Corinne

United States
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100.0 %
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Canada - from May 2026 until Jun 2026
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Description
Colorado Springs and New York City are my homes, but I've been traveling throughout the world for four years. My favorites are working with animals, especially horses, gardening; teaching; and learning new things. I've made so many Workaway friends - hosts, neighbors, and fellow volunteers who I'm still in touch with.

I'm happy to have excellent health - lean and fit.

In 2022, I went back to the University of Minnesota to finish a triple major in Humanities, Communications, and Teaching English as a Second Language; minor in Linguistics. Most recent full-time jobs: event and performance photographer for fifteen years and English teacher.

I have a wonderful 27-year old son.

I'm fully vaccinated. I have excellent public references on airbnb, Worldpackers and Trusted Housesitters. Hope to hear from you soon! :)
Interests
Outdoor activities
Nature
Movies & TV
Art & design
Videography
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Photography
Pets
Music
Languages
History
Gardening
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Cooking & food
Books
Beach
Animals
Astronomy
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Beginner
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Polish: Beginner
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
More details about my language interests
I am a native English speaker born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota (north-central US). Five years of experience teaching English to children and adults. Language apps like Duolingo and watching foreign films are fun, but nothing surpasses learning in person from native speakers.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Charity Work
DIY and building projects
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
Education: I studied in depth: English, music, philosophy, chemistry, speech at Columbia University and NYU. In 2022, I added a third major to my bachelor's degree: TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). I love school and graduated with straight As.

Work Experience: Diverse and varied careers are detailed below.

Teen fashion show and hair model. This brought me from Minneapolis to New York City when I was 19. It was fun, but not my idea of real work.

I went back to college and worked as a medical and legal assistant. I learned a lot about computers and writing.

Teaching. I've taught English, photography, harp, bible study, and academic subjects to children and adults for a long time. I taught English full time in Poland for two years. I still write and make language videos for my Polish students.

Art. I went to art school from 2011-2014 and worked another ten years doing event and studio photography, retouching, and some videography.

Music. I studied harp In New York City. I played professionally and taught harp online and as a children's summer camp counselor. I'm currently working on a book with concert harpist, Alexander Boldachev.

Sports. I was a volunteer ski patrol for many years. I learned first aid, CPR, and how to drive an ATV.

Elder Care. I assisted doctors at a nursing home. My therapy cat also visited patients with me.

Receptionist. I have no tattoos or piercings - it's just not my thing. Nor have I had any interest in alcohol or recreational drugs.

Cleaning: I learned to clean from my best friend's mom, who cleaned hotel rooms for Marriott Hotels. One work-exchange host told me, "If all my volunteers cleaned the amazing way you do, I'd be a happy man." Owning a house and raising a child added to my experience.

Gardening: I've gardened all my life. Even in New York City, I gardened. I planted a rose garden beside I-95 and started an annual community flower garden in Riverside Park.

When I owned a house, I created huge fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens on my yards in the city. I also had a never-ending composting project! Gardening is such a rewarding experience.

Nature: My father was an entomologist (he studied insects), so as a child I learned to understand and not fear insects.

Child Care: I adopted my son, Tim, from Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia when he was one year old. Being a mother was the most wonderful thing I've done in my life. Caring for my son and his friends were some of the best times of my life!

My son attended a Spanish immersion school. I volunteered to help in the classroom and on field trips.

Pet care: Horses are my passion: in Minnesota I rode and took care of horses for more than a decade. I learned to train young horses with respect and won trophies and ribbons in horsemanship and jumping classes. Recently, I've cared for and trained young horses and ponies in Asia, Australia, Mexico, and the Americas.

Dogs, cats, parrots, and even reptiles have been my pets throughout my life. I speak to them in their language and mine. Animals hold a sacred spirituality for me and I love them very much.

Politics: I have worked on many local and presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates: fundraising, publicity, recruiting volunteers, and public speaking. I also understand it is not my job to convert Republicans.

I've undergone extensive background checks in order to perform teaching, child care, elder care, pet sitting, and housesitting. I'm registered as a trusted house and pet sitter on TrustedHousesitters.com. No problem if you want to do a background check.

I'm lucky to have good health and my loving family & friends. I keep in good shape and people are surprised to learn my age, usually guessing 10, even 20 years younger! I love the freedom that comes with age! I can enjoy long travels and learn new things!

Weak Skills: As a teen, I worked at a fast food grill. I was not allowed to cook because I was "too slow." It happens when you try to be too much of a perfectionist in a situation that calls for speed. I doubt I'd be any faster today.

I'm on the introverted side, I've never been a wild party type. Not at any age.

