- All
- Front Desk
- Setter
- Instructor
- Guide
- Fitness
- Office
Filter Staff by Skill Set
You are Viewing the Staff
-
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!
-
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!
-
Team Head CoachLukas began his climbing journey 10 years ago at Edgeworks Tacoma and hasn't stopped since. Born in Gig Harbor, he spent most of his childhood hiking and exploring the outdoors with his dad and sister. Throughout high school he was a dedicated soccer player and track runner, but made the transition to rock climbing after medical conditions barred him from playing competitive team sports.
In 2016, he graduated from The University of Washington and subsequently spent five years in Japan as an elementary and middle school English teacher. Having climbed in various countries, he loves analyzing the differences and similarities of climbing routes/styles around the world. When Lukas isn't climbing, you can find him traveling, writing music, reading, or cracking dad jokes. He believes whole-heartedly that life is best spent outside of ones comfort zone, and pushing himself to climb harder assures he never gets too cozy.
-
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.
-
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 -
Karina Baldwin
FitnessYoga InstructorKarina has her Masters in Sport & Performance Psychology from Florida State University, a Top 4 program in the field. She spent 2 years there working with collegiate athletes followed by 3 years working as a civilian contractor with the US Army. She spent over 200 hours studying yoga and the benefits of it on a daily practice.
In her time working with the Army she worked with over 800 soldiers in group and individual trainings to assist them in becoming the best possible soldier they could be. She realized combining yoga with Mental Performance Coaching–because, yes, they flow together perfectly. And since she couldn’t easily convince soldiers to practice their downward dog and tell them how much a hike on Mount Rainier would calm them down, she left the US Army and has been teaching yoga and working with private Mental Performance Coaching clients since 2021. She has worked with over 30 one on one clients over the years, hosted 10 Adventure + Yoga retreats, and taught hundreds of yoga classes.
Certifications / Qualifications:
200 Certified Yoga Teacher
Mental Performance Coach
MS Sport & Performance Psychology
-
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 -
Peter Broback
GuideAlpine + Ski Guide
Peter grew up in Washington and started going to the mountains with his family as a child. He's spent the last 15+ years climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout Washington, the West coast, and done numerous personal trips to Canada, France, Switzerland, Japan and Thailand. Peter is an AMGA Certified Ski Guide, Alpine Guide, Apprentice Rock Guide, and is diligently pursuing IFMGA certification. He is also a Wilderness First Responder and an AIARE Avalanche Instructor. When Peter is not working in the mountains, you can often find him in the mountains, preferably on skis. Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Ski Guide
AMGA Alpine Guide
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
Wilderness First Responder
AIARE Instructor
Leave No Trace Trainer -
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 -
Nate Clark
OfficeYouth Programs DirectorNate grew up in Connecticut, but didn't discover climbing until 25, when he was a grad student at UC Santa Cruz. He quickly fell in love with the problem solving and physicality of climbing, and when he and his wife moved to Washington in 2014, he started working in the gym a few months later.
Besides climbing, he loves dogs, cycling, backpacking, and cooking for friends and family.
-
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 -
Front Desk, InstructorTyler has been climbing for 9 years, he grew up in Las Vegas and spent many days out in Red Rock Canyon. Tyler loves to climb easy traditional routes in the Cascades, Canada, and the Tetons. When he isn’t climbing he volunteers for Tacoma Mountain Rescue and the National Park service EMS program.
-
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!
-
Front Desk, Youth Program InstructorDylan had a rather unconventional upbringing. At the age of 6, his family decided to sell everything and move from their home town of Bethlehem, Connecticut all the way down to Costa Rica. After living there for 5 years they realized they could take it a step farther and set off to travel with only what they could carry on their backs. Since then Dylan has visited a total of 22 countries around the world. With more to follow!
It wasn't until 2018 that Dylan was thrown into the world of rock climbing during trip to Thailand. With almost no instruction he was tied in and sent up on a top rope. He quickly became addicted and spent countless hours climbing and learning as much as possible online and through new friends. While mostly self taught, Dylan has accrued a wealth of climbing knowledge over the last five years. Don't hesitate to come chat with him about it or about his traveling addiction.
