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Truc Allen
OfficeBuyerTruc started climbing 31 years ago and started climbing at EW when it was SG back in 2008. Whenever he's asked the question about what he loves about climbing, he likes to think that he loves the process, or a specific list of climbs, but it's the places it takes him that always truly comes to mind. When Trus isn't climbing, he's either surfing, spending time with the family, working on his photography, or doing a variety of different backcountry and mountain things.
When he first started climbing, his fear of heights was pretty intense. But over the decades, while the fear is still there, he sees it as a pretty big part of what makes the experience (would it be boring if it wasn't scary/exciting?). Focusing on breathing, believing in himself (no matter how much he may be lying to himself) and understanding/trusting the the gear he uses helps too. Truc's favorite place to climb in all of the world would be his home country of Vietnam, with a pretty close second in Fontainebleau, FR. As far as favorite sending snacks? Salami, tin can fish, or good old fashioned trail mix!
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Cameron Anderson
Front DeskFront Desk Shift LeaderCameron was born and raised in Tacoma, this is where he fell in love with being outside in the Pacific Northwest. He first discovered climbing when a good friend forced him to come climb at Seattle Boulder Project in 2017 and became addicted.
When Cameron is not in the gym or the outdoors you may find him out and about taking pictures and hanging out at the local coffee shops. If you ever want to chat about climbing, hiking, coffee, or photography come say hey!
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Kohle Andrews
InstructorYouth InstructorKohle’s first introduction to climbing was at the Black Light Bouldering Competition when he was a young kid. He was entranced by the climber’s movements and how they were solving a puzzle with their bodies on the walls. Encouraged by his interest, his mom signed him up for club climbers program, and after a few years, Kohle joined the climbing team.
Climbing has given Kohle a sense of identity, a place that he feels he belongs to, and a community of people that support him. As Kohle transitions from a youth competitor, to a collegiate and finally adult competitor, he would like to coach and mentor future climbers, giving them the gift of climbing that has been so special to him.
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Alex Avanto
FitnessPersonal TrainerAlex is a graduate of Western Washington University with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Sport and Exercise Psychology. In addition to her years of training experience, she holds multiple certifications as a personal trainer, sports performance specialist, and yoga instructor (200 RYT).
She works with those who want to become stronger while fostering a healthy relationship to their body; specializing in individualized strength training programs, promoting consistency in the gym, and building self-confidence. By taking into consideration both mental and physical health, she educates her clients on how to achieve their fitness goals, feel motivated, and stay consistent. Alex regularly tracks her clients’ progress and discusses the “why” behind each workout. This makes her clients feel confident in continuing their own goals far into the future. If you’re looking to see results in your strength training, increase your motivation, boost your mood, navigate gym anxiety, and learn how to lift with an encouraging, non-judgmental trainer, then Alex is the best trainer for you.
In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, walking through nature, doing yoga, journaling, painting, playing with her pups, strength training, and of course climbing!
Alex works with men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Personal Training - More Info -
Front Desk, InstructorCarolyn started her climbing journey in her home state of Virginia on outings through her university's rec program. It wasn't until after she moved to Washington that climbing really took root in her life. Carolyn prefers to climb on rope, usually on delicate/balancey routes and slab, and her favorite PNW climbing spots are Mazama, Mt. Erie, Leavenworth, and Vantage.
Climbing has been on the backburner for the last couple of years while she gets her physical therapy degree, but she is excited to rejoin the Edgeworks team and get back into climbing her favorite routes! Come tell her about your favorite new routes, and also your aches and pains - she needs the practice!
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Owner, General Manager, IFMGA Guide
Tod Bloxham was born and raised in Washington State, spending his adolescence exploring the mountains of the North Cascades. By the age of 18 Tod had logged well over 500 miles of North Cascades trails and backcountry and had hiked 2,700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, becoming the youngest solo through-hiker to travel the entire PCT from Canada to Mexico. As a climber, Tod has been climbing and skiing the backcountry since 1991, logging hundreds of ascents of rock, ice and ski routes in North America and abroad.Life in the outdoors and work must coexist for Tod; professionally, Tod has been guiding since 1999, is an IFMGA Mountain Guide, and as the owner of Edgeworks Climbing, Tod is either helping his beautiful wife show the wonders of the outdoors to their two girls, sharpening his skills on the alpine and trad climbs he pursues, or helping people discover that the outdoors and climbing can be a lifelong pursuit that is inspiring and invigorating.
