moonlight that came out this year, 45 Years and Weekend are other favorites. I haven't read for pure pleasure much lately because of school/research, but just finished Blood in the Water by Heather Thompson which was very illuminating.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Last summer I WWOOFed on a papaya and mango farm in Puerto Rico and can honestly say that it was such a joyful/beautiful experience and the most connected to the earth I've ever felt.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation, cooking, mindfulness practice, cross-cultural exchange

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States