I am a professor and higher Ed administrator. I am outgoing, analytical, and extroverted with passion for soaking up all this life has to offer and leaving each day as if the last. I am playful, adventurous and artistic and live for experiencing the unique.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It is my hope to suck every ounce of life out of our world experience. I abhor tourist traps and seek authenticity in our travel experiences. I am open-minded, nonjudgmental, enjoy travelling, meeting new people, learning other languages and cultures, and helping others. As a member of the Couch Surfing community for 15 years, I have witnessed a shift in purpose from sharing authentic travel experiences to people mooching a free stay or exchanging sex for a place to stay. This is NOT my purpose - DO NOT contact me if either of these are your expectation - safety is paramount.

Interests

I am a foodie, hobby potter, amateur photographer, love to cook/eat, travel, explore, hiking, enjoying the active outdoors and the beach. I also love music, sing and play instruments and lead worship at my church. Former gymnast, springboard diver, and indoor rock climbing instructor.

• photography
• cooking
• wine
• traveling
• billiards
• pottery
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• languages
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - I love everything. From classic rock, country, rap, to musicals.

Movies - Love good films. Follow Cannes and never miss an Oscar nominee. I am all about psychological dramas or sweeping epics like Forrest Gump

Books - I always have my nose in the next leadership book or a Pulitzer Prize winner or National Book Award nominee in fiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I earned a doctorate in 2014. I've hiked up Waynan Picchu in Peru and a 13'er on Mount Elbert in Colorado, released baby turtles into the ocean, sand surfed the dunes in the Sahara desert, tracked lions in Kenya, and swam with whale sharks in Mexico. But by far the most amazing experience of my life was adopting a 9 year old boy through the foster care system.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a dean of students and professor teaching psychology, communication, and death & dying for healthcare professionals. I used to be a bereavement therapist and enjoy helping others process the loss and grief inevitable with living. I own a small consulting business offering organizational logistics, leadership development, and executive coaching with the goal of helping organizations and individuals achieve optimism success and personal fulfillment. Always learning about servant leadership and hoping to inspire others. I can offer mentoring conversations surrounding life's purpose and personal fulfillment. I can also teach pottery on the wheel if visiting my home. Travelling has had a profound impact on my worldview, I am constantly learning and growing through experiencing different cultures and appreciating the worldview of others.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am extremely busy during the week and may not have a lot of time to spend together, but what time I do have, I would love to visit. On the weekends I can show you all of the hidden treasures of the area and off-the-beaten path locales. I can also share a nice bottle of wine and a meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Cabo Verde, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Denmark, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin (French part), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States