I've always loved helping and supporting people. It's part of the reason I studied psychology in undergrad and have worked in social services since I've graduated. I work with the homeless population in Los Angeles on housing and mental health. I spend my free time with my friends and family, mostly my sister. I like to be outdoors, hiking, biking, surfing, running, camping, and reading. I'm relatively new to LA, but have a few spots that I've come to love. I identify as bi or queer, I hope that doesn't matter.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The best trips I've been on have been when I'm traveling or staying with locals. I love to meet new people and try new things so staying with a local is a really exciting opportunity to get to know a city through the eyes of someone who knows the ins and outs of a place that's entirely new to me.

Interests

• animals
• arts
• writing
• modern art
• photography
• documentaries
• lgbt rights
• beer
• coffee
• running
• politics
• chess
• music
• live music
• camping
• soccer
• philosophy
• psychology
• social work
• biking
• gays

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Jazz like Jaco, Art Pepper, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, and Chet Baker. Indie (what is this genre?) like The New Pornographers, The Decembrists, The National, Bon Iver, Tame Impala, Toro Y Moi, etc.. Rap & R&B like Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Run the Jewel, The Roots, and Stevie Wonder.
Movies: Docs like Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Senna, Searching for Sugarman, Man on a Wire, Moonlight.
Books: Sartre, Jonathan Franzen, Jon Steinbeck, David Foster Wallace, and a few graphic novels; Jeff Lemire, Adrian Tomine, Alan Moore, Art Speigelman, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In Ireland, Newgrange is an ancient structure similar to Stone Henge. During the winter solstice, the sun reflects off of a stone above the entrance to the tomb, and illuminates the chambers within. The chamber, shaped like a long cross, was as spiritual place for the ancestors. It used to be that you could sign up and be put on a waiting list to participate, but the list grew 20 years long, and they had an issue with contacting the people who has singed up. A year prior to my family trip they had switched to a lottery method. Well, I'm sure you see where this is going. Five days before christmas my stepfather and I flew to Dublin, and drove out to Newgrange in Donore County. It was cloudy, as it tends to be in Ireland so we were unsure we'd have the experience we were hoping for, but a few hours before sunrise the cloud dissipated, and the sun illuminated the chamber for maybe 10-15 minutes. I was not raised in any religion, but found myself thinking about my place in this world and at this time. That's probably the most special experience I've had. The following birthday my mother made me a birthday cake in the shape of Newgrange, since I've always been in love with Ireland.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm fairly new to Los Angeles, but anything I know or have I am happy to share. I live in Los Feliz, a popular east side neighborhood that's close to a lot of shops, bars, and coffee shops. I've tried to familiarize myself with the hole-in-the-wall type places rather than the traditional flashly LA spots, so if you're looking for tamales, korean bbg, etheopian, fish tacos, and more I can point you in the right direction. I also love to hike and camp, and there are a number of local spots that I've found my way around during my 2 years in LA. I have camping gear to share too.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've been a social worker for 5 years and during that time I've become deeply interested in peoples stories. I may not have many material things, but I have an ear and a heart for connecting with people. I also love too cook, and make a great baked ziti if your stomach does most of the talking. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, England, France, Ireland, Panama, Spain