Certifications / Qualifications:
IFMGA / AMGA Licensed Mountain Guide
AMGA Alpine Guide
AMGA Ski Guide
AMGA Rock Guide
AMGA Rock Instructor
Wilderness First Responder
AIARE L1/L2 Avalanche Course Leader
AIARE L3 Avalanche Forecaster -
Erica Chang
FitnessYoga InstructorErica has practiced yoga since 2010 and recently completed her 200 hour yoga teacher certification with Pamela Higley at Samdhana Karana Yoga. She has also completed the Yoga Behind Bars training and volunteers at Remann Hall, teaching yoga and meditation to youth.
With yoga, she has found a melding of the best things in her life: spirit, athleticism, sweat, breath, laughter, community, and rhythm. Her goal as an instructor is to offer a space to explore, allowing others to become curious about what they are capable of as they leave a little stronger, a little softer and a lot more balanced.
Erica Offers Private Yoga Instruction!
Private Yoga - More Info -
Mary Chen-Johnson
FitnessYoga InstructorMary's devotion to yoga rests in part on the giving nature of it. That is, the more yoga is practiced, the more gifts it bestows. Her focus is on yoga as a map to wellness: the physical practice of building strength, flexibility, and balance may also translate into a metaphor for everyday life. This is also her focus in teaching. She enjoys creativity in yoga sequences--sometimes incorporating dance elements that provide similar benefits--and a relaxed class atmosphere in which laughter is encouraged.
Practicing yoga since 2002 and undergoing teacher training through Integrative Yoga Therapy in 2006, Mary has been guided by teachers including Joseph Le Page, Lilian Le Page, Ellen Shaffer, and Joyce Anue and continues to attend additional training when she can. She is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance.
Certifications / Qualifications:
Yoga Teacher Training - Integrative Yoga Therapy, E-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hours, Unnata Aerial Yoga, Pranayama, Mudras, Pranic Healing, Therapeutic Applications of Yoga AsanasMary Offers Private Yoga Instruction!
Private Yoga - More Info -
Richard Cromwell
SetterRoute Setter
One of Edgeworks’ original route setters, Richard has been setting at Edgeworks since 2005. Richard starting climbing in 1994 in southern California at Joshua Tree National Park. As a Washington native, he will often travel for climbing as well as visiting sunny locales in the northwest; his favorite climbing area is Skaha in British Columbia. As a Level 1 USAC Route Setter he takes his experience of climbing from around the world to his routes; he may have an ape index of +4”, but he’s always thinking of the T-Rex climber in all of us.When Richard is not setting at Edgeworks or climbing, he works as a registered nurse at a local Intensive Care Unit, backcountry skis seven months out of the year, mountain bikes as well as competes in the occasional triathlon.
Certifications:
USAC Level 1 Route Setter -
Head Route SetterAlly was born in Washington state but grew up in Montana. She moved back to Washington in her teens and has been exploring the area ever since. Growing up in two states widely known for the great outdoor scene, Ally began hiking and backpacking at an early age. Her love of athleticism but lack of coordination with "ball sports" naturally drew her to climbing. She started climbing towards the end of her time as a career student at the University of Washington. After finishing up her degrees at UW she spent plenty of time building trails, removing invasive species, and protecting tortoises in the Mojave for a conservation corps.After taking a course at Edgeworks, Ally was instantly hooked on climbing and has made it her priority ever since. She enjoys bouldering, sport, and trad climbing equally and has her eyes set on more big wall sends in the future. Her favorite climbing areas outside of Washington include Squamish,The Grail, Red Rocks, and Moe's Valley. Outside of climbing, Ally enjoys biking, backpacking, and snow sports.
Certifications:
USAC Level 2 Route Setter -
Front Desk, InstructorMatt is a Tacoma native and has been climbing since 18, although he's been around the Edgeworks community for much longer. As a child-wrangler at the gym, he enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge of climbing with others and watching them grow as climbers.
When he's not in the gym, he can be found making art, making music, or doing research on the things he enjoys. Come up and say hi!
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Samitha Hendrickson
FitnessYoga InstructorI fell in love with climbing during my college years up in Bellingham, WA. I have been climbing off and on ever since that 1st day climbing outside over the water with friends. The best parts of climbing are not only the workout and fitness, but also getting to know others and building friendships. I enjoy sharing this hobby with friends and family and bringing a new experience to them.
When I am not climbing in the gym you can find me teaching yoga, painting, hiking, working with kids, and traveling. I love to be outside whether it is a walk to the water, running on trails, or rock climbing with friends. If you see me in the gym feel free to come on over and chat or climb with me. I love meeting new people at the gym! I hope to see you on the rock wall!