Hablas español? Ven a saludar. Dylan le encantaría la práctica!
-
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.
-
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.
-
Stephen Hymer
Route SetterRoute SetterStephen is a 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.
-
Michelle Johnson
InstructorYouth Programs ManagerAlthough 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.
-
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!
-
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
-
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 -
Mikayla Kusuda
OfficeAssistant Operations ManagerMikayla started climbing back in 2013 at her local climbing gym. She met some friends who showed her the ropes and quickly fell in love with the community and culture. She found that nothing brings her a greater sense of gratitude for her body than climbing and loves the quiet it brings to her busy mind.
When Mikayla moved to North Carolina in 2016, she began working for the local rock climbing gym-Triangle Rock Club. Here she found a new passion that combined her love of climbing with community building. When Mikayla moved back to Washington she was stoked to find another incredible company in Edgeworks to continue working! She leads a regular Women's Climb Night which promotes and fosters a safe, welcoming space for women and other underserved communities in the gym.
When she's not climbing, you can find Mikayla hiking, reading, or cooking. She loves food so any restaurant recommendations will be met with a big smile. Fun fact, she also used to skydive so if you ever want to scare her with your knowledge from this staff bio page, that's the way to do it!
-
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.
-
Nic Mancuso
InstructorClimbing School Instructor Nic Loves climbing. But more importantly Nic loves helping his students step out of their comfort zone, helping them to reveal the best version of themselves in their personal climbing journey.Growing up in the Northeast, Nic grew up with a with a fascination with the West Coast, particularly the Pacific Northwest and the North Cascades. Prior to his time at Edgeworks, Nic has worked as a backcountry guide in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Joshua Tree, and the Southwest of Arizona.
Nic is a Wilderness First Responder as well as trained at the Technician Level as a Mountain Rescue high angle rope technician. In his free time he volunteers for Tacoma Mountain Rescue and working on his Alpine climbing resume to work on his Alpine Guide Certifications to become a Alpine Guide!
Certifications / Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder
-
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
-
Apprentice Rock Guide
Carl is a Washington native who began climbing when he was in high school. His passion for climbing has guided all of his most important decisions in life and he has worked as a climbing instructor in various forms for more than 10 years. He considers it a great privilege to share the joy and self-discovery climbing brings with those he has the opportunity to teach.
He is a certified Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Rock Guide, actively engaged in the process of becoming a Certified Rock Guide. As a well-rounded climber, Carl is equally comfortable on steep sport pitches, technical gear-protected cracks, massive alpine routes, water ice, and ski mountaineering missions. He loves experiencing different types of terrain and dialing in systems to excel in each discipline.
Certifications / Qualifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
Wilderness First Responder -
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 DeskClimbing School InstructorNate 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.
-
Craig Muderlak
GuideAlpine 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 Alpine Guide
AMGA Rock Guide
Wilderness First Responder
AIARE Avalanche Course Instructor
-
Hailey Olafson
FitnessYoga InstructorHailey started practicing yoga in 2018 and quickly knew she wanted to deepen her practice. She completed her RYT 200 training and began teaching in a studio by the end of that same year. She believes in the power of continuous learning and embodies the idea that the best teachers are, first and foremost, students themselves. She focuses her continued education training in expanding her knowledge in the philosophy and roots of this ancient practice as well as increasing accessibility through training in trauma informed language, breathwork, modifications, and activism.
Hailey strives to create an empowering and accessible space for all students to connect with their breath, body, and community. Her classes are thoughtfully designed, offering intentional, well-rounded sequences that cultivate a strong, sustainable practice and encourage students to face challenges with grace, balance, and patience. Beyond the mat, she finds joy in climbing, Pilates, ultimate frisbee, gardening, camping, and cold plunging in the Puget Sound.
Certifications / Qualifications:
RYT-200 -
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.
