Category: Membership

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Meet the Mazamas

Kristie grew up staring at Mt. Saint Helens from her living room window and has been living around the Northwest long enough to remember its eruption in May 1980. Since then, she has skied and climbed several of the Northwest volcanoes and loves to suffer by running ultramarathons around mountains. 

When Kristie is not outside, she can be found working as a Nurse Practitioner in a small clinic in Hood River, practicing the piano, or having fun in the bouldering gym. She recently became an empty nester after sending two kids off to college, and is enjoying having more time on her hands to pursue more wilderness medicine teaching and adventure, including, Intermediate Climbing School (ICS, which she is currently taking) and volunteering for the Mazama first aid committee and the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP). 

Name:  Kristie Mitchell

Pronouns:  She/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2018

Present-day outdoor activities:  I spend most of my spring/summers trail runni

ng, mountaineering or mountain biking.  My winters I spend Nordic and backcountry skiing with some downhill skiing thrown in. I hope to incorporate some rock climbing post-Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) once the weather improves!

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I remember my first day skiing like it was yesterday. I was 6 years old and enrolled in Powder Hounds ski school at Timberline. It was cold, and I fell a lot.  I remember being very frustrated until after lunch and hot chocolate.  Then parts of it became more fun. It obviously stuck!

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard of the Mazamas through a friend. I was looking to climb Mountain Hood again (initially I climbed it with Timberline Mountain Guides) and wanted to connect with more people to climb with.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared to be humbled. There is a lot that can go wrong, and being prepared (and in good fitness) is the key to enjoyment. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I love long days on the trails or climbing routes, particularly when it involves mountains and views and multiple terrains. I especially love being in the present moment and in awe of nature. That to me is the most inspiring. I am inspired by people who are passionate about the outdoors and generous with sharing. 

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one.  It’s hard for me to pick just one. I guess I really like the Sharp End podcast because of the interviewing style, and I learn a lot. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list?  So many things. Definitely exploring Patagonia. There’s a race down there called the Patagonia Expedition Race where a team of four covers over 500 km by mountaineering, kayaking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking, all without electronic navigation on a course that is revealed 24 hours before the start time. That to me would be the ultimate adventure.  If anyone wants to form a team with me let me know 🙂 

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Since joining the Mazamas 11 years ago, Matt has dedicated more than 6,000 volunteer hours to the organization. He’s chaired the climb committee, spearheaded the Mountain LEAD certification program, launched the AIARE Pilot Program and developed new programming like the Introduction to Alpine, Multipitch Skill Builder and Traditional Gear and Anchor Rigging courses.

For his efforts, Matt has earned the Terry Becker Leadership Award and the Parker Cup. Professionally, Matt has founded and grown multiple small businesses and consulted as a technical strategist. Read more about Matt and other board candidates.

Name: Matthew Sundling

Pronouns: He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2011

Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering and alpine climbing, rock climbing, car camping, hiking, occasional skiing.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? As a curious four-year-old exploring the woods behind my parents’ house, I used my National Audubon Society “Field Guide to the Southwestern States” to seek out creatures. I never did find any creatures from that book— I was located in upstate New York.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? In 2010, I learned about the Mazamas from a friend—now a longtime climbing partner. Our friendship strengthened over a shared love for adventure, but our lack of education often led us into challenging situations. Recognizing the need for skills, he completed BCEP and ICS. Then, one day, he told me I couldn’t join him on some mountaineering adventures because he couldn’t teach me all the important skills I needed. He urged me to enroll in ICS, and I applied immediately, officially becoming part of the Mazamas community.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Besides encouraging individuals to pursue the proper mentorship, education, and training needed to safely recreate and be self-sufficient while adventuring outdoors…

I encourage everyone to discover their unique adventure. We all differ in how we engage with the outdoors, bringing our entire selves with us. Embrace the unique connection with adventure, honoring what inspires, thrills, and fulfills you. The world is vast and full of wonder. Find your adventure—whether a calm stroll or tackling remote peaks—on your terms. Don’t let others dictate how you should enjoy the outdoors. Forget social media, peer pressure, or unnecessary expectations. Engage in a way that suits you and feeds your soul.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? The moment when someone accomplishes a significant feat and the realization dawns on them. Whether it’s summiting a challenging mountain, leading their first pitch, excelling in teaching, or conquering a personal challenge, you can sense the achievement. You know it when you see it; it’s remarkable to witness.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My most recent favorite book is The Unexpected Universe by Loren Eiseley. His meticulous choice of words imparts thoughtfulness, wonder, and gravity to every sentence in his essays. Eiseley’s writing is inspiring and shows a love and connection to the natural world like few others.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Visit Antarctica and the southernmost tip of Cape Horn. Climb the Daubenhorn via ferrata in Leukerbad, Switzerland. Walk the Camino de Santiago. Spend a few months rock climbing all over Thailand. Climb the Matterhorn.

