• AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
• AMGA Certified Rock Guide
• AMGA Certified Ski Guide
• IFMGA Certified Guide
• AIARE Level I Avalanche Instructor
• AIARE Level I, II, III Avalanche Trained
• Leave No Trace Master Educator
• Wilderness First Responder
• AAI Professionally Trained Mountain Guide

Basics

I've been guiding for 7 years. I came to the AAI after 3 years of directing mountaineering courses and staff trainings for Outward Bound. I hold a degree in English and French from Evergreen State College, and have a classroom teaching background. I blame my fluency in French for being occasionally incomprehensible.

Personal Geography

I grew up in Oregon, where I wandered the Cascades in search of mountain adventures. I began to drift north, and being halted at the border, I settled in Bellingham.

Proudest Climbing Achievement

I climbed a new route on Courtney Peak in the North Cascades in 2008. The unclimbed 1,200 ft. north face was a grand adventure; it was all the better because I shared it with a good friend.

Proudest Personal Achievement

I created a recipe for a wicked blackberry lavender pie.

Guiding Geography

I guide in the North Cascades, Alaska, Red Rock, the Sierra, and the Alps. My favorite trips are in Washington's savage North Cascades. I enjoy these trips for the solitude, the beauty, and the challenge I find there.

Climbing Philosophy

I climb routes that inspire me, with people who inspire me.

Favorite Climbing Destination

My favorite place to climb for recreation is anywhere I haven't been yet; I enjoy discovering new mountains.

Favorite Style of Climbing

I prefer mixed alpine climbs, classic and aesthetic routes like the Frendo Spur on the Aiguille du Midi and the North Ridge of Mt. Stuart.

Hobbies and Interests

I am an amateur country songwriter. I have written a couple of novels, but never published anything. I am a master nacho chef--try my tater-tot nachos sometime.

Inspirations

Gaston Rebuffat exemplifies my love for the mountains and my relationship to guiding and alpinism.

Forest on the East Ridge of Inspiration Peak, North Cascades, WA.