Words I live by: "Learning new things keeps you young." And, "Live today, one day at a time."
Age
74
What else ...
I do need to be able to have internet access, because the only way I can connect to my friends and relatives is through the internet.

When I travel, I typically stay in hostels. I like them, because I enjoy meeting people from all over the world. My favorite was in San Diego, California where we sat around chatting at breakfast, and watched movies together in the evenings. Every night was movie night. The Pacific Ocean was right outside our front door. It was so cool!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  No. I'm non-vegetarian but can respect and accept vegetarian or vegan choices

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14 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Education for horse ...)

I spent six weeks here and it was one of my favorite Workaways ever! That is saying a lot because I've been to some really good ones.

The herd is amazing. I would go out every day and brush them, play music with them (they like classical and country), talk to them - or just do nothing except Share Territory with them. I learned so much about… read more

(Excellent )

31 Jan 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join on a family farm and ...)

I spent two glorious months at the finca and wish I could have stayed longer. If you love animals, nature, and good company, you will find this to be one of the most magical places on earth! I instantly fell in love with the young horses, Nala the husky, the puppies, and the cute and friendly cats.

Anne and Gilberto are the most welcoming people… read more

(Excellent )

2 Oct 2025

Left by host (Help with horses on our ...) for Workawayer ()

Feedback for Cornnie

Hi Cornnie,

It was truly an honour to host you and get to know such a wonderful person. You were an incredibly thoughtful, kind, and reliable volunteer at , and we deeply appreciated the warmth and positivity you brought during your stay.

Together with our team, you also conducted amazing lessons on animal-assisted therapy… read more

(Excellent )

28 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with horses on our ...)

One of my favorite workaways of all time! And that is saying a lot!

Right from the start, Riyas's chill attitude while I was finalizing my plans, to his and Dharmendra's enthusiastic welcome when I arrived. I knew it was going to be an experience of a lifetime. Not to mention, you look out the back door and see the crashing surf of the Indian… read more

(Excellent )

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14 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Education for horse ...)

(Excellent)

31 Jan 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join on a family farm and ...)

(Excellent)

2 Oct 2025

Left by host (Help with horses on our ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

28 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with horses on our ...)

(Excellent)

26 Jul 2025

Left by host (Horse care and camping site ...) for Workawayer ()

First of all thank you Corinne for coming to help us at our pony stables. We are glad you enjoyed your time in Laos while staying with us and enjoy the stables and ponies.
It was a pleasure to have meet you and be able to share a bit of our culture with you. We are happy you came and help us at the stables as well as at the camp welcoming our… read more

(Excellent)

9 Jul 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Horse care and camping site ...)

I love love loved my experience at horse stables! I already wish I were still there....

Saita says 3 weeks minimum, but I really think it should be 4. It takes time to get to know the ponies and for them to get to know you. Yes, you must be experienced. The ponies are young and they used to be wild, so their instincts are finely finely tuned! In… read more

(Excellent)

9 Jul 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Practice English, help around ...)

One of my favorite Workaways! This is saying a lot, because I've had some very good ones!

Darway's home with his family is in a beautiful, green, park-like location in a city very near Taipei.

I was there only a few days, but I have so many beautiful memories!

My favorite parts were the meals and sitting around with the family, especially… read more

(Excellent)

22 Jun 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Share culture and learn about ...)

I have had several Workaway experiences, and this was one of the most outstanding! It was really a holistic experience, more so than I had envisioned. Everyone worked together and communicated, even when we couldn't understand each other's language. There was always such a calm and healing vibe, I would say, that especially touched me after living… read more

(Excellent)

9 Jun 2025

Left by host (Share culture and learn about ...) for Workawayer ()

Corinne was great to have around, excellent conversationalist across all topics and showed interest and thoughtfulness regarding the Buddhism and Confucian content we shared. She shared many life experiences which the staff appreciated hearing and were touched by. The other staff here felt her thoughtfulness and politeness exceeded their… read more

(Excellent)

3 Jan 2025

Left by host (Live like a local in a ...) for Workawayer ()

Was so nice to have conie at home !shes so respctfiul clean and nice she helpme alot ! My cat Cucho going to miss you a lot !!!!

(Excellent)

17 Dec 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Live like a local in a ...)

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Sandra and miss her home already!

I stayed 2 weeks and helped with the gardening, lots of deep cleaning in the kitchens, got a start on the living room, and helped at the market. The market is an all-day event.

