ABOUT ME

Most of my time is absorbed with my work as a social impact strategist with our city’s nonprofit innovation team. We provide capacity, research & design support, and change management to develop programs, interventions, and services to support innovation in the civic sector. Some of my priority areas include parks & public space, homes and neighborhoods, transportation, and food waste.

When I’m not working, I can usually be found adoring my cat. And sometimes loving other people’s pets, too, as a pet sitter. In my free time, I enjoy taking photo walks and listening to stories and big ideas.

I also love art and live music and try to frequent local shows and catch touring acts when I’m on the road.

PHILOSOPHY

There are common threads throughout life, we all experience similar emotions, despite our circumstances, culture, and location. If more people could open their eyes and see our similarities, we could achieve greater understanding and caring for all. We can start with the smallest steps and reach out to members of community, then work towards growing those communities be be more inclusive.

"The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently, I am only available for a meetup, as I don't have accommodations to host in my small cozy 1 bedroom home. I would be happy to meet up if you need company or recommendations while you’re in town! I still occasionally surf, and always advocate for CouchSurfing.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have hosted many surfers over the years, and enjoyed every moment of it. At times, I play tour guide for my city, and it reminds me to appreciate what I love about it. I always enjoy listening to stories from traveled characters.

I love creating experiences and CouchSurfing allows for a truly unique window to each world.

Interests

• animals
• cats
• books
• design
• graphic design
• photography
• diy
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• potluck
• baking
• crafts
• gardening
• technology
• pottery
• podcasts
• music
• live music
• philosophy
• tourism
• budget travel
• parks
• travel
• nature
• spirituality
• biking
• urban studies
• bonfires
• natural environment
• social impact
• walks
• nonprofits
• community development
• public space
• environmental sustainability
• built environment
• civics

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
Pretty much everything by the Duplass brothers and Wes Anderson. Favorite include: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenenbaums, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Fall, Fargo (HBO), Mindhorn, What We Do In The Shadows

Music:
So much! I gravitate towards all things indie, with dreamy shoegaze with poppy hooks, psychedelic garage jams, funk & soul music, and British power pop and punk. I love love love music and spend a good amount of time at live shows supporting our talented local musicians and touring bands.

My artists in heavy rotation include The Sea and Cake, Yo La Tengo, Babe Rainbow, Sam Evian, Veronica Falls, Frankie Cosmos, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Alvvays.

Check out my playlists on Spotify user @thesamefire and Last.Fm @vomitingkermit9

Books:
I enjoy nonfiction but in recent years I have to read so many publications and articles as part of my day job that I’ve been enjoying getting absorbed in fiction in my personal time. Tell me your recommendations!

Some recent fiction favorites: Everything Here is Beautiful, The Interestings, Writers & Lovers, Commonwealth, All the Light We Cannot See

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Recently, I embarked on a month-long solo cross-country trek via Amtrak train and witnessed some of the most beautiful landscapes in America.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love learning and gathering random trivia - teach me something or show me a skill.

I am an amatuer photographer, and I am always open to learning more and sharing what I know. If you visit me, I have some spare camera gear you can use.

I enjoy cooking and crafting up meals and would love to cook with you. I worked in restaurants for nearly 15 years and picked up some skills along the way. I can show you how to properly carry three plates - a handy party trick!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hosts: I’d be happy to give something (other than company) in exchange for your hospitality. Let me know if you’d like anything in particular. I could bring you a local treat from home or something from along my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, France, Italy, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States