I began leading youth groups as a Campus Organizer for the California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG) at UCLA and later at UC Davis. With CalPIRG I recruited and trained groups of volunteers and interns in grassroots organizing skills while overseeing work on campaigns related to fighting hunger and homelessness, promoting clean and renewable energy, reducing the cost of higher education and protecting California's wild places. I later directed the San Francisco campaign office for Environment California where I continued working to inspire young people to become more civically engaged in a landmark effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions in California. I have worked as a Back-country Ranger in the Cascade range of Washington and taught English to children in Quito, Ecuador. A country and culture to which I am continually drawn, most recently last summer when I lead two trips with BOLD EARTH to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I am a certified Wilderness First Responder and look forward to becoming a more rounded leader and educator both in and out of the classroom.
What BOLD EARTH means to me?: BOLD EARTH gives me the opportunity to engage my passions of international travel, cultural immersion, community service, teaching, Spanish, adventure, fun and the great outdoors with the added benefit of inspiring and sharing these passions with enthusiastic youth from around the world. Whether working with first time travelers or experienced nomads, I love the opportunity to provide a fun, safe and adventurous atmosphere open to exploring limits, challenging comfort zones, and engaging in self-discovery. BOLD EARTH is a wonderful opportunity for both leaders and campers to improve and develop leadership skills, build self-confidence and independence, have fun, laugh lots, and make great new friends!
Favorite Quote: "Camarron que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente! Actua ahora!" -Chito Gordillo
"I am only so beautiful as the character of my relationships, only so rich as I enrich those around me, only so alive as I enliven those I greet." -Derrick Jensen
"Day after day, we throw ourselves into the path of what we think we deserve." -Joyce Hifler
"What would I do if I weren't afraid?" -Wise One
What I do when I'm not at BOLD EARTH: After many years away...I am recently back in the desert southwest of my upbringing where I can be found exploring this spectacularly beautiful land climbing, caving, hiking, camping, and bike riding as much as possible. Also: substitute teaching, ropes course facilitating, salsa dancing, african drumming, playing ultimate frisbee, reading, spending time with family and cultivating as much creative community as possible while I am actually in one place long enough to do so. You know...all those things I am always wanting to do 'if I had the time'.
Education: B.A. Anthropology U.C. Santa Cruz and Universidad de San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