At this moment, Sandra really needs help at the market, although I know she has helpers booked for… read more

(Excellent)

16 Dec 2024

Left by host (Educational non-profit ...) for Workawayer ()

We are very thankful that Corinne spent almost a month with us. She was someone who had lots of energy and did many tasks that were quite varied. She was so open and very responsive to what we asked her to do. She did it with a smile and wonderful attitude. She was also always looking out for things that maybe we did not notice by taking the… read more

(Excellent)

9 Dec 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Educational non-profit ...)

I loved my stay here! I feel now that I will always have a home in Mexico, when I want to come back. Soon I hope!

I stayed one month. I can barely begin to describe in this short space all the things we did and the warm, familial welcome I experienced with Todd, Veronica, Chelo, the neighbors, and the kids.

You must be self-motivated. No one… read more will stand over you telling you what to do by the day. Once you get a feel for how the farm and programs are run, whenever you see something that needs to be done, you'll do it.

They have many programs going on, but the main ones they need your help with are the children's after school programs and the disabled youth program. But those two will give you at least half your expected daily work contribution.

The equine therapy program had no participants while I was there, but I spent much time with Agatha, the horse, and developed a bond with her. I especially loved that horse. I cried when my last day came and I had to say, "I have to leave now." As she looked up, chewing hay, then went back to eating more, lol.The picture here doesn't do her justice - she's a beautiful animal. Only three years old.

Food shopping - I did virtually all my own. The local shop opens and closes at odd hours, so I'd recommend not relying on that but getting as much done as you can in Guanajuato. The local bus stop is a 5-minute walk down the road, costs ~$.50 and will take you near the big mall that houses La Comer - a huge store that has everything, including many American brands. Arrange in advance for Lado to take you back (don't worry about the address - it is on an "unnamed road" but Lado knows exactly where it is). He can meet you right in front of La Comer, beside the shopping carts. The road leading is extremely bumpy - one of the worst I've ever seen - so most taxis refuse to drive there, including Uber. Uber from the app will drop you off about. a 15-minute walk away. With all your bags, you don't want that. Call Lado.

Working with the children - Chelo is so so good with them, and thinks of so many creative ideas that they can learn from. But they are always open to new ideas, so think about some ideas you'd like to lead. The more Spanish you can speak the easier it will be to develop a rapport with the children, but it's not impossible if your Spanish is limited, as mine was. They became very adept at speaking into the phone mic on Google Translate and we were able to carry on many conversations that way. They are especially interested in hearing about the US, about your family and talking about theirs and their favorite foods and things.

There is always plenty of cleaning to do - the climate is high desert, so there is a lot of dust. The dryness is hard on the skin and contact lenses, but your clothes will dry in a jiffy! The gardens and animals always can use more care and attention. You'll never run out of things to do.

There are plenty of social opportunities, especially with Todd and Veronica being so hospitable, to improve and use your Spanish. Convinced though I was that I'd never be able to learn Spanish, my Spanish actually did improve!

Unforgettable experience! In my mind's eye, (and many photos and videos!) I will always be able to see it like it was yesterday.

(Excellent)

21 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Language support and caring ...)

This was one of the best English language schools that I have taught at! The program was well-designed and students made visible progress. They were so diligent and determined to learn - it was a pleasure to speak with them.

You are there as a "speaking practice" partner, not a teacher of grammar, etc., per se, although you give gentle assists… read more

(Excellent)

6 Sep 2024

Left by host (Help our local team welcome ...) for Workawayer ()

Corinne was a great volunteer, always available and willing to help us and did a great job cleaning the house and taking care of the animals. When I realised that she had some knowledge about composting, I asked her to help us with ours and she helped us with that too. She was very communicative with us and with the visitors, everything went… read more

(Excellent)

27 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help our local team welcome ...)

If you are accepted to do a workaway with Cristiano and Maria, do it! It is like paradise up there! I'm in noisy São Paulo now and miss it so much. It's a bit of a schlepp from São Paulo, but it's well worth the long bus ride. And the bus ride up and down the mountain views are amazing! Don't fall asleep! :)

I spent two weeks at the pousada.… read more Maria and Cristiano immediately make you feel like family so that the work does not feel like a job, but rather like you are doing your part as a family member. (Just don't be the lazy son or daughter. *smile* They are really nice people.)

The peace, the quiet broken only by birds, animals, or the sound of the brook that runs right by your house can't be described. Nor the scent of the forest and the feeling of the gentle breeze during the temperate weather.

The emphasis on cleaning is true. In large part because with the dust in the air, at least during the dry winter season, it gets on everything really fast and you really need to wash the floors and everything well - into the corners, behind the doors, under the beds, surfaces, or a guest with a dust allergy could have a problem.

