I teach students ages 10-14 (Grades 5-8) in a private K8 school. I teach Spanish using comprehensible input and TPRS using stories. I used to teach French in High school. I feel that teaching these students is an honor and one of that best ways to spread kindness, wisdom, and love. I used to teach French. I am married and often travel with my husband, Will. Will is from London. We are both currently working on creating an online community which is up to spreading a kindness virus to raise the thinking of many throughout the world. We focus on two things-meditation and kindness and we are creating app which holds people accountable through social support to do both of those 2 things with ridiculous consistency. We also are training people in the use of character strengths, and intrinsic goals and aligning them to what we uniquely are here to do on the planet as individuals and as a community. We love to travel and I have extensively traveled all over Europe many times, and have lived in Lyon, France. I speak fluent French as used to also teach French in high school. I studied Italian in Florence, Italy as well. I have taught ESL in China and I have lived in Iran when I was in junior high school since my father was working there. I love enjoying the moment and am quite simple in my tastes and lead with gratitude as I live a life of discovery and a bit of adventure when traveling. I'm a voracious reader and enjoy mostly non-fiction books as I love learning new things.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I wholeheartedly believe in growth, contribution, and connection and I feel that we grow when meeting new people and are open to new possibilities. I also believe that if we can assist a traveling ..soon to be friend know an area and offer our humble accommodation, we are willing. I fully believe in the "pay it forward" idea of couchsurfing and think that it's a great concept and a way to increase kindness on the planet.

Interests

• animals
• dancing
• vegan
• yoga
• meditation
• reading
• traveling
• kindness
• children
• healthy lifestyle
• nature walks
• kundalini yoga

Music, Movies, and Books

I love mostly Indian devotional music, yet also love rock music since I love to dance. I often listen to Snatum Kaur. I love the Matrix films. I read books on spiritual subjects, (Dalai Lama, ect.) science-arthurs such as Rupert Sheldrake, books by Simon Sinek, many books on education and how to create mindfulness in schools. Maya Angelou, and also books on Gandhi, and any book written by Eknath Easwaran. I read more than watch movies, or netflix, or TV.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I taught ESL in China, (Nanjing) to 8th graders and shared this travel/work experience with 26 other super inspiring teachers and traveled with the group as well to 4 cities in China.

Teach, Learn, Share

I used to complain about my job and I was quite burnt out and I completely changed my mindset to where I do not even recognize myself. I started mediating and sending loving kindness to my students and it literally altered my view of them. I also accepted responsibility at a deep level and really get how I am responsible for my response at work. Long story shortened---I feel that I could help anyone who views their work in a certain way...to help them create a better future, or to stay in the position and grow in the process...both are valid...yet it's good to get the lessons of every problem or viewpoint and grow from it...before moving on.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share lots of laughter as humor is one of my strengths. My other strengths are gratitude, love, spirituality, love of learning, and appreciation of beauty. I attempt to use perspective and curiosity as I go through life as well, as I try to leave others better off than when I first started to talk with them..if i can. We also have an extra meditation cushion and we could teach and guide anyone who wants in Loving kindness meditation in the morning. We also juice fresh vegetable juice in the morning and we would love to share. We distill our own water and eat quite healthy. We have purchased an inflatable queen blow up bed and new sheets which you can use for sleeping. You can put your things in my office/meditation room. We also live in a great area with wooded walks right out the back door, as there is a nature preserve right here close. We also have a sea water pool (community) right out the back as well. I cook dinner (both vegan for myself, and occasionally some meat for my husband, as he eats it 3 times a week). We have a back freeze and refrigerator where you are welcome to keep any food. We also have a work out bag, as my husband practices martial arts.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin (French part), Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, United States, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Iran, United States