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Director of Climbing School + Guiding, IFMGA GuideKurt grew up in Oregon, started backpacking at age four, and began climbing when he was eight. Since then, he has climbed, skied, and guided throughout the Cascades, Alaska Range, Sierra, Rockies, and the mountains of New England, Canada, Norway, and the Alps. He loves exploring and putting up new routes the Cascades in all seasons.Kurt is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and has been guiding since 2003. He is an instructor for the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and has served on their Board of Directors. Kurt has also worked as a climbing ranger at Mount Rainier National Park. He founded the Washington Anchor Replacement Project, which replaces aging climbing hardware across the state. Kurt is the author of the climbing guidebook Snoqualmie Rock and a co-author of Backcountry Skiing: Washington.
Kurt loves helping people along their own paths in their outdoor adventures. Whether it’s sharing key beta, technical skills, or teaching his children how to ski, he loves seeing people expand their skill sets, gain self-confidence, and have fun in the outdoors.
Certifications / Qualifications:
IFMGA / AMGA Licensed Mountain Guide
AMGA Alpine Guide
AMGA Ski Guide
AMGA Rock Guide
Wilderness EMT
AIARE L1/L2 Avalanche Course Leader
AIARE L3 Avalanche Forecaster
Leave No Trace Master Educator -
Tim Ho
OfficeOperations ManagerTim grew up in Bellingham and took in as much of the outdoor adventures that he could get. From learning to snowboard on Mt. Baker to testing out sailing on Lake Whatcom and Bellingham Bay. His first taste of rock climbing came when he went to Washington State University and tested out the local crags and later found himself climbing on the west side of the mountains. After a time away from climbing, his friends convinced him to come to Edgeworks and renewed his passion for climbing.
When not climbing Tim can be found practicing Jiu Jitsu or playing games with friends.
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Christian Horton
OfficeFinance & HR ManagerOriginally from Massachusetts, Christian moved to Seattle in 1998 and has been climbing and skiing throughout the Northwest ever since. From ski descents of Mt. Rainier to long slab climbs in Darrington, he has always looked for new adventures and new places to explore. His favorite place to climb is Index.
Christian started at Stone Gardens back in 2001 and managed the Seattle gym for the last decade before moving into his current role. He remains committed to making the gym an open space where everyone from brand new to experienced climbers can have fun, challenge themselves and learn new skills.
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Riley Hume
SetterRoute SetterBorn in the scorching deserts of Arizona, Riley moved to Washington at the age of 3 and has reaked havoc over the Pacific Northwest ever since. He began climbing in 2013, when he was 14 years old and by the time he turned 15, the awkward little guy knew he had found his passion. Riley dreams of climbing every second of every day and relishes every moment he spends dangling above a crash pad.
Riley aspirations are to travel the world living out of a van, only stopping to eat, sleep, and climb. He climbs at the gym every time he gets a chance and he's always ready for a conversation, even if he seems a little closed off. You'll know him by the blue hair and the determination to finish a project.
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Stephen Hymer
Fore RunnerFore RunnerStephen is a recent graduate from the University of Puget Sound with BAs in Psychology and Communication studies. He was convinced by a former housemate to try out climbing one summer during a lull in Ultimate Frisbee and has not stopped climbing since. Though he enjoys bouldering, sport/lead climbing is his climbing discipline of choice, with his favorite types of route being those with presses and stems. His ultimate goal is to climb in J-tree or Smith, but his favorite routes he has climbed are at Millennium Wall in Vantage, as well as a 5.10d/11a in Leavenworth that has a fun little cavern. As a climber, he enjoys the community aspect of climbing and being able to learn from others while sharing a passion for the sport.
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Front Desk, Youth InstructorAlthough she grew up in Washington, Michelle didn’t start climbing until 2013 after being dragged to Edgeworks by a friend and just never stopped. Her favorite thing about climbing is just that, climbing! You won’t find her chasing grades, just fun. Michelle has a passion for big sport and if she’s not at the gym she’s probably trying to get some hours exercising her pilots license flying at a local airport. She also has a passion for working with youth so most of the time you’ll find her working youth programs or her full time job teaching high school science.
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Sam Johnson
OfficeSocial Media Manager + Content CreatorSam grew up in Dana Point where he spent most of his free time surfing the California cost. This is what first drew him towards a love of the outdoors and eventually content creation surrounding athletics! He eventually would attend Gonzaga University where he studied Broadcasting/Integrated Media and fell in love with the incredible outdoor activities the Northwest has to offer, the top of that list being climbing!
