LOCATION

Ren is a queer non-binary white settler who is passionate about climbing, teaching, and connecting with community at the crag. They believe in the power of affinity spaces and take joy in collaborating with local grassroots organizations to offer outdoor rock climbing courses that are accessible, supportive and welcoming. Ren is an ACMG Rock Guide based out of Canmore, AB on Treaty 7 territory.

Tiffany is a cis-gender woman, pan-sexual, hearing impaired (addressed by hearing aids), a white immigrant settler, and a mom to a 2 year old. She is personally and professionally passionate about Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Anti-racism, as well as climbing, personal growth, and social justice. Tiffany has been a competitive climber for 27 years, and works as life coach and a non-profit executive. Tiffany was born and raised on the lands of the Jagera peoples (colonially known as Brisbane, Australia), and now lives on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) Nations (colonially known as North Vancouver).

Cassie Ayoungman is a proud Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) climber from Siksika Nation, Alberta. As the founder of Soul of Miistaki, a non-profit organization, she shares her passion for exploring the sacred lands with her community through outdoor activities. In her work, Cassie inspires and empowers others to embrace the beauty of the outdoors, encouraging personal growth and connection.

CJ is a queer non-binary white settler working as a ACMG top rope climbing instructor on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. They’ve been climbing on and off over the last three decades and is always up for climbing 5.fun climbs. They see learning as an ongoing collaborative process and they strive to co-build learning environments that are consent based, fun, empowering, and trauma and violence informed.

Keenan is a queer, non-binary climber, artist, lover of dogs, and enjoyer of rocks of all type and size. They hope to help create and foster inclusive avenues into outdoor recreation that feel intentional, safe, and counter to present norms. Keenan is currently an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide and Route Setter. They view their work as an opportunity to share movement, and to problem solve collaboratively within community. Although they make a living putting plastic onto walls, large traditional climbing objectives are what light their soul ablaze the most.

Aarohi is a first generation Indian immigrant who believes in the importance of affinity spaces and representation in the outdoor spaces. This poem by Rupi Kaur perfectly encompasses Aarohi's philosophy: "Representation is vital otherwise the butterfly surrounded by a group of moths unable to see itself, will keep trying to become the moth”. Aarohi will Join the Rock and Rise team as a TRCI this summer.

Bridget grew up in New Zealand and started climbing while at university in the South Island of New Zealand. She moved to Canada in 2017, fell in love with Squamish granite climbing, and became an ACMG apprentice rock guide. Bridget currently lives in Waterton Lakes National Park where she works as a mountain rescue technician for Parks Canada. Bridget is thrilled to have an opportunity to come back to Squamish, enjoy the BC coast, and share the world of rock climbing with others through guiding and teaching.

Zoe is a Canadian competition climber turned outdoor rock climber. She is inspired to push the boundaries in the sport and empower others to find community and empowerment in the outdoors! With a decade of experience competing at an international level, she brings a passion and curiosity for “comp style” movement to outdoor climbing. She loves sharing this creative approach with others looking to push themselves indoors and outdoors.

Sara is a rock guide and ski guide based out of Canmore, AB. She spends her summers pursuing sport climbing, which has taken her all over North America and Europe. During the winter she works as a heli-ski guide at remote lodges in BC. Saras main focus is enjoying the mountains with the people she’s with, and the community she creates through these shared experiences. When teaching courses, Sara strives to create an open learning environment where people can speak freely, be themselves, and most importantly ­- be comfortable in their own skin.

Laurie-Ann was born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents and has been inching closer to mountains ever since. She’s known for her deep compassion for humans and building community. Laurie-Ann has worked in the indoor climbing industry for 10 years doing a bit of everything: training lead instructors, coaching high performance youth, and setting. She is beginning her long-awaited journey in outdoor guiding, hoping to break down barriers for folks to play outside.

Moira is an EMR ski patrolling on Mount Seymour and instructing wilderness first aid. When not working she can be found climbing, skiing, mountaineering, or curled up with her cat and a good book.