I am a constant learner and believe that being part of a family is more important than anything else this world has to offer. I was raised in Albuquerque and have pursued academics for the majority of my life, currently beginning the path of a Ph.D. By trade, I am a secondary level teacher and I love being in the classroom and interacting with students of all ages. I am married with two children that both live at home. Our family partakes in hosting of exchange students each year and so far have welcomed into our home students from Thailand, Slovakia, Poland, Vietnam, and Germany.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am passionate that in order to understand the world, one must experience the world. For that reason, I love to open our home to fellow travelers and persons whom I believe are in the middle of an amazing adventure and are willing to share their stories, personalities and enthusiasm with my family. From our own personal travels, I know that experiencing a culture through the eyes of a native are much more eye-opening and accurate than just staying in a sterile hotel. I hope I can provide a safe, comfortable, real, homey, and welcoming place for those who have embraced the challenging of moving beyond the comforts of home and instead exploring the beauty of what makes up this world.

Interests

My family, gardening, exercising, academics, friends, outdoor exploration, learning and traveling.

• culture
• beauty
• dining
• exercise
• gardening
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• teaching
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I love political thrillers and "make you smile" books. My favorite movie of all-time is Steel Magnolias. I also enjoy documentaries. I prefer country music but I also enjoy most music except for hard rap and R&B.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I work in the world of foreign exchange and have meet amazing people throughout the world. I count my blessings and believe I am unbelievably fortunate to have hosted some amazing students over the years.
I also have a stellar family whom I adore and count as my greatest accomplishment.

Teach, Learn, Share

I grew up in Albuquerque and have a lot of working knowledge of the city, attractions, along with a good general beat of the city including places to go and things to do. I can suggest great places and great food and also warn fellow travelers of tourist traps and popular, but not the best, local food sites.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Simply put, I can share a very welcoming family and home. Our family loves traveling and exploring other cultures and sharing stories. We can provide comfortable accommodations, friendly and spirited conversation, possible transportation (depending upon the destination), convenience to bus stops that take you throughout the city and the beauty of that comes from living at the base of the Sandia Mountains.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States