Although he is only adapt at top rope, bouldering, and minimal lead climbing; he is beyond excited to learn all aspects of the sport right here at Edgeworks, while also documenting stories to share with the incredible Tacoma community! When Sam is not climbing, he can be found hiking, snow boarding, paddle boarding, and filming/editing passion projects. His most recent short film competed in the Gig Harbor film festival and told the story of a Spokane ski shaper who was allegedly robbed of his stamp on history. Head over to our social channels to see what Sam is cooken up!
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Climbing School Manager, Apprentice Rock Guide
Jayden grew up in southern California before finding the Pacific Northwest and falling in love with the mountains. She started instructing for Edgeworks in 2016 and guiding in 2018. Her passion for guiding comes from the joy of seeing people push out of their comfort zone and explore.Jayden is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and an Apprentice Rock Guide. When she is not guiding, climbing, or surfing, she works at Edgeworks Tacoma as the Climbing School Manager. Stop by the gym and say hi!
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
Wilderness First Responder
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Heidi Krotzer
FitnessYoga InstructorHeidi received a 500 hour certifications at Pacific Yoga Teacher Training and is well-versed in alignment-based vinyasa, pranayama, philosophy, anatomy and Sanskrit. She never stops learning and continues her education with her mentors as often as humanly possible.
Heidi's classes focus on understanding the "why" of yoga. She believes that "effort for effort's sake" isn't necessary to find comfort and ease in a posture, once we know how to get there. Learning functional movement, while maintaining the integrity of the asana is the key to growth on the yoga mat. Learning to adapt and change the patterning in the body is the key to healing from past or current injuries to the mind, body and spirit. It is pretty common to find laughter and student engagement in her classes--how else do we learn?
Certifications / Qualifications:
E-RYT500, YACEPHeidi Offers Private Yoga Instruction!
Private Yoga - More Info -
Ashten Linkhart
InstructorSingle Pitch Instructor
Ashten grew up snowboarding, fishing and camping in Northern Michigan. He moved to Tacoma in 2011 where he began hiking in the Cascades with a camera in hand as a way to escape the city. After visiting Camp Muir in 2014 he started doing more serious hikes and found himself on the top of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier shortly thereafter. He joined Edgeworks to learn the skills necessary to climb more technical peaks. Before working in the outdoor industry, Ashten worked in the aerospace industry for 8 1/2 years.Ashten enjoys trad climbing, photography, snowboarding and riding his bike. In 2020, he did a solo and unsupported bike ride around Mt. Rainier National Park in 11 hours. Spending his winters snowboarding on Mt. Hood, Ashten spends the rest of the year crack climbing and trying to get on top of Washington's alpine classics.
Find his photography portfolio here www.ashtenlinkhart.com
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AIARE Level I
Wilderness First Aid
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Abbie Madlem
OfficeDirector of OperationsAbbie was raised in the Puget Sound, where she was instilled with a love of the outdoors. She spent her days backpacking, snowshoeing, kayaking - you name it. She first came into contact with climbing as a kid at the pinnacle in REI. It looked super high and super scary, but she got over that fast and once on the wall she didn't want to come back down.
When not climbing, Abbie can be found hiking, biking, crafting, finding new places to explore, or curled up on the couch with a good book.
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Cassandra Marohl
InstructorYouth Instructor, Climbing School InstructorCassandra began climbing during her time as a Student Ambassador with her local College Climbing Club. After a handful of day trips and some overnight alpine ascents, she began discovering a swelling sense of inner strength, empowerment, and freedom. Her passion for climbing was ignited. Cassandra began working as an instructor for Edgeworks in the fall of 2015 and plans to become a guide!You may have seen Cassandra climbing with her son from time to time, he often shouts down at other climbers, "wow look at me!" Cassandra's favorite aspect of teaching is being able to facilitate the joy and self growth that comes from climbing. She also loves trying new things! Cycling has been a channel for a special cause that hits close to home for her: The Courage Classic Bicycle tour fundraiser for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital abuse intervention center.
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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Patrick McCabe
FitnessPilates InstructorAfter taking his first session of Pilates Patrick could not leave the studio. He was hooked due to the fact that he had more range of motion and better control than ever before. In 2007 Patrick received his Pilates certification. In 2008 he received another certification from PhysicalMind institute, as a continuing education course.
