CURRENT MISSION

“Not unto ourselves alone are we born” is my alma mater’s motto that I strive to embody both personally and professionally. My work in the non-profit and public sectors over the past several years exposed to me the opportunities for innovation in the world of service. I currently work for a B-Corporation, which is a business with a purpose. Our profit is directly tied to our social responsibility. My goal is to strengthen that tie of philanthropy to the world of business, and to the world of personal finance. We all have inherent values that make us who we are. Why not incorporate them into every aspect of our lives?

ABOUT ME

I come from a small and beautiful coastal town on the Northwest coast of the U.S. I spent my undergrad years at Willamette University, studying politics and analyzing communication. Immediately following college, I decided I am far more interested in serving at a person-to-person level, than at the talking head level. So, here I am in the world of financial planning, helping folks align their wallets with their values.

My love for traveling stems from having spent most of my life in a sleepy little nook in the woods, on the edge of the ocean. Seeing the world, even more of my own back yard, is a bug that never stops itching. The rush of stepping outside of familiarity and getting a taste for the boundless opportunities traveling provides is the best. I love crafting, learning, meaningful conversations with old friends and new, to play, to dance, to read, to hike and to drink good beer. I have an almost embarrassing love for Oregon and, of course, the beach will always hold a special place in my heart. I am not loud or crazy, but quirky, curious and fun-loving. I also like to nap. Honest, loyal and genuine human beings are my favorite, because they leave the deepest impressions in my memories.

PHILOSOPHY

See deep in the smallest of things. Try not to take anything for granted, not even your arms and legs. There is something to be learned from every experience--beautiful or painful. To live intentionally as abundantly as possible.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently, I am mostly available for coffee or to give a tour of this lovely city. I hope to have a space for surfers in the future. Can't hurt to ask me, though!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
I have couchsurfed a few times in Denmark and during my travels in the US. I've shared coffee with others just looking for a link in a place. I met so many people through generous hosts who were insistent on showing me the ropes. I have attended Couchsurfing gatherings since, and hope to attend more.

Interests

I fall right into the DIY-hip-homemaker bin you see all over Portlandia. I love my garden, I love to upcycle, and I love to craft. I spend much of my free time in the woods, hiking, camping, or searching for mushrooms. I seek new music regularly. Breakfast - my favorite Portland excursion. I also recently discovered my new love for two-hand-touch football!

My less tangible interests include passionate conversations about important issues, other conversations about useless facts, discussing the meaning of words, planning far too many adventures for one calendar year, and finding different kinds of music to define or explain many of my experiences.

• diy
• dancing
• philanthropy
• breakfast
• beer
• coffee
• running
• drinking
• gardening
• politics
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• camping
• soccer
• business
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Staples include Cat Power, Sylvan Esso, Andrew Bird, Paul Simon, Fiona Apple, Laura Marling.

Currently, I can't get enough of Lake Street Dive and Chromeo's "Old 45's".

I don't know...this could take forever.

My guilty pleasure movie is the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice.

My favorite book is a tie between Mink River and The Unbearable Lightness of Being. The Greatest Show On Earth and DNA opened my mind. We Are Stardust is the first book I will read to my kid someday.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In Bali, Indonesia I was lucky enough to attend the cremation ceremony of the King of Ubud. The Balinese create the massive, colorful floats that resemble all kinds of caricatures. After a procession down the tiny streets of Ubud, the floats are burned. Thousands of people attend this event, so the streets are packed..so packed you can not leave the street. Two or three hundred people carried each float. As the floats got bigger, less people were able to fit in the street. When the kings float came up, no one could fit on either side, and ultimately had to run. So, thousands of us turned at once to run from a huge, colorful float. Otherwise we would have been smashed. In sum, it was like running from Godzilla.

Teach, Learn, Share

Do plan ahead, but save room for spontaneity. Be open-minded but voice your opinion. Live intentionally, intentionally understand the other's shoes. Don't ask for too much but always ask questions. Always express your gratitude. Enjoy. Never give up, always let go.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States

•