After 15 years in the Washington DC area, I moved to the Oregon coast 5 years ago. For most of the past 12 years I’ve been an independent (international agricultural development) consultant working part-time, which allowed me to easily move my home base and enjoy a flexible work/life balance. The move to Oregon has been a wonderful opportunity to explore interests outside of my professional life.  

The shift from suburbia to a lifestyle immersed in nature is a good balance to my analytical/knowledge-based work.  Raised on a farm, with a fairly close rural American extended family (West Coast based as well), I enjoy the focus and sense of accomplishment that come from hands-on projects and learning practical new skills; this summer I built a new home office. I can be a bit determined, even stubborn, when such interesting challenges arise.   

I enjoy travel and discovery, and have had the opportunity to visit a few dozen countries for work (many in Sub-Saharan Africa.) For all of the differences in culture and contexts out there, we have much more in common than we do differences.  I personally find growth and discovery through travel come from the differences, but finding common ground is more often the way in. 

The theological foundations of tawhid and fitra were pivotal for my conversion to Islam in 2000. I am still drawn towards ihsan/tassawuf for personal and spiritual development.

Even though it likely appears from the outside I’m quite independent or self-reliant, I’m actually quite old fashioned – gentlemanly courtesies (hold the patronizing, please) are always welcome.