CURRENT MISSION

To learn about and expereince different cultures and lifestyles and to encourage others to do the same. To increase cultural awareness and compassion.

ABOUT ME

I am 36 years old and moved to Utah in 2015. My dog Scooter, my husband, my baby and I love Southern Utah. It has all 4 seasons, mountains and tons of hiking trails... rock climbing, the Grand Canyon, Zion and a family friendly culture too. I work with teens and adults as a mental health therapist. In my spare time I am very active. I love to hike, camp and workout. Knitting, reading and cuddling with my family take up a bit of time too. I love love love to cook and bake and entertain.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Over the years I've gotten to stay with a number of awesome hosts. Most of it has been in Arizona but I've also gotten to surf in Utah a bit. It's such a wonderful expereince and I love finding creative little ways to give back to my hosts.
Being a host is a great experience too. It's a great way to be inspired by other's travel stories, creativity and humanity.

Interests

I love to stay active. I'm often in the gym, walking / hiking with the baby or training for my next 1/2 marathon.

In my down time I enjoy reading (especially autobiographies) knitting, cooking and baking (especially gluten free goodies and meals).

• dogs
• arts
• dancing
• cooking
• baking
• exercise
• running
• reading
• traveling
• knitting
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• rock climbing
• genealogy
• volunteering
• road trips
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

There are few books I've read more than once so it says a lot that these few have been read multiple times: "Eat, Pray Love" (about a woman's travels and her search to find herself) ... and "Better Off." (about a husband and wife who move to a menonite/amish community to learn to live off the land) and "More, Now, Again" about a woman's life with addiction and recovery.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Volunteering in a soup kitchen in Maryland. I had a homeless man offer me his bagel b/c he'd heard it was my favorite. I'm forever touched and heart-warmed by this memory that someone who "technically" had so little to give was willing to share with me.... it's an example of the human spirit and the strength and endurance of compassion.

Teach, Learn, Share

Although I'm removed by nearly 4 generations, part of my ancestors are from Italy. Every year I learn to bake a new kind of Italian cookie and I love to teach other people and have their help in the kitchen. I'm more than happy to make recommendations for day trips, hiking trails and entertainment in town.

I'm also a hoop dancing / fire dancer. No one is ever too old to learn how to hula hoop!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I promise that we clean up after ourselves. You'll never need to worry about dirty dishes while we stay with you. Leave them in the sink, relax... we will take care of it. When possible, I try to travel with baked goodies to share with others. I mean, there is no better way to bond than over the kitchen table! We'd also be happy to make a meal for all of us to share (but know our hosts are often busy people too, just let us know what works).

Countries I’ve Visited

Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States