Where are you from? Geneva, NY, USA. Ask me about how awesome the Finger Lakes Region is!
What’s your favourite colour? Blue
What’s your favourite movie? Dam Nation, Dawn Wall, Valley Uprising, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
How long have you been climbing for? Since 2014
How did you first get into climbing? There was this guy I was dating in my first year of uni who introduced me to it, and we’d go to the climbing wall together at our university’s fitness center. Our relationship didn’t really end up blossoming… but my love for rock climbing certainly did!
What is your proudest climbing accomplishment? I’m pretty stoked to have climbed in Joshua Tree National Park, which is basically the less-serious, playground version of Yosemite in the United States. Nothing beats the view across the desert at the top of a climb.
Where have you climbed outdoors? I’ve top-roped outdoors in Joshua Tree National Park in California, Moss Island in New York, and in a couple of state parks in Iowa. I recently went on my first Australian outdoor climb at White Rocks/Wickserslack in Queanbeyan. I’ve also bouldered in Pinnacles National Park in California and near Sisters, Oregon.
Do you coach for CIRC? I coach the Gecko Squad at South Rocks in Hume.
What are your personal climbing goals? I hope to someday climb the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. I’ve got a lot of gear to save up for and buy between now and then…
Who is your favorite athlete who inspires you? For a uni course I read Lyn Hill’s memoir Climbing Free, and she’s been my hero ever since. I feel that women are often underestimated in rock climbing, and even more so if they happen to be short women. Lyn is both female and tiny, and she became one of the best rock climbers in the world. She shows that being tall doesn’t automatically make you better at climbing, and she kept up with and exceeded the best of the men. I also love following climbers Alex Honnold and Sasha Diguilian and their ever-growing list of accomplishments and records.
What are your other hobbies/interests besides climbing? I enjoy creative writing, blogging, and cooking with my husband, Alex. I’ve recently taken up brewing kombucha (fermented tea).
What advice do you have for newbies who are just trying climbing for the first time? Don’t worry about what the other more experienced climbers at the gym are thinking of you. Chances are if they’re thinking anything about you at all, it’s cheering you on as you tackle your first climbs. The climbing community is generally super laid-back and supportive. We’re all just stoked to see you trying something new and having fun.
What’s the best part of your job at CIRC? I really enjoy helping newbies conquer their first climbs and watching their eyes light up. I have a great time coaching the newer members of the Gecko Squad for this same reason.
