Melissa

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I am a hard and skilled worker in many areas of experience. I've earned professional respect in multiple industries, raised a child, created many kinds of art, and supported and cared for people and animals I love. I'm now in the exciting position of being free to travel full time. I've spent most of my life in and around the melting pot of New York City, and that has inspired me to explore the cultures of the rest of the world and contribute my energy and positivity where it's needed. New learning experiences call to me from all parts of the world, and I long to meet new people, learn new things, and share my knowledge and abilities with others.

Interests

Farming

Videography

Technology

Sustainability

Pets

Culture

Self development

Movies & TV

Charity work

Plant care

History

DIY & crafts

Books

Art & design

Photography

Languages

Gardening

Cooking & food

Writing

Drawing & painting

Carpentry

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Beach

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Japanese: Beginner
Russian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I am interested in learning Spanish. I could teach English with some training.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Life at a Farmstay

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Some knowledge of:  

Eco Projects

Teaching

Gardening

Animal Care

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Languages

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Able to teach about:  

Being an elderly companion

DIY and building projects

Babysitting and creative play

Helping around the house

General Maintenance

Helping with Computers/ Internet

House & pet sitting

Art Projects

More details about your skills

I have extensive experience in many areas: organizational, clerical, legal, creative, child care, animal care, elder care, building and crafts, cooking and baking, and gardening. I’ve listed the specifics below. I am also a social and understanding person. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people, and working with them.

Work experience
Legal Assistant & Office Manager - HPM&B - 7 years
Legal Assistant - Babchik & Young - 2 years
Administrative Assistant - Rothschild Bank - 7 years
Lab Administrator - Sloan Kettering Institute - 3 years
Administrative Assistant - Fine Line Features - 1 year
Marketing and Production Manager - Broadpoint Communications - 2 years
Office and Customer Service Manager - Crafter's Workshop - 2 years
Part time and free lance: Elder Caregiver, Nanny and Babysitter, Dog Walker
Artistic and sculptural experience: I've worked with many materials extensively, including acrylic paint, acrylic and eco-based resin, concrete, wood, collage, found materials, etc.
Life experience: raised child full time (11 years), gardening (primarily vegetables & herbs), baking and decorating cakes, many types of needlework (knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc.), carpentry and repairs, art of all types, taught classes in greenhouse gardening to 5th graders. I’m comfortable with both hand and power tools. Also comfortable with computers (PC and Mac), and both digital and analog creative tools and materials.

Travel experience
I've been to many states in the USA, traveled in Canada and Mexico, and many of the Caribbean islands. I spent two weeks in New Zealand driving from Auckland to Queenstown, hiking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, climbing Mount Sunday and other wonders. Most recently, I spent 10 weeks in Scotland, hiking the 97-mile West Highland Way, and traveling the islands and mainland, staying in 29 places (22 of them hostels).

Other volunteer experiences
I have volunteered my services as a legal assistant to prison inmates for appeals, and other individuals in need of paralegal assistance for personal or business reasons. I was part of an activity group consisting of disabled and non-disabled adults and children. I volunteered in my community with various environmental groups doing clean-up, recycling, maintenance, and education. I volunteered at my local library teaching crafts and letterboxing, and at the elementary school teaching several sections of greenhouse gardening to 10-year-olds. I have also volunteered at soup kitchens and second hand sales for charity.

Education
Northfield Mount Hermon School - Highschool
New York University - BFA - Tisch School of the Arts Film Production
Sculpture Residency at School of Visual Arts in NYC

Age

61

What else ...

I am an avid reader and I love watching and talking about films. I enjoy walking, hiking and swimming. I love children and animals of all kinds. I don’t play any instruments, but I love to sing.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Low level allergic reactions to fragrances in cleansers and detergents. Allergic to Keflex (antibiotic).

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  Special dietary requirements