Patrick tries to add function and every day connections to his classes. Whether he is referencing a route on the rock wall, or going into a lecture about the mechanics of running, you can use what you learn very quickly. His classes are open to all ability levels, and have each students abilities in mind. For a strong educational and moving experience, check out the Pilates class today.
Certifications / Qualifications:
Initiation 101 - Pilates PhysicalMind Institute
Group Ride Instructor - Body Training Systems -
Rebekah Mingus
FitnessStrength InstructorRebekah was born and raised in Tacoma. She married her high school sweetheart and they are currently staying busy adventuring with their 3 children. On week days you can find her teaching cycle, step and circuit classes. On the weekend look for her out hiking on the trails, kayaking on the water and camping in the forest. In her spare time she enjoys reading, rock climbing, archery, eating good food and weight lifting.
Rebekah has 17 years experience teaching group fitness and has national certifications through AFAA as a Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Fitness Trainer. She has endorsements for 11 different fitness class types and is a Level 1 4H archery instructor. She holds a BA in Psychology and has completed extensive continuing education in wellness coaching, mindfulness and sports Psychology.
Certifications / Qualifications:
AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer -
Nate Moore
Front DeskRetail CoordinatorNate was born and raised local to Tacoma, spending his younger years living with acres of forest to explore which is where he found his sense of adventure. As he got older Nate's love of the outdoors and all things living did nothing but grow, bringing him into the world of outdoor recreation through backpacking, mountain biking, and even scuba diving.
Nate's climbing experience, while limited, is growing quickly as he's learning new skills and spending time on the wall nearly everyday. When he's not in the gym, he spends his time exploring the mountains, the oceans, and photographing the living things he finds along the way.
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Craig Muderlak
GuideAssistant Alpine Guide
Craig has worked in the outdoor industry for over 20 years. Beginning as a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) instructor where he accrued over 100 weeks in the field, Craig is passionate about helping others foster deep and meaningful connections to wilderness. From a 40 day canoe expedition in Australia to climbing unnamed peaks in Alaska, Craig's penchant for adventure has taken him to some unique places. He is a recipient of the American Alpine Club, Copp-Dash Inspire Award and the Gore-tex Shipton-Tilman grant for his expedition to the remote Neacola Range of Alaska where he established multiple first-ascents, traveling on handmade wooden skis and pack-rafting 70 miles to the ocean.Throughout his guiding career, Craig has continued to merge his artistic and outdoor passions. In 2017, Craig assisted a paraplegic climber ascend El Capitan, and produced an award winning film telling the story. Craig is also a proud father, runs a small art business (www.muderlakart.com) and regularly carries art supplies into the mountains.
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Rock Guide
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
Wilderness First Responder
AIARE Avalanche Course Instructor
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Apprentice Ski Guide 
Lyra enjoyed her first view of the mountains on long hikes in the Sierra Nevada, perched atop the shoulders of the tuba player from the Tahoe Summer Music Festival—back when she was still lighter than a tuba. In college, a year studying geology in the French Alps is what steered her toward a career in mountain guiding. Lyra has guided expeditions to several of the Seven Summits, including Denali, Mount Elbrus, and Aconcagua, as well as steep rock climbs in Yosemite Valley, alpine routes in the North Cascades, long rock climbs in the desert southwest, and athletic ascents in the High Sierra.
In addition to guiding, Lyra has applied her skill set to industry and education. She has worked in technical field support for scientists in Antarctica, and as a member of the Joint Antarctic Search and Rescue Team. She has worked as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, teaching mountaineering skills to high school girls as part of the Inspiring Girls Expeditions program, a non-profit field science education program.
On rest days, Lyra works as a freelance writer and Review Editor for OutdoorGearLab. When not traveling and climbing, Lyra lives on a farm on an island in the Puget Sound, her favorite home base for her annual migration patterns, where ocean sports and good food help her stay healthy and balanced.
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Rock Guide
AMGA Assistant Alpine Guide
AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide
AIARE Avalanche Course Leader
AIARE Pro 2 Avalanche Forecaster
Wilderness First Responder
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Lyra Offers Personal Training!
Personal Training - More Info -
Hannah Roberts
FitnessYoga InstructorHannah is yoga teacher, adventurer, healthcare worker, believer in holistic health and lover of food!
Cultivating health and wellness has always been at the forefront of her professional and personal endeavors. She started her yoga journey over ten years ago and began to integrate the relationship between body, mind and breath. It became a space to release, build strength both mentally and physically, build character, and has provided an overall sense of empowerment. She believes that everyone should experience these things through movement. To Hannah, yoga is medicine!