-
Bree Rowe
InstructorClimbing School InstructorBorn and raised in PNW, Bree has always had an appreciation for being in the mountains and near the ocean. She started climbing in college with her rugby teammates and fell in love with it! She spent many weekends and afternoons out at Vantage while getting her Masters in Human Physiology from CWU. Since then, Bree has spent time climbing around the northwest and in Nevada. She now spends time climbing locally with her dog, Buddy, who has 8 years of crag dog life under his belt.
Bree has a passion for outdoor sports (hiking, paddle boarding, skiing, etc.) and helping people enjoy themselves no matter their fitness level. When she’s not pursuing one of these outdoor endeavors, you can find her working as a tactical strength and conditioning coach. She loves helping people find their potential and gain the self confidence to explore!
-
Maryanne Saechao
OfficeRetail CoordinatorShe was born and raised in Seattle Washington, She loves to be outdoors on hiking trips or climbing trips. when she is not outdoors she loves to read books and hangout with her son.
She also loves to spend time with friends and family. She has done climbing routes in Yosemite National Park and Joshua Tree.
-
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”.
-
Chelsea Sommer
SetterHead Route SetterRaised in Indiana, Chelsea did not grow up around rock climbing. It wasn’t until they visited The Element, a local gear shop by the college they attended, that she was introduced to the sport & routesetting. Years later in Austin, TX, she was offered the opportunity as a routesetting apprentice at Austin Bouldering Project. Christine Deyo, was their mentor, and solidified that they wanted to pursue routesetting as a career. She has made a point to work in the competitive routesetting world, by traveling the country for USAC competitions, locals, & climbing events specific to women & nonbinary folks. Last year they were a part of Siege the South East, an event hosted by women & nonbinary setters. That event changed their trajectory & pushed them towards pursuing more mentorship opportunities through Bolt & Revolt. She has spent most of her logged climbing hours indoors, so she is excited about exploring all the outdoor opportunities in the PNW. Away from the gym they hang out with their dogs, arts hard, enjoys gardening, & exploring the local area. This will be her first Tacoma winter & she would greatly appreciate some advice on how to survive it.
Certifications:
USAC Level 2 Route Setter -
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.
-
Andrew Thaller
SetterAssistant Head Route SetterFor a competition route setter I consider my early education with climbing pretty old school. I began climbing to find a career I would not hate 10 years down the line. I wanted to be a mountain guide on Everest and I somehow ended up route setting.I continue route set because I enjoy being creative and I am very grateful to have a career in this industry. Building a perfect route or boulder takes skill and trust in your team to see out your vision. We have a great team. If you see me around the gym I’m always down to chat new sets, beta and cool climbing areas!
Certifications / Qualifications:
USAC Level 2 Route Setter -
Front Desk, Climbing School InstructorEmily is a Washington native and grew up hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors. At age 13 she climbed outside for the first time at Mount Erie and continued to climb there in the summers. Once moving to Tacoma for school, she discovered indoor climbing at gyms and began instructing at Edgeworks. She has worked as a camp counselor, backpacking guide, and now climbing instructor and guide, her love for teaching growing. She has climbed all over Washington and other areas around the US. Emily has a love for all outdoor roped climbing, but especially multipitch.
Emily recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with degrees in Environmental Studies and Spanish. She has completed her AMGA SPI course and is working towards taking the exam to become SPI certified this Spring.
-
Evan Van Orsow
SetterRoute RemovalEvan has lived in the PNW his whole life, where he became obsessed with nature and the outdoors.
He started climbing in 2021, when he spontaneously got an Edgeworks membership after he accidentally showed up to work a few hours early and needed something to do in the area. Never having been good at sports, he instantly fell in love with the mental aspect of bouldering, as well as the social side of working together with others to figure out a project. Before long, he developed a passion for climbing, along with a strong attachment to the Edgeworks community.
Outside of Edgeworks, you can find him biking around 5 mile drive, thru-hiking sections of the PCT, or playing guitar with a cup of coffee.
-
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
