CURRENT MISSION

I want to improve the health of animals worldwide and witness the magic of how animals bring happiness to our lives.

ABOUT ME

I am a certified dog trainer and have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd named Oliver. He's my best bud and I adore doing anything with him.

Music is another big passion of mine. I played flute and piano growing up and learned a little bit of guitar, although I'm not very good! I love concerts of all genres and I truly appreciate anyone with musical skill or knowledge. I really enjoy sharing music, so don't mind me asking for your favorite band recommendations :)

My passion for music also led me into a love of dancing. I love swing dancing and the culture of the 1940's, pinup, and burlesque. I also enjoy ballroom dancing, especially tango.

I am into circus acrobatics like aerial silks, pole dancing, aerial lyra, trapeze, and acro yoga. I try to do meditation frequently and stay mindfulness of my emotions and experiences throughout the day. I'm a big believer in being fully present in the current moment, enjoying all that it has to offer.

I'm extremely passionate about helping the environment and sustainable living. I am a certified photovoltaic installer, enjoy making my own beauty and hygiene products, support local farmers, have experience creating Earthships and other natural buildings, and believe that if we can truly make a difference for our planet if humans share our resources more & come together with an intention to live in a sustainable way...if we leave more for the planet rather than take from it. I'm big into spending time outside (especially with my pup) and love exploring nature's wonders!

I enjoy traveling and learning about the cultures of our world. When I was young I traveled to many cities in the U.S. as well as to England and France. I studied Italian in Urbino Italy for 2 months, backpacked through Patagonia in Argentina, and did a roadtrip across the United States. There are many places I still would like to go (particularly Ireland, Poland, India, and Australia). I value traveling a lot. I think one is able to learn culture and worldview much better by going there and meeting locals instead of reading or watching the news.

I love exchanging stories and I'm really looking forward to meeting people through hosting and surfing!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new to couchsurfing and have only surfer once! It was a fantastic experience :) I have a few friends that have used this website and I've heard wonderful things!

Interests

Animals, music, swing dancing, gymnastics, acrobatics, aerial fitness, photography, cinema, art, biology, astronomy, Italian (language, art, film, everything), love, people watching, hiking, camping, nature, meditation, mindfulness, jigsaw puzzles, poetry.

• animals
• dogs
• horses
• arts
• culture
• books
• poetry
• photography
• concerts
• dancing
• tango
• swing dancing
• ballroom dancing
• fitness
• meditation
• flowers
• news
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• puzzles
• magic
• music
• guitar
• piano
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• gymnastics
• astronomy
• biology
• volunteering
• sustainability
• ecovillages
• aerial silks
• aerial acrobatics
• earthships

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: There's so many movies that I like! I love watching movies and going to the movie theater because getting taken away to a whole new world, visually, is such a wonderful experience for me.

Music: Although I listen to all genres, I really enjoy acoustic stuff the most. Damien Rice, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron and Wine, Bon Iver.

Books: Atonement by Ian McEwan, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, the Harry Potter series. I've never been much of a reader, but lately I've been taking time to try it more. I'm open to your suggestions :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I lived in Italy while studying Italian I was fortunate enough to travel on the weekends. I was in the town of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre during one of their local Saint's days. I came back from a day of rough hiking to see the cobblestone streets lined with flower petals and candles. It was like this throughout the whole town. A processional of church-goers walked through the streets and sang hymns. Even though I'm not religious and didn't understand their words, it was the most beautiful and romantic thing I've ever seen.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I can teach you: swing dancing (other dances as well), guided meditation practices, yoga flows, stretching postures

What I want to learn: anything and everything!

What we can share: musical groups, poems, books, good conversation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, Italy, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States