I'm a speech pathologist at a small private practice in Saint Petersburg, Florida! I'm new to the area, having moved down here in July. I have an adorable and needy 12 year old shepherd/boarder collie puppy named Cassie who loves to chase squirrels and snuggle on the couch. We are both adjusting to the humidity and the bugs!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing because I was curious about what it was, but while I've been here I've enjoyed meeting people so much. One of my first experiences was meeting a Canadian who was working in Iceland, and we camped together for upwards of two weeks. Later I was able to use Couchsurfing to meet up with people from all corners of the globe while exploring Madrid. After several years of being a student and traveling on the cheap, I now have my own apartment and can open my doors to other travelers!

Interests

I love the outdoors, and any kind of hiking and camping. I'm not in incredible shape but I love a challenge and a difficult hike is worth it for the view! I also love exploring cities and learning history and culture. I'm mildly obsessed with all dogs. I'm also interested in language, and meeting new people.

• culture
• photography
• music festivals
• music
• hiking
• camping
• languages
• urban exploration
• exploring new places
• wild camping

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I play the viola actually, though I've gotten rusty. I would love to pick up the guitar. I enjoy live music of any kind, and rarely say no to a concert even if I don't know the artist.

Movies: I don't watch a lot of television or movies. I actually don't even have a TV. But I do love a cute dog rescue video, they get me every time.

Books: I love books, I try to read as much as I can. With my graduate classes most of my books are titled "Preschool Language Disorders" or "Speech and Language Management of Head and Neck Cancer". I've also been known to skim books with titles like "Warren Buffet Invests Like a Girl and Why You Should Too". Variety is the spice of life.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

IN TRAVEL
My absolute favorite travel memory is camping the Ring Road of Iceland for 9 days, washing in geothermal rivers and pools and camping beneath incredible mountain ranges. I hiked beyond the limits of what I thought was possible and every day there was another thing to take your breath away.

IN LIFE
I foster shelter dogs. This is my pride and joy. The dogs I spend time with are pitbull breeds, often emaciated or sick, and in need of a home and some love to get healthy again. I think this is the most amazing thing I've ever taken part in.

Teach, Learn, Share

I think I have more to learn at this point in my life than to teach. When I travel I hope to learn more about myself, and learn about the history and culture of the places I visit. I also love to share stories about my life in the states. I think people have a lot of questions about the USA, and I like to answer them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Midwestern friendliness, they say it's some of the best!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, New Zealand, United States