View Content #25320

Teachers need to take care of themselves and set boundaries between their careers and personal lives so that they can be physically and mentally fresh to bring positive energy into their teaching. Here's how CASLS staff enjoy our time outside of work.

Julie Sykes, Director: "I love to travel and find new stomping grounds around Oregon and beyond. I especially like exploring great new eating spots. I am always on the hunt for local places with amazing flavors and a welcoming atmosphere."

Linda Forrest, Research Director: "I love to spend time researching genealogical questions (mine or other people’s). This involves lots of time searching online databases, analyzing spreadsheets of DNA data, investigating materials in libraries, or the very best thing, traveling to archives to actually hold original documents from long ago."

Li-Hsien Yang,  East Asia Programs Director: "I enjoy searching for new outing spots to hang out with my friends and family. I also love trying to cook different food and desserts."

Mandy Gettler, Associate Director: "I regularly practice yoga to help relax my mind, stretch my body, and ultimately maintain my sanity! I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking with my children, who are eight and three. We're so fortunate to live in Eugene, where there are many close outdoor spots to explore. I'm attaching a picture here of us at the top of Mt. Pisgah in Eugene."

Linda Ellis, Business and Financial Development Coordinator: "My husband and I have owned a new, used, and antiquarian bookstore since 1975. I enjoy researching the historical context and value of rare books. I also love to read and do the New York Time crossword puzzle, which gives me many an opportunity to provide a lap for my miniature golden doodle, another of my great enthusiasms."

Lindsay Marean, InterCom Editor: "I'm at my best when I get to spend plenty of time playing outside. I love boating local rivers, exploring the mountains and the coast, and running our local trails and special spots right here in Eugene."

Christopher Daradics, Language Technician: "I am at my best when my body and mind are in balance. To get them in sync I like to take photos, ride my bike, work on my house, and hang out with friends. Here’s a photo I took while riding my bike."

Stephanie Knight, Assistant Director: "For fun, I love spending time exploring the outdoors with my family. We all agree that hikes in the rain are the best hikes! I also love to play games that involve word puzzles and a lot of strategy. As such, escape games are my new favorite obsession. Finally, I love cultural festivals. I'm always on the hunt for a new one!"

Kim Larsen, Office Specialist: "Fun to me is laughing with my children. Time at the ocean. Making things. A hike in the forest. Paddling on a lake. Eating outside. Planting a garden. Exploring a new destination. And I find it's impossible to be unhappy while dancing or trampolining."