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Chris has served on the Mazama Board since last year and as the board liaison to the Lodge, he has helped shape future plans for that facility, conducting risk assessments, hosting strategy sessions, surveying members, playing an integral role in lodge host training and volunteer operations and representing the Mazamas on the Mt. Hood Climbing Permit Working Group. 

When not volunteering, skiing or hiking, Chris continues to help organizations in hospitality, leisure and sports and recreation strategize and launch their sustainability initiatives.  Read more about Chris and other board candidates.  

Name:  Chris Jaworski

Pronouns:  He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2015

Present-day outdoor activities: Backcountry skiing, XC skiing, kayaking, hiking, sailing, long-distance walks

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Ice skating/pick up hockey on anything frozen – lakes, ponds, streams, culverts and learning to ski (and dodging the hay bales at the bottom of the runs) at Little Switzerland in Wisconsin.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? A colleague of my brother was a Mazama and talked about the climbing program. If I recall, he had completed the leadership program after Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) and invited me and my brother to climb Mt. Hood, which was my first climb.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Just do it:) and learn to be safe so you can experience the deep, rich aspects of being out there, unplugged.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Being in service to others. Particularly helping during times of crisis. With my background in hospitality – food and beverage – I’m trying to figure out how to go on assignment with World Central Kitchen to provide really good food for those around the world in situational, desperate need. I’m inspired by people that seek solutions in the most trying of circumstances.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? My favorite book is A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson. I have never laughed so hard by myself. I also enjoyed reading it before the movie came out. If you hike, you will find yourself laughing out loud so be prepared to answer to others if it disturbs the peace:) If you like podcasts checkout Michael Gervais’ Funding Mastery. The breadth of people he interviews is fascinating. Numerous climbers like Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, Chris McNamara, Lynn Hill, Tommy Caldwell…

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Kilimanjaro. Not the most technical, but it’s Africa!

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Joining the Mazamas has been transformative for Debbie, and she treasures the education she’s received, the friends she’s made and the myriad volunteer opportunities she’s embraced within the organization. 

She’s a Mountain LEAD certified educator and a climb leader who has co-led the queer BCEP team the past two years as an ally with her husband, Kirk. For the past decade, she has worked as a licensed psychologist serving adolescents and young adults. Prior to that she worked in accounting and finance for 20 years. Read more about Debbie and other Mazama Board candidates.

Name:  Debbie Dwelle

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2015

Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, amateur nature photography (mostly wildflowers)

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Camping with my parents and making campfires with my dad. I’m still mesmerized by a good campfire!

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I heard about the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) through a friend. I had done some backpacking and had summited Mt. St. Helens in the summer (not a 10/10 experience…). I knew I didn’t have the technical skills to do more than that and was interested in learning more, so I applied. My BCEP experience opened up a whole new world for me, including an introduction to technical climbing skills as well as meeting an entire new community of amazing people. The other volunteers, sense of community, teaching opportunities, and being present when others reach their goals are what’s kept me engaged and active in the organization for the past several years.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Learn how to do things safely from others who have trusted experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let others try to tell you what you “should” do. Explore new things on your own terms, discover what sparks joy, and do more of that! 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am most inspired by strong female role models. I appreciate humans who don’t accept limitations put on them by others and instead forge their own path, whatever that looks like!

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. It’s tough to pick just one! I’d say my favorite social media platform is Instagram. I have a wide range of interests, so I appreciate that I can quickly get information/updates on a variety of topic areas in one place, including climbing, soccer, nature photography, mental health, advocacy, music, humor, etc. I’ve been able to curate my feed such that it [mostly] sparks joy. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! As far as mountaineering goals, I have Mt. Rainier and Mt. Olympus currently on my bucket list. I also generally want to do more alpine rock climbs. I’ve spent the past several months recovering from injury, so I’m just excited to get back outside for more adventuring!