After yoga healed her physically from a sports injury, it started her on a journey that she is truly grateful for and gave her a whole new appreciation for the human body and how it sustains us day to day. Through her practice, she became a RYT-200, is certified in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and is currently in the process of becoming a Therapeutic Specialist through Yoga Medicine (RYT-500). In her classes she enjoys holding space for individuals in all paths of life to help them connect to their body and to find joy in doing so.
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Michelle Scheele
OfficeMarketing DirectorMichelle has been involved with Edgeworks since the spark and the dream planted itself in Tod’s mind while on their honeymoon in New Zealand in 2002. After spending 10+ years working in non-profit fundraising and adding two beautiful daughters to their family (Hailey and Kayla), Michelle officially joined the Edgeworks staff in 2013.
While you won’t often see her sending routes and pulling plastic in the gym, you will find her in yoga classes or belaying/chasing her kids up and around the wall. On weekends she can be found running around the North End, adventuring with Tod and the kids, skiing, or visiting family in Bellingham. Cooking, photography, and travel top her wish list of “hobbies”.
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Front Desk Supervisor, Climbing School InstructorRebecca joined our staff team shortly after moving here from Germany. Her love of the mountains, ocean and her husband Corey are just a few of the many reasons she chose the great Pacific Northwest.
She has been climbing since 2001 and has spent time enjoying the Alps and sport routes across Europe. Rebecca spent a couple years working at a climbing gym in Würzburg, Germany while finishing her Bachelor in Biology. When she’s not crushing rock climbs, you can find Rebecca in-line skating and hanging out with her friends.
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Sophia Terrill
InstructorYouth InstructorSophia started climbing at 9 when she tried out a wall at a event and has been training with the Team ever since. She has been on the national stage as part of the youth circuit for bouldering, sport and speed multiple times and has appeared at finals in local adult open competitions. Sophia's love for climbing ranges from relaxing in the outdoors on real rock to grinding in the gym and perfecting each aspect of her training including nutritional, mental, physiological. Being an older youth athlete now, she looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experiences with younger athletes to help them perfect their climbing experience.
Outside of physically climbing, Sophia loves to travel to new places, make new creations in the kitchen, and listen to podcasts, watch videos or read about training, nutrition, female physiology and climbing in general.
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Tino Villanueva
GuideIFMGA GuideTino is a Northwest native and calls the Cascade Mountain Range home. As an internationally certified IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide, he regularly splits time between Asia, Europe, Alaska, South America and Washington — climbing, skiing and leading high altitude expeditions worldwide. Tino enjoys all facets of climbing and is equally proficient on rock, snow, ice or skis, having accomplished first climbing ascents and ski descents in the Cascades, Alaska and the Himalaya. Aside from working as a Mountain Guide for nearly two decades, Tino works as a heli-ski guide, avalanche forecaster, and snow safety expert. Tino holds a degree in Human Physiology. He is a Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 3 Avalanche certified, and an AIARE Level 1 and 2 Course Leader.When not guiding clients, Tino scours the globe for unclimbed peaks and unskied lines to add to an ever-growing list of first climbing ascents and ski descents. He has been the recipient of climbing grant awards including the American Alpine Club's Cutting Edge Award, the Mugs Stump Award and the Copp-Dash Inspire Award. The multiple first ascents accomplished during these Himalayan expeditions have earned entries in the American Alpine Journal, as well as mentions in the Piolet d'Or's significant climbs. In 2020, Tino won the Piolet d’Or for the first ascent of the west face of Tengi Ragi Tau.
Certifications / Qualifications:
IFMGA / AMGA Licensed Mountain Guide
AMGA Alpine Guide
AMGA Ski Guide
AMGA Rock Guide
Wilderness First Responder
AIARE L1/L2 Avalanche Course Leader
AIARE L3 Avalanche Forecaster
Leave No Trace Trainer -
Director of Route Setting
Justin began his routesetting journey back in his home state of Massachusetts in 2008. Fast forward 14 years: His passion for climbing evolved into a career. He is a level 4 USAC certified routesetter that has developed routesetting teams across the country and set at high-level climbing competitions all over the US.His focus over the last few years has revolved around the professionalization of route setting and the creation of mentorship and education programs. He strives to constantly push the bounds of commercial and competition style routesetting to expose climbing communities to new styles of movement.
When Justin isn’t setting or climbing, you’ll find him behind the lens of a camera or kiteboarding in the wind.
Certifications / Qualifications:
USAC Level 4 Route Setter
