Tracy

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I’m at a stage in life where I’m seeking simplicity, connection, and new experiences. I’m happiest when I’m learning from new people, contributing in small and meaningful ways, and being part of a place instead of just passing through. I love good conversations, intellectual pursuits, reading, gardening, gentle routines, and feeling useful. WorkAway feels like the right way to travel—slow, grounded, and shared with people who care about where they live.

My community experiences have mostly been in the United States, though I lived in a small learning community in Göttingen, Germany, while in college to study German language and literature.

After graduating from the university, I lived as an apprentice on an organic farm in Maine doing all nature of farm and gardening work seven days a week plus animal care (sheep, horses, chickens, ducks). During the winter there, I also worked in a small machine shop helping the couple who owned the farm do metalworking to construct fine woodworking tools.

Later, I used my skills as an outdoor educator and environmental studies major to live in community and work at an outdoor environmental education center and working farm in western Rhode Island. We ran education programs for schoolchildren and adults participating in Elderhostel.

I first headed west to become a backpacking guide in the Montana wilderness for youth groups. I lived in a small community in the Absorke Beartooth mountain range with about 15 other guides.

I arrived in Utah several months later as an AmeriCorp volunteer, helping for about two years in the development of a community garden program and fish co-operative for the Hmong refugee population.

I also lived and worked for a season in Idaho with a small group of people servicing the hospitality and culinary needs of a fly-fishing lodge, before turning my attention to complete my doctorate in Social Work and Developmental Psychology. My doctorate work focused on autism — particularly the experience of raising children on the spectrum. Shortly after receiving my PhD, I got advanced training through the University of Utah Medical Center in neurodevelopmental disabilities in children. As part of that work, I travelled to Peru with a colleague to educate parents living in rural areas about autism. Later, over three summers, I spent time in Guatemala participating in training programs for families living in both rural and urban environments. We provided education on autism, and also helped improve community access to food via gardens and fisheries.

I have experience both as a literacy volunteer and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor.

I most recently was part of a co-operative housing community in Salt Lake City, Utah, before deciding to downsize and move closer to some friends in North Dakota. In the housing community, we shared resources and labored together to maintain the five-acre property of forest and garden crops.

My most recent WorkAway was in Dalby, Sweden. I worked six to seven hours a day during the week helping with the garden and permaculture — weeding, composting, hauling and spreading manure, planting, greenhouse maintenance and basic household tasks.

I am mom to two lovely, adult sons.

Additionally, I have travelled in Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Switzerland, France, Denmark, The Netherlands and Canada.

I thrive in cooperative and collaborative work and learning environments. I look forward to possibilities for such in WorkAway.

Interests

Technology

Self development

Politics / Social justice

Movies & TV

LGBTQ

Farming

Culture

Charity work

Writing

Music

Languages

Gardening

Cooking & food

Books

Yoga / Wellness

Winter sports

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Nature

Mountain

Hiking

Fitness

Dancing

Cycling

Camping

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: Intermediate
Russian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

House & pet sitting

---

Able to teach about:  

Languages

More details about your skills

I’ve spent many years working with people in supportive, community-oriented roles, so I’m comfortable adapting, communicating clearly, and staying calm in new situations. I enjoy practical tasks, am dependable, and learn quickly. I’m good with people, good with details, and happy to help wherever I’m needed. I bring a mix of steadiness, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to pitch in. By profession, I am a psychologist with over thirty years in the field. I am also outdoorsy and athletic.

Age

63

What else ...

Avid cyclist, hiker, swimmer, reader. Also love dancing and music. I'm re-engaging in some past interests, especially yoga and playing guitar.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies
  No

• 

  Special dietary requirements
  No