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Meet the Mazamas

Lily grew up in Northeast Portland and enjoyed cross country skiing and playing sports as a kid. In her adult life, she has continued to engage in those activities as much as possible by coaching girls lacrosse.  

She  completed our Basic Climbing Education Program last year and has summited Mount Hood, Unicorn Peak and South Sister. She assisted with a BCEP team in 2023, intends to assist again in 2024 and also is serving on the BCEP committee, which is gearing up for its info night on Jan. 11.

Name:  Lily Cox-Skall

Pronouns:  she/ her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities:  Mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, running, cross country skiing

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Going cross country skiing with my parents as a kid – I used to hate it! Lol

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with theorganization? A few of my friends had taken BCEP and posted about it on social media, prompting my interest!

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Partaking in outdoor skill training can give you so much more confidence in the outdoors. Before I took BCEP, I felt like I had to rely on others to be knowledgeable about navigating outdoor scenarios. Since learning technical skills, I feel comfortable organizing and leading day trips and backpacking trips that I may not have in the past, and it’s given me the opportunity to get more of my friends and family outdoors with me!

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Since joining the Mazamas and BCEP in particular, I have been so fortunate to meet so many amazing and inspiring people. In particular, one of my BCEP team leads, Ann Marie, inspired me so much throughout the course and beyond. On top of a million other commitments, Ann Marie volunteers to help students learn new outdoor skills, and she is so patient that it made it a lot easier to get through the intimidation of doing new and scary things. When it comes to badass mountaineering women who inspire me, I definitely hold her on the top of my list :).

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I recently finished the book Bravey by Alexi Pappas! It is a really inspiring memoir that inspires me when it comes to setting goals and accomplishing them.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I want to go climb the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala!

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Meet the Mazamas

Kaitlyn launched right into climbing and skiing after moving to Oregon in 2017. She took the Mazama Advanced Rock course earlier this year and quickly jumped into volunteering for the organization. She is now serving on the AR committee, helping folks hone their climbing skills and encouraging others interested in learning to lead trad climbs to apply for AR 2024.

Name: Kaitlyn Beecroft Sweeney

Pronouns: She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, and building mountain bike trails in Tillamook.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My family used to go camping in West Texas when I was around 8 or 9. I remember riding bikes with my sister around a lake.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard about the Mazamas from a co-worker, and later after I started climbing I wanted to take a course that covered high angle rescue. The Advanced Rock course really drew me in and I have enjoyed meeting and learning from many great people since becoming involved.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I would encourage them to keep it as light as they want and have fun. At the end of the day it’s all about doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy spending time with. Sometimes that’s a big multi-day adventure and other times it’s a short day hike.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one. My family and friends inspire me.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I’ve been following competition climbing since the Olympics. It’s cool to see how much it has grown. Always impressed with the route setters and athletes.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! If I had to pick one, I’d love to go to Indian Creek.

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Meet the Mazamas

Trixie relocated on a whim to Portland in 2011 when her husband’s company laid him off. They started their own business, Trixie & Milo When not running a company, Trixie enjoys traveling, backpacking and getting outdoors to explore and challenge herself.  

She loves adventure, laughs, bringing people together, creative problem solving, Thai food and volunteering on her favorite mountain, Mount Saint Helens. 

Name:  Trixie Honeywell

Pronouns:  She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities:  Hiking, backpacking, trail running/speed hiking, mushroom foraging, volunteer climbing steward on Mount Saint Helens, and hula-hooping on top of mountain summits.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? When I was 9 years old; climbing trees, and exploring Brookside Gardens (a park near my house in the Maryland/DC Metro area). I remember taking off on my bike after school, and meeting up with friends and siblings at the park. We would adventure out and try to carve out new trails and forts in the woods before we had to be back for dinner. Fireflies would start appearing at dusk and that was our cue to race back home. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  In 2019, I became obsessed with climbing Mount Hood after flying over it. I Googled “Can people climb Mount Hood,” and was blown away by the gnarly images of the pearly gates and quickly knew I had to climb it. I had already tackled Mt. St. Helens, and was interested in something more technical. I had no luck finding anyone to tackle Hood with me, then a friend suggested that I join a group like the Mazamas. After looking into it, I considered taking BCEP in 2020. After Covid I was finally able to join BCEP in 2022. I’ve enjoyed the amazing group of instructors, volunteers and peers, and to this day, we have kept in touch, hiking together regularly. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Do it!  Don’t be afraid to ask questions; from simple things like, “Do you know what to pack for a day hike,” to “How do you go to the bathroom in the woods?” No question is too silly. We have these experiences to share and learn from each other. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Mountains always get my endorphins going! Even when I doubt myself, and think that I’m not good (or skilled) enough to make it – something always happens during the challenge, and when I finally reach the summit, I am literally, and figuratively, on top of the world! Summiting always gives me a great sense of accomplishment. 

