More About Me
I was raised in the southern Appalachian Mountains in a small college town near Asheville, North Carolina. Life in Cullowhee fostered my appreciation for outdoor living and spending quality time with people. I was an avid competitive swimmer, earning collegiate awards, and eagerly dabble in any sport someone volunteers to teach me.
After graduating with top honors from Greensboro College, I adopted the island of Hispañola as my second home. I was a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Haiti until political instability moved me to Peace Corps Dominican Republic and the Dominican-Haitian border towns of Pedernales and Anse-à-Pitres. I worked alongside local community groups to improve opportunities for women and youth and was fortunate that one of my projects regularly landed me on the most beautiful deserted beach in the world. My hands-on education during those four years taught me 2.5 new languages, more patience and flexibility than I ever desired, and a first-hand knowledge of the issues faced by developing country youth.
I then catapulted myself up the east coast into graduate study and central Pennsylvanian winters where I learned to read faster and dress in layers. Aside from my studies, I stay busy by running, rock climbing, practicing yoga, and expressing my creativity in the kitchen.
After graduating with top honors from Greensboro College, I adopted the island of Hispañola as my second home. I was a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Haiti until political instability moved me to Peace Corps Dominican Republic and the Dominican-Haitian border towns of Pedernales and Anse-à-Pitres. I worked alongside local community groups to improve opportunities for women and youth and was fortunate that one of my projects regularly landed me on the most beautiful deserted beach in the world. My hands-on education during those four years taught me 2.5 new languages, more patience and flexibility than I ever desired, and a first-hand knowledge of the issues faced by developing country youth.
I then catapulted myself up the east coast into graduate study and central Pennsylvanian winters where I learned to read faster and dress in layers. Aside from my studies, I stay busy by running, rock climbing, practicing yoga, and expressing my creativity in the kitchen.