I absolutely loved their animals! The kitten was a delight. If you meow to her she will meow back, and loves attention. So also do Mona and Lisa, the dogs, and the bigger dog (whose name I can't pronounce or spell). Mona and Lisa get excited when they see they're getting attention but if they jump up, firmly say, "Não!" Also, I was teaching them "Follow me!" and they will do that. They will follow you wherever you go.

The white horse was my favorite. What an experience to look out into your backyard and see a horse!

The only hiking I did was along the roads, which with the steep ups and downs can still give you plenty of exercise. I'm still recovering from broken ankle surgery so I didn't want to venture into the trail terrain, but I heard it's nice. Still, the panorama views from the roads were spectacular. I wish photos could convey the majesty, but they are 2D and it's the 3D aspect that makes it so awesome.

There are not many bugs, but I wore long pants and long-sleeved shirts because as the sun sets in the winter, it quickly gets cold.

While you buy your groceries, think about what you often get a craving for, like potato chips, because you won't be able to just run out to the corner store to buy anything. (This was the only part about the city that I missed - I'm from NY City.) It's a schlepp down the mountain into town so don't count on being able to make a quick trip down. Although while I was there, Cristiano made a trip into town, asked if I needed anything (so bring some cash with you - taxis also don't take credit cards) and I asked for chips and fruit. But you don't know when that might be, so try to plan your grocery list carefully, in advance. I heard they used to provide meals, but with one volunteer wanting this, another that, at this time or that time, etc. now it's just everyone do their own thing with meals.

The water comes from the spring and was awesome. It left my hair so nice and clean. I drank it right out of the tap, which they say is fine.

You will love it there, not want to leave, and feel you have a friend for life in Cristiano and Maria. They also have interesting friends!

All the best,
Corinne

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Enjoy gardening surrounded by ...)

First I have to thank Workaway for hosting a platform that made this incredible cultural experience possible. It had so much more depth than any tourist experience I've ever had.

Lucas was a warm, responsive host who speaks very good English, yet is still interested in learning more from us native speakers. Working there did not feel like work.… read more

(Excellent)

30 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Pet care and home help in ...)

I stayed with Colette (known as Coke) for a month. I can only say my Workaway at Coke's was one of the best I've ever had!!! Anywhere!

I must admit, when I read, ""MUST LOVE DOGS AND CATS" I wondered, "Is there something about these guys that makes loving them a challenge? But no, not at all, they are all four - the coolest!

Roman, the German… read more shorthair pointer, is one of the smartest, most fun dogs I've ever met. Coke has a huge backyard that he can run in and with all his energy, he can use it. His retrieving gymnastics will make you laugh out loud.! He is just crazy about retrieving! He runs back at top speed with the ball, you say "Drop" as a command and he will drop the ball at your feet and get ready for the next throw. As soon as you call him, he comes immediately. Truly loved that dog!

Yes, he is energetic, but inside the house he is calm. Not nervous or anything like that, just an all-around great dog.

The 3 cats are kind of overshadowed by the dog when it comes to getting attention - the dog will just burrow his nose under your hand so you find yourself petting him - but they especially love being groomed. If you go into the zen room and call out, "Time for grooming!" Nip and Tuck will come running.

Coke is one of the most thoughtful hosts I've ever met. She thinks of everything you might need - even before I did! Your room is so well equipped and clean for the stay, you would want for nothing.

You'll quickly learn what an interesting and entertaining person Coke is. She's lived a very varied life and is filled with joie de vivre, from what I saw.

The little girl cat, Coco, is not as quick to warm up as Nip and Tuck but once she feels comfortable with you, she will cuddle.

The Minneapolis area does not yet have the greatest public transportation system outside of the metropolitan area yet so it will be most convenient for you if you have a car. But I didn't, so what I did was take an Uber to or from the Maple Grove Transit Station and from there I took the #781 express bus into the city center. If you need to go into the city every day and your sit is for a while, renting a car would be more economical. But if you're only coming and going once, Ubers might be less.

The pets kept me entertained plenty, but if you do go into Minneapolis, it's a beautiful place, tons of things to do - very sophisticated cultural scene - and certainly more representative of life in the US than places like New York. Rogers, for that matter, is more representative, too.

I can only recommend Coke and her animals with the highest praise and accolades. You will love this sit.

(Excellent)

17 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our big family at home ...)

I spent three weeks with Ana and Nik. Their home was a great place to unwind and relax.

As others have mentioned, they treated me like a member of the family right away, yet they were always attentive wo that I might need and asking me if I needed anything else.

Once Ana showed me what needed to be done - cleaning, loading the dishwasher and… read more

(Excellent)