Shannon & Laura

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Descrição

Shannon Smith:

My Motivation: Connection & Service
I am driven by a genuine desire to be of service. After a long career in sales and coaching, I found that true satisfaction comes from helping people. I am currently on a "slow travel" journey with my partner, Laura, using this time to pivot from my corporate past to my future goals in the outdoors.

​My Attitude: A Lifelong Learner
I live by the philosophy: "You don't know if you love it until you try it." While I bring high-level professional skills, I am eager to step out of my comfort zone. I am not afraid of being a beginner again. I take direction well and approach every task with humility and energy.

​Skills I Want to Improve
I view every volunteer opportunity as a classroom. I am specifically looking to grow in:
​Tour Guiding: As I plan to work as a professional guide in this next chapter of my life, I want to refine my storytelling and group management skills in different cultures.
​Culinary Skills: I want to expand my "Zen" in the kitchen by learning local recipes. Food is the best way to understand a culture!
​Permaculture: I am eager to learn about sustainable living and get my hands in the soil to learn how to work with the land.

Laura Smith:

My motivation: Connection & Service
​Motivated by shared effort and connection, I travel with my husband offering a versatile set of practical skills. We've remodeled two homes and a van, giving me strong proficiency in painting, flooring, wall repairs, and using power tools (not afraid to learn). Beyond renovation, I bring proven reliability from diverse volunteer roles—ranging from hostel improvements in Macedonia and trail maintenance in Serbia to specialized safety protocols with big cats. I am a proactive self-starter who loves digging in to get the job done while building community along the way.

My Attitutde: Ninja Volunteer
I have a lifelong joy of learning and giving back to the communities I am passionate about. I am a low-maintenance, stealthy volunteer who values safety and reliability. Whether the day calls for renovation work or community organizing, I bring a flexible mindset and a calm presence. Think of me as a "ninja volunteer"—you might not see me do it, you'll just wonder when it got done.

Skills I want to improve: Creative Alchemy
I am an explorer of the "artistic application of beautifying the world around me." I find creative satisfaction in the details that make a space feel like a sanctuary—whether that is refreshing a wall with paint, arranging wildflowers, or organizing a chaotic cabinet so it functions perfectly.

​While I am a lifelong amateur artist (currently teaching myself watercolor and exploring writing), I am eager to learn more technical creative skills. I would love to assist with and learn about mural painting, pottery, sewing, or any other creative applications that will help add character and warmth to your space.

Interesses

Sustentabilidade

Política/justiça social

Filmes e TV

Eventos e social

Trabalho beneficente

Cuidar de plantas

História

Desenho e pintura

Culinária e comida

Livros

Escrever

Fotografia

Mochilão

Jardinagem

Blogs

Arte e design

Animais

Esportes de inverno

Esportes de equipe

Atividades ao ar livre

Montanhas

Fitness

Praia

Velejar/navegar

Yoga/bem-estar

Esportes aquáticos

Naturaleza

Caminhada

Camping

Esportes de aventura

Idiomas

Idiomas
Inglês: Fluente

Mais detalhes sobre meu interesse em idiomas
Esta pessoa indicou ser um workawayer com interesse em compartilhar seu(s) idioma(s) ou em aprender um novo. Entre em contato diretamente para discutir o assunto.

Encontre um parceiro de estudo

Habilidades e conhecimento para compartilhar ou aprender

Temos interesse em:  

Vida na fazenda

Projetos ambientais

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Conhecimento de:  

Jardinagem

Projetos de construção/faça você mesmo

Fazer companhia para idosos

Manutenção geral

Criar/cozinhar refeições caseiras

Ajuda a cuidar da casa

Cuidar de animais

Hotelaria/turismo

Trabalho beneficente

Cuidar de casas e pets

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Podemos ensinar:  

Idiomas

Ensino

Quais são suas habilidades?

Shannon Smith:

Adventure Guide, Teacher, Coach & Sales Pro (25+ Years Experience)
​
Hello!
I am an energetic, mature, and professional traveler exploring the world with my partner, Laura (we are traveling as a couple). We are a reliable team who believe in working hard to support the communities we visit.

​What I bring to your project:
I offer a unique blend of high-level physical fitness, extensive professional business experience, and teaching ability. I am not looking to just "hang out"; I am looking to be useful.

​1. Customer Service & Sales Expert (25 Years)
I have a quarter-century of experience in customer-facing roles. I am an expert at de-escalating conflicts, selling services/tours, and ensuring guests feel welcomed. If you need help with Reception, Guest Relations, or Admin, I can step in immediately and represent your business with a high level of professionalism.

​2. Adventure Guide & Tour Leader
I have professional experience as an adventure guide, leading groups on hiking and informational tours. I absolutely love this work. I thrive on keeping groups safe, entertained, and informed. I am dedicating this next chapter of my life to the outdoors, so I treat every tour with high energy and professional focus. If you need someone to lead guest activities, I am your person.

​3. Elite Athletic Coaching (15 Years)
I spent over a decade coaching rock climbing at an elite level. This means I am physically fit, safety-conscious, and comfortable leading groups. I have a strong work ethic and I am happy to do physical tasks, maintenance, or organize outdoor activities for your guests.

​4. Teaching & Adaptability (TEFL Certified)
I am a certified English teacher with real-world experience teaching in Vietnam. I am comfortable navigating new cultures, handling language barriers with patience, and helping your local staff improve their English skills.

​5. Bonus: The Kitchen is my "Zen"
While I am not a professional chef, I genuinely love to cook and find peace in the process. I am happy to help with chopping, prep work, or cooking family-style meals for the staff/volunteers. I am a very willing and capable pair of hands in the kitchen when needed.

Luara Smith

​Why host us?
As a couple, we are a "power team." We are low-maintenance, financially stable, and used to supporting each other. We combine maturity and experience with high energy. We are excited to bring our skills to your project!

Idade

56 & 55

Algo mais...

​​Shanonn Smith: A Lifetime of Adaptability

​🌍 Roots: Cultural Adaptability & Outdoor Discipline
My foundation is built on two pillars: global adaptability and outdoor respect. Raised in a military family (living in Germany), I learned to adapt to new cultures early. Simultaneously, my time in the US mountains forged my core skills in hiking, rock climbing, navigation, and a strict adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles.

​🎒 The Journey: A Proven Long-Term Traveler
I am a tested veteran of independent travel, not a rookie.
​The Spark: My passion began with international climbing expeditions in Mexico and Thailand, leading to a self-planned 6-month rail journey across 18 European countries.
​The Expedition: Most recently, we executed a fully funded 3-year round-the-world expedition. This included teaching in Vietnam, hiking the El Camino in Spain, and completing challenging, self-reliant high-altitude treks in Nepal (Annapurna & Langtang).

Laura Smith:

​🚀 Why We Are Here: Commitment & Contribution
We embrace work-exchange as a deliberate, responsible lifestyle, not an escape. We spent years saving to ensure we are financially stable and fully committed. We are experienced navigators (with a special love for Eastern Europe/Balkans) ready to settle in, work hard, and contribute meaningfully to your community.

Mais algumas informações

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  Fumante

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  Carteira de motorista

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  Alergias

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  Dietas especiais