I love spending time outdoors, whether in the mountains or desert. Writing, film work, and social justice are my greatest passions, which tend to dovetail in my environmental justice work, which often centers on sharing stories that deserve to be amplified.

I enjoy travel experiences that give something back to the community I'm visiting (while working to avoid "feel-good" volunteering experiences that may harm more than help). I especially enjoy slower travel that gives me a taste of what it would really feel like to live in a particular place. I work remotely, which often gives me the chance to do that--something I'm deeply grateful for!

I'm fairly introverted but find that when I travel, the desire for social interaction often leads me to become more chatty with new folks. At the same time, I do need a lot of personal time, and I definitely understand when others do as well! I'm never the person who will expect you to entertain me, though I do enjoy making new connections.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I feel that meeting locals enriches travel enormously. I also strongly believe in sharing resources as much as possible, which is why I have lived in various forms of cooperative housing for my entire adult life. Couch surfing is a natural extension of living in a group setting where people garden together, share weekly dinners, take community members to doctors' appointments, and things like that. It's a way to recognize that wherever we go, we're part of a broader community of people who care about opening doors for one another so that we can all explore the world.

Interests

I write creative nonfiction, and I love to read, hike, camp, and visit new places. I also do video work; I have been producing short films for organizations such as environmental justice groups that share their stories with the world.

• writing
• reading
• traveling

Music, Movies, and Books

I love everything by Linda Hogan, especially Solar Storms.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent about five years working to stop a tar sands mine in eastern Utah! Although the company hoped to become the first to mine tar sands commercially in the U.S., it went bankrupt.

Teach, Learn, Share

Hmm, Couch Surfing seems to think I'm fluent in Russian sign language. I wish!

I'm a professional copyeditor, so if you're looking for feedback on a writing project, I can likely help.

I also have videography and film editing skills--if that's something you do as well, it would be great to connect!

What I Can Share with Hosts

See "Teach, Learn, Share."

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States