All Posts

6 months into my role as Interpretive Program Manager with California State Parks, Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopened to the public. After the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020 burned 90% of the park, it remained closed for 2 years. I’d only visited the park three times. I was still learning the trails. The man came in fast. His voice was loud before he was close. He was pointing, accusing me, the department, and the silence where park facilities and amenities used to be

How did I get here? Honestly, I don't know. That's the Talking Heads lyric stuck in my head when I started writing this. In many ways, I feel like I’m living that moment in my life right now. I’ve arrived. 14 years of marriage, 3 kids, beautiful house in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but did I earn it? Was it a result of my privilege? Did I make it myself? What I do know: I’ve spent my whole life performing success for other people and it almost killed me. Wildward Institute is w