ABOUT
Inspiring women of all ages to live vibrant, brave unique lives. Fifty six years on the planet, happily single, solo global traveling, SUV camping, exploring, reinventing, and challenging social norms. It's time to embrace that there's never a roadmap. You just have to believe in yourself and go!
My first solo trip was after I graduated high school in 1986 at the age of 17. The impetus for that trip wasn’t a positive event in my life, but it was the catalyst to put me in a direction that was needed for my survival and my vibrancy. My life took a dramatic turn with the murder of a friend, Jennifer Levin. If you do not remember her, just google. I won’t go into it here, but a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of my life was her father collapsing on me at her open casket wake saying “Get out now. Let her die for a reason, to save you”. He meant to get out of the NYC/Hampton’s club party scene. My first nightclub was at the age of thirteen. I grew up in the Hampton’s and the eighties were one of those moments in history that can’t be explained. It was lived. It was a crazy time of celebrities, wealth, and decadence. Stuff that movies are made about. Dancing the night away was a way of life for my teenage years. The stories are unbelievable and no we didn’t all survive those years. Murders, suicides, rapes, overdoses, accidents and countless other tragedies were played out, but I was privileged to grow up in a way that I knew one misstep could mean my demise. I somehow was able to navigate away from the chaos, and the men that the Me Too movement came out of, and keep my self worth intact. I grew up resilient. For me, travel, especially solo, has always been a place to reconnect with myself and drown out the noise of regular life. The beauty of time to think. Time to be numb. Time to laugh. Time to cry. Time for great heights and time for great lows. A place where I had to figure things out on my own. A place not to rely on anyone and also a reminder that there are many other ways to live a life. There are so many options out there and I never had to stay in a place or a situation. I always had options. In those days there wasn’t a cell phone, or internet, or any way to find out information beforehand, not even the weather. I just put one foot in front of the other and went on my way. I learned so much about myself and still to this day it is exactly the same. I get asked often about fear and my answer is that I fear not traveling. The blah person I become watching a television sitting on the couch gaining weight scares me more than some made up scenario of what could happen. Nothing has happened in almost 40 years of solo traveling (maybe a little), but I would say that I would not be happy with myself if I sat at home. I have tried, believe me, I feel it might have been an easier life if I was content living a more traditional life, but it just doesn’t make me happy. My journey has been a long one, a rewarding one and now I strive to help other people also feel comfortable with travel. I find I have become an expert by happenstance. I never set out to be a solo traveler, but my life has consistently taken me down a path that solo travels awaken me to all that I can be and I don't see myself ever stopping.
Travel
Age 3
When I was just 3 years old, my parents separated, and my mother took me to Germany, where she left me with my grandmother for six months. During this time, I faced the challenge of not speaking German, which became my first lesson in resilience and traveling.
Live-aboard Sailboat
East Coast of USA
When I was 10, my parents decided to reunite and take me out of school to live aboard my father's 33-foot sailboat for a year. We embarked on a voyage from New York to Key Largo, Florida, during which I attended some school in the Keys. Although their reunion was short-lived, this experience ignited a powerful sense of adventure within me.
Traditional Public School
The Hampton's, New York
Not much to say. I went to school and yearned to be outside. I remember being completely pissed off in middle school in the 70's that I was forced to take home economic classes (cooking, sewing, & child rearing) and was not allowed to take shop classes (building things). I was a complete tomboy.
Graduated High School
The Hampton's New York
At 17, after graduating high school, I went straight to Europe and solo traveled. I started in the Canary Islands & Germany where I had family. Then I traveled by train to Paris, London, and Rome by myself.
College Dropout
Late 1980's
Fashion Institute of Technology
Hunter College
I began my college education in fashion merchandising and marketing in NYC, because at 17, I received an offer to move to LA and work in the wholesaling division of a major fashion label. I chose to pursue college first, intending to accept the opportunity later. However, after my first year and a half at FIT, I realized that the fashion industry wasn't the right fit for me.