 What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Anything to do with volcanoes!  My latest obsession is anything to do with the Mount Saint Helens eruption.

 What’s on your adventure bucket list? Pico de Orizaba. I love to travel. I’m planning on traveling to Mexico in the near future and climbing this amazing volcano. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Truth first joined the Mazamas in 1990, went through our Basic Climbing Education Program, and took Mazama Nordic Ski classes. In the ’90s, she climbed mountains, helped out with BCEP, and skied a lot with us. She pressed pause and raised a family, remaining active in swimming, running, and taking fitness classes. She returned to the organization a couple of years ago and has become a hike leader. Professionally, she works as a mediator.

Name:  Truth Johnston

Pronouns:  She/They

Year Joined Mazamas: 1990 and 2021

Present-day outdoor activities:  Rock and alpine climbing, hiking, Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, biking, Mt. St. Helen’s Institute (Climbing, Hiking and Ape Cave Steward and Ambassador), snorkeling, pickleball, rafting, kayaking, gardening, and DIY house projects.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I lived in Colorado until 4th grade, and my grandpa called me his little mountain climber.  I remember climbing on sandstones, one called Alligator Rock near my Aunt Truth and Uncle Andy’s mountain cabins.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  I met someone at work and another at church who were Mazamas when I first moved to the Northwest.  The co-worker, Joe Whittington, lead, Mazama David Nelson, others from work and I up to the top of Mt. Hood in 1990.  Felt like I was on top of the world.  Shortly after, my husband and I took BCEP and Mazama Nordic ski classes.  Years later after my kids were raised, I went on a private climb with Joe Whittington and I knew I had to get back to the Mountains with the Mazamas.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? There are many groups that focus on the outdoors, but Mazamas stands out to me because of our emphasis on education and safety.  There is something so special about valuing all ages and skill levels on climbing teams.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one.  I like seeing a team come together to meet a big challenge.  This synergy meets the challenge and turns it into a great story.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why?  I am a big fan of the Great Courses (audio or video college-like recorded classes).  My favorite subjects are space, science, music, personal communication, linguistic, and history.   And the subject list continues to grow.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I really don’t have a bucket list.  It seems new things come up for me to try.  And when I do try them, they become new loves.  The most recent is multi-pitch climbing.

My two non-outdoor passions are mediating (resolving conflicts) and participating in Braver Angels (bridging political divides).

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Meet the Mazamas

Brian grew up in the Midwest and Florida before moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2015, where he fell in love with the outdoors by hiking in the Olympic Mountains and skiing at Crystal Mountain. After moving to Portland in 2019, he began spending more time rock climbing outside and decided to take BCEP in 2022 and ICS in 2022-2023.

Name: Brian Hague

Pronouns: He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering, climbing, hiking, backpacking, skiing, biking, running

