Role: Resident Counselor for this Abroad
Home: Alma/Buena Vista, CO
What intrigues/excites you most about going to Ecuador?
I’m excited to expand my sense of love through meeting Ecuadorian people, studying and experiencing the flora and fauna of the Amazon, Andes and Galapagos Islands, and learning side-by-side with 18 amazing college students and our brilliant Ecuador fac/staff team! I’m thrilled to see as many of the 120+ species of hummingbirds, and I really hope to swim with sea turtles and penguins up close and personal!
What is the best piece of advice/wisdom you’ve ever been given?
“Choose your battles.”
How many countries have you been to up until this point and which ones?
9: Argentina, Chile, Australia, Thailand, India, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Trinidad
What is one of your travel memories?
A glorious 13-day trek in the Himalaya of Sikkim, India. We went as high as 15,700’ elevation, trekked along glaciers, witnessed an avalanche, saw pack trains of yaks, felt the power of glacier-fed rivers, danced and sang with our Sherpa porters, played hours of cards and games in a blizzard that tried to bury us for a couple of days, ate delicious meals made by our intrepid guides, and had the time of our young lives! The brightness of the stars still elicits a sense of deep awe for me.
Share a little about your family.
My beloved husband of one year and my precious pup are tending the home fires while I’m on this grand adventure. I’m also the oldest of 4 siblings and the proud Auntie of 6 nieces and nephews as well as a gaggle of “God-kids.” My husband and I have a cozy cabin at 10,500’ elevation in Alma, CO, and I work in Buena Vista where I have lived most of the last 23 years. We’re mountain people through and through and love our golden aspen groves in Autumn, chopping loads of firewood to last the long winter, cozying up to our woodstove, and making each other laugh. Although I’m missing my little fam and my favorite season in our mountains, I’m excited to exchange the Rockies for the Andes for a bit! Plus, after this trip, my new hubby and I finally get to go on our honeymoon to Panama and Argentina for a month!