Currently I am a full-time graduate student working on my masters degree in special education - learning disabilities and a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies. My graduate work and research most closely aligns with disability studies and disability justice movements. I have spent the last three years speaking across the Midwest about access and disability rights. I am also involved in several groups on campus working toward a more accessible community.

I have been very lucky to recieve a fellowship which provided full funding and has allowed me to work full-time on my research and coursework. This work is focused on education for American Indian students, culturally responsive, antiracist education, disproportionality of students of color in special education programs, inclusion, and environmental justice. I have been involved in education efforts and language revitalization work in three Midwest Native communities. Most of my friends describe me as "the girl that does everything." I can't help it, there are just so many interesting things to do. ^_^

In my "free" time I serve as a delegate on my local IWW chapter and get involved with local activism whenever possible. I enjoy reading, being with friends and family, and being outdoors.

I identify as an INFJ/ cancer/ intersectional feminist/ pantheist/ FAR-left/ educator/ activist/ advocate, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I have been with my partner for almost 12 years, married almost five.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

A friend offered it as an alternative to renting a hotel room or airbnb, so I decided to give it a try.

Interests

• education
• social justice
• feminism
• phish
• wobblies
• iww

Music, Movies, and Books

I used to be really involved in the jam band scene, travelling the country to hear Phish, but I love most types of music. Currently I have really been into the old protest songs in response to a new interest in the history of activism. I don't really care for singer-songwriter stuff, as the instrumentation is more appealing to me than the lyrics.

My current favorite movie is "The Little Prince" - I am an elementary teacher at heart. The book has had a special place in my heart since high school and the movie has lived up to my expectations. ^_^

I don't get as much time to read for fun these days as I am in school. Luckily, my work is very interesting. I love to read books written by American Indian authors, particularly Louise Erdrich and Sherman Alexie. It is important to me that what I read is accessible, written in plain text. While I appreciate theory, I would rather be able to put the theory into practice instead of spending all my time trying to figure out what someone is trying to say.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went parasailing in Hawaii over the Pacific Ocean. That was probably one of the coolest things I have done.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy sharing what I do with others and having conversations with other critical thinkers. I value the knowledge and lived experiences of others and enjoy learning from that. I am a good conversational partner.

I am a very clean and organized person. I don't care for clutter. So I won't be that person who shows up and makes it look like a tornado has been through your house.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States