I transferred to Hunter College to study cultural anthropology, where I nurtured my dream of exploring the jungle while working at Le Bilboquet, a chic restaurant on the Upper East Side. I immersed myself in books like "Gorillas in the Mist," and found solace in the Margaret Mead Film Festival at the Museum of Natural History, a refreshing escape from the urban environment. I soon realized the importance of engaging with the world actively rather than remaining in a classroom, prompting my return to vibrant exploration.
Volunteer
Earthwatch
At 19, I embarked on my first truly significant solo journey to Otavalo, Ecuador, where I spent a month volunteering with a research team documenting the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavaleños. Unlike traveling to Europe, which I regarded as a routine part of life, this trip marked a true adventure for me.
Travel
Self Taught
At age 20, I spent a transformative year backpacking throughout Southeast Asia, which became the most pivotal chapter in my travel education at that time. Beginning my journey in Bangkok, Thailand, and culminating in Bali, I immersed myself in diverse experiences. I stayed with the Mentawai tribe off the coast of Sumatra, climbed Mount Merapi—one of the world's most active volcanoes—and trekked to the Lisu and Karen villages in Northern Thailand. Despite encountering challenges like amoebic dysentery and navigating by train and bus, this journey forged a profound connection to my soul.
Partner
La Carezza Café
After returning to NYC, I was a partner in a café on lower 5th Avenue at age 21. Absolutely unbelievable if I think about it now. Anyway, after a year I realized I didn't want to be a restauranteur.
Associate of Arts Degree
University of Hawaii at Kapiolani
At 22, I moved to Hawaii and earned my first college degree in Liberal Arts, fueled by a curiosity to explore a wide array of subjects. While I enjoyed studying many topics, geology and oceanography captivated me the most. I regret that I couldn't enroll in a hula class, as it was always full, missing the chance to learn this beautiful dance.
Bachelor of Arts
Flagler College
At 27, after the birth of my son and facing challenges in my relationship with his father, I recognized the need to pursue a profession that would support my journey as a single mother.
By the age of 30, I made the decision to move to Florida and return to school to become a history teacher. This career path seemed ideal, allowing me to utilize my talents and knowledge, align my schedule with my son's, and retain the freedom to travel.
High School History Teacher
Saint Augustine, Florida
Atlanta, Georgia
I started teaching at age 32 and taught a total of 18 years (or so). I never felt the label of teacher suited me, but I was a good teacher and my students excelled. They still reach out to thank me for being untraditional and making them think. Positivity, a safe environment to learn and grow, and a knack for storytelling kept my students engaged.
I married once when I was 37 and we were together a total of eight years.
Travel/Volunteer
Cross Cultural Solutions
Africa
For my 40th birthday, I gifted myself a summer in Africa. My 13-year-old son and I spent three weeks volunteering in Boma N'Gombe, Tanzania, followed by two weeks of safaris and a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro.
We later met my now ex-husband in South Africa, where we enjoyed luxury safaris in Sabi-Sabi and experienced tented camping safaris in Botswana and Zambia.
Master of Public Administration
University of North Florida
I always knew that teaching wasn't my long-term path, so I pursued a Master's degree in the non-profit sector in management, envisioning it as a suitable next chapter in my life.
However, I have never utilized that degree.
Entrepreneur
Layers of a Woman, Activists Care
My first break from teaching arrived in the form of breaking from all of the conservative stereotypes associated with teaching, mainly holding my tongue and being neutral and hidden.
I created two t-shirt companies, one feminist and the other as a way to help activist's financially.
Activist's Care was a profit sharing company that placed funds into the hands of activists for their private use. Dorothy Pitmann Hughes was the most known of the activist's that I worked with.
Content Creator
Never a Roadmap
"Never a Roadmap" embodies the culmination of my entire life's journey, allowing me to weave my unique skills into a passion project that fully reflects who I am. It is an ongoing, dynamic, and creative extension of the woman I have become and continue to evolve into.
FEATURED IN
Places I've been fortunate enough to visit.
The world is so large and I feel I've barely scratched the surface. I believe I've been to 40 countries. The whole reason I started this new journey in my life is so I can visit more of the world. I can't wait to fill this map in. I hope to bump into you somewhere.
