On the surface, my story seems convoluted and full of rabbit trails. In fact, for a long time, I believed that my story was a mismatch of unrelated experiences from different fields and disciplines. I had a Ph.D. in biology (ecology), a master’s degree in nutritional science, an undergraduate degree in human biology, my research focused on environmental literacy and nature experiences, I worked as a college-level teacher educator, and I spent years working as an outdoor adventure guide. I was all over the place! I felt like a hamster in a wheel, running as hard as I could but getting nowhere.
Have you ever felt that way? I’m guessing you have. But that can’t be further from the truth. I was following a path and so are you. We just have to see it.
Instead of seeing a string of unrelated degrees, coursework, and jobs, I began to see how all my career decisions were interrelated. I began to understand that my passion for studying healthy environments directly related to my passion for human health. I saw how my work in outdoor recreation was a gateway to environmental stewardship for those who weren’t naturally inclined (see what I did there?). I could creatively integrate my love for nature and education into designing products and services that spoke to all these passions – the environment, human health, research, outdoor recreation, and education.
All my seemingly unrelated experiences were actually steps along my path to fulfilling my purpose. I had spent years developing the expertise to design cross-disciplinary products without even knowing it. I was destined to explore why nature matters and our roles in this beautiful world.
So, if you are looking for someone to consult with regarding anything that relates to nature. I’m that person! Check out my services page to learn more. If you’re looking for a diverse community of people who value nature, follow me on Facebook. You can sign up for the nature matters community by clicking on the free resources tab or by dropping me a line via email.
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My life
On a more personal note, I’m married and have 2 little boys that I call my “sweet and sours.” They have a lot of spunk, sass, and sweetness! We also have a very needy dog-cat, a centipede that I refuse to name because he was only supposed to be in the house for 2 weeks (he’s been living with us for over a year!) and we care for a whole host of wild birds just outside our dining room window. And plants. So many plants. In fact, people anonymously leave their unwanted houseplants on my front doorstep. I should probably start a houseplant foster program.
When I’m not caring for other living things, I like to spend time outside or read a book by a window with a beautiful view of the mountains. I LOVE hiking with my family, but I especially love getting outside by myself. It’s the only time I get a little peace and quiet. There’s no one to say “mama” five times every minute, no one to grab my shirt and stretch it out, and no one to fill me in on the latest depressing news. It’s heavenly!
This is my life and I love it!