As a native of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, I have grown up with a love of nature, the ocean, and outdoor activity.  I love to spend as much time as I can at the beach, hiking the local trails, and camping in the summer and winter!  As much as I love the outdoors, I also have a passion for art, music, and dance. After a ten month trip to Australia in 2004, I discovered a love for travelling and exploring new cultures.  I then travelled for five months throughout Europe in 2006 and 2007 covering over 14 countries.  With this new passion I decided to pursue a career in Tourism and study at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. As part of the completion of my degree, we must find summer co-op positions every year in the tourism industry that we feel will benefit us in our career path.  I chose to work at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse for my second co-op.  I love surrounding myself with budget minded travellers and have dreams of one day owning my own beach bungalow hostel. I am looking forward to a busy summer season at the Painted Turtle, in the place I call home.

"If you are looking for a bit of adventure, head to Wildplay Adventure Park to play in the trees, zip through the canyon, or even bungy jump off a bridge!  Also, I highly recommend going to Piper's Lagoon for incredible views of the mountains and islands along a marked out trail...you may even see seals swimming in the bay.  To unwind at the end of your day, check out the Longwood Brew Pub.  All the draught beers are made in their on-site micro brewery.  Drink large pints with the hockey game or a round of pool, and mingle with the locals."