Hi!

I am currently working as an English teacher in Junior High and Elementary schools in Shimanto-cho, in Shikoku, Japan. I love anything outdoors; hiking, camping, skiing, biking, etc... And also love immersing myself in city culture from time to time, going to see music or just people watching from a cafe window.

Currently, I am applying for masters programs in the field of Social Work. I used to work for a non-profit as crisis counselor and someday want to return to doing work in mental health advocacy and social justice. Recently, I became a volunteer counselor for LGBTQ youth.

I also love learning about and joining farming projects (especially ones focusing on food justice), crafts and creative projects (although I'm not too skilled), and dancing (when I'm feeling confident).

I'm a very easy going, low-maintenance and friendly traveler. I am happy adventuring and exploring places on my own and also happy to hang out or go out together.

My space is a very small and out in the country (although I'm on the train line), but if it's a short stay, you are welcome. I also often go hiking or helping on friends' farms on the weekends and we can go together if you are interested.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I usually travel alone, and love that when I travel alone I increase my chances of meeting interesting new people. Sometimes I joke that I am never traveling alone, that I am just surrounded by new friends I haven't met yet.

I like to see more dimensions of a place, meet new friends, here your stories and be introduced to what you love about where you live.

Interests

I love love love to play outside. I grew up in Wisconsin and spent a lot of my time cross country skiing or snowshoeing, but love to hike or explore in any geographies.

Interested in social/environmental/food justice, activism, skill sharing, music, cooking together, creative projects, alternative education, farming....

In the city, I love to go out for drinks, dancing, music, clubs, museums, just about anything!

I love to listen to people's stories.

• culture
• dancing
• education
• dining
• cooking
• drinking
• clubbing
• crafts
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• skiing
• snowshoeing
• teaching
• law
• social work
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I love just about any music, especially local musicians. I listen to a lot of Nina Simone, and old soul or hip-hop when I'm driving in my car. I'm learning about different Japanese musicians.

My favorite movie is a documentary about Buddhist monks in Canada who have a baseball team called "Monks at Bat."

Books: I read a lot of non-fiction about gender, social justice, and environmental justice. I love the Canadian authors Ivan E. Coyote and Ruth Ozeki.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did some big things, like ride my bicycle across the United States. But sometimes the small things feel like the most amazing, like making my grandmother laugh so hard on the telephone we had to hang up and call each other later.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, a hand in the kitchen, a hand doing just about anything around your house, garden, home, projects. I love children and was a kindergarten teacher for years and have worked much of my life with young children.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, Tonga

Countries I’ve Lived In

El Salvador, Japan, New Zealand, United States