I'm an environmental planner with interests in urban planning and social justice. I currently work as a project manager with a research team that seeks to better understand how people benefit from nature. While originally from the East Coast, I've called the Midwest my home for awhile--love it here!--and have lived in IA, IL, MI, and now MN. Whether I'm in an old or new place, I enjoy exploring parks, museums, and bakeries. I own a sweet, elderly cat named Shadow, who I adopted in 2015.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm new at this. I'm an occasional, frugal traveler, and I have heard from friends who have had positive experiences Couchsurfing--figured it was worth a try!

I live with roommates, and, although I'm a quieter introvert, I do like good company and connecting with new people and perspectives. Travel and Couchsurfing seem like great tools to make those connections in a new place.

I'd be open to hosting, but I'd have to clear it with my roommates first.

Interests

I'm an environmentalist and planner, who loves nerding out about policy and politics. I'm an avid baker, following in my mother and grandmother's footsteps, and have become a better cook over the years as well. I enjoy playing fairly uncompetitive Ultimate or broomball, depending on the season. While I'm often a homebody, I do enjoy meeting up with friends over happy hour, going to the occasional lecture or community meeting, or spending the afternoon at a library, coffee shop, or thrift store.

• animals
• environment
• cooking
• baking
• politics
• nature
• biking
• ultimate frisbee
• urban planning
• libraries
• coffee shops
• bookstores

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a fan of Lake Street Dive, Sharon Van Etten, Belle & Sebastian, Bon Iver, The National, among others, and I enjoy listening to MPR's The Current (89.3 FM). I recommend tuning in, if you're in town!

Some of my movie picks include Amélie, The King's Speech, When Harry Met Sally, Hidden Figures, and Coen Brothers (True Grit, Fargo, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Inside Llewyn Davis). I'm a fan of Parks and Recreation, The Office, Veep, The West Wing, House of Cards, and Downton Abbey.

My parents own a bookstore in Michigan (project my dad started when he "retired"), and I love browsing and helping out at their store. A few favorite books include The Remains of the Day, The Hobbit, and Everything is Illuminated.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

While not really an accomplishment, it seems atypical: I'm an American in her 20s who has never owned a car or a smart phone.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you the basics of knitting. I've mostly made simple hats and scarves, but I really enjoy it.

I'd be interested in learning Spanish and want to learn about new ways to engage with my local community and the political process. More generally, I enjoy learning about what drives us, what people are passionate about and why.

I love sharing homemade baked goods I've made--like a slice of apple pie or a loaf of sourdough bread.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Baked goods and a home-cooked meal. Thoughts and recommendations about the various places I've lived (NY, FL, PA, IA, IL, MI, MN in the US, and a shorter stay in Paris, FR) and the many other places I've passed through or visited in the interim.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States