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My earliest outdoor memory was learning to ski at Snow Trails in Mansfield, OH. Night skiing is somewhat of a Midwest pastime, and learning to ski on a seemingly huge 300-foot hill was a core childhood memory. Getting to stay up past my bedtime and fall asleep on the drive home was definitely part of the fun as well. It was really cool to rediscover skiing years later after moving to the Pacific Northwest.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?: I was doing a lot of rock climbing after moving to Portland in 2019, and I wanted to get more into mountaineering after summiting Mt. St. Helens a couple years prior. I heard about the Mazamas and the Basic Climbing Education Program through some folks in the Portland Climbers of Color community. I decided to apply for BCEP, and that opened my eyes to the whole world of what was possible in the mountains. I was really grateful to have a tight-knit BCEP group and an amazing climb leader (Pushkar Dixit) who encouraged us to keep climbing after BCEP. After that, I went straight into ICS, where my interests started to gravitate towards backcountry skiing and trad climbing.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Education is such an important tool in the mountains, and I encourage everyone to keep learning and diversify where they learn from. BCEP and ICS were so amazing because we learned a variety of skills from a variety of people. I’ve also discovered a lot of great techniques from books and other climbers/guides. I also recommend finding people you enjoy climbing with and cultivating those relationships. While many memorable moments happen during climbs, I’ve found that just as many happen while talking on the drive up or chilling at camp.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? The diverse backgrounds and skills of everyone I’ve met in the Mazamas are the most inspiring. It’s so cool to see people enjoying the outdoors and utilizing the skills they learned to accomplish some pretty incredible feats. I also get a lot of inspiration from professional climbing athletes and how they overcome physical and mental obstacles. Examples include Nina Williams’s highball ascent of Ambrosia in Bishop, CA and Alex Honnold’s HURT (Honnold Ultimate Red Rock Traverse) in Red Rocks, NV.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? For All Mankind is one of my favorite TV shows as of late. It’s an alternate history sci-fi drama where the global space race of the 1960s never ended. The plot is incredible and the writing does a great job at commenting on social, political, and technological issues.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Oh so many things. I love the history and lore surrounding the classic routes, so those are always on my mind. Epinephrine and the West Ridges of Prusik Peak and Pigeon Spire are some examples of bucket-list climbs. Ski tours of Baker, Rainier, and Crater Lake are high on my list. I also find traverses very interesting due to the adventure aspect and logistics involved in linking multiple peaks. The Forbidden Tour, Ptarmigan Traverse, Tatoosh Traverse, Three Sisters Traverse, Spearhead Traverse, and a Pasayten Wilderness peak bagging traverse would all be lovely to do.

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Meet the Mazamas

Kate, who most recently served as the Mazamas Advanced Rock Committee co-chair, is a former Chicagoan and lover of all things rock climbing and snacking. She loves to climb long multi-pitch routes, with thin hand cracks, run out slab, and techy foot work. She says she never climbs without a full snack pack on her harness. When not climbing and/or volunteering for the Mazamas, Kate works as a physical therapist and mom to 3-month-old Remy.

Name:  Kate Scanlan

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2017

Present-day outdoor activities: rock climbing, skiing, surfing, and hiking with our newborn

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in the Midwest and always loved when there was enough snow to dig out igloos as a kid. Snow days were the best! 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  I moved to Portland in 2016, and my coworker told me about her Basic Climbing Education Program experience. I was already a sport climber but I was curious about climbing the mountains I could see from my new home here in Portland. I took BCEP in 2017 and it’s how I made my first friends in Portland. It turned out I didn’t like long slogs on snow all that much so the next year I took Advanced Rock. The people I’ve climbed with through AR and the trips I’ve taken thanks to those skills have been some of the most rewarding moments of my life.  I joined the AR committee after I finished AR because I wanted to see more women and diversity in the class, and I’ve been a member ever since. I love the community, and I love getting to contribute to positive change in the Mazamas and the climbing community at large. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?  If you’re new to an activity don’t be afraid to ask for help. We were all new at one time or another. Just because you’re inexperienced doesn’t mean you don’t belong. And if you’re experienced don’t forget where you came from. We all have mentors that helped us get where we are, so pay it forward when you can. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one.  Right now my biggest inspiration is moms who climb and climbing families. As a new mom, I’m working out how to maintain my identity as a climber while welcoming this role as a mother. There are pro climbers like Emily Harrington that show one way to adventure with a baby that’s certainly inspiring, but she has a climbing nanny and climbing is her job so it’s not entirely attainable for an average climber like me. The parents I see at the crag with their little ones are my biggest inspiration and give me hope for melding these two great joys in my life.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why?  The Little Prince has always been a manifesto of sorts to me. It reminds me of what is truly important when it’s so easy to get caught up in our consumer-driven, fast-paced lives. I read it when I want to reconnect to the best version of myself.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Soooo many things! My big climbing goal that really inspires me is Fine Jade in Castle Valley, UT. Desert towers are so iconic and striking. They’re my favorite adventure days. Non-climbing related, I dream of kayaking in the arctic with narwhals.  And in the future I really hope to share a rope with my son, Remy.