Get To Know The

I’m Bri and I have been a youth coach at Ascend for approximately four years! I was born and raised in Rhode Island but I have been calling Pittsburgh home since 2018. When I am not coaching at Ascend, I can be found teaching music during the day at an elementary school. I enjoying traveling and going to see live music.

I'm Craig, one of the climbing guides/instructors at ASCEND. I've been climbing for 15 years and been here at ASCEND for 3 now. I love getting outdoors and especially enjoy trad climbing at the Gunks. Most recently I have taken up top rope soloing at some local crags with my wife and 2-year old. My passion for instructing comes from the joy of watching others grow in their climbing knowledge and skills. When I'm not climbing I enjoy trail running, backpacking, paddling, playing board games, and drinking coffee on the porch.

As a lifelong athlete, Damu's journey has evolved from competitive karate and swimming to powerlifting, and ultimately, to his passion for climbing. He is a versatile climber who is as comfortable on a traditional rock face as he is competing on plastic. Damu leverages this well-rounded background to design personalized training that translates functional strength into real climbing performance.

I've been into climbing for over 10 years now, been working at Ascend as a coach since 2018 and have loved bringing newer climbers into the fold! Climbing at the gym a couple times a week is great, but I really love getting on real rock whenever I can. New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks are a couple of my favorite crags! Outside of climbing, I like to paint landscapes, bake sweets, play board games, and develop video games (a little bit of everything!).

Contact Information:
@etaimyshoe on instagram

I have been climbing since 2020 and started teaching the top rope class in 2024.

Hello, I am Justin, I've been climbing here since around October 2022 and started working here June 2025. I am an Eagle Scout from Troop 73. I have many hobbies from Scouting like backpacking, snowshoeing, kayaking, I can go on. I found out about Ascend from my Scoutmaster and now I can't stop climbing. After about 2.5 years of climbing here, I finally applied for coaching summer camp which led to me coaching the A-Team and later getting into assistant-setting and then front desk staff. I mostly like bouldering, but I just started lead climbing and really like that too.

Contact Information:
@rage_basically is my Instagram

Hi I'm Logan and I love inspiring a love of climbing in new climbers! I've been climbing since I was two years old and I've been hooked ever since!

A Pittsburgh native, Marston discovered his passion for climbing over 20 years ago at The Climbing Wall. Now serving as Director of Youth Coaching and Climbing, he has spent the past five years leading the youth department, coaching the competitive team, and supporting both youth and adult instructors at all ASCEND facilities. Marston believes that sport is one of life's greatest teachers, instilling the values of discipline, perseverance, and growth that extend far beyond the wall. That philosophy helps to drive everything about the way he approaches coaching. He believes in creating an environment where climbers of all levels can challenge themselves, push their own boundaries, and learn the value of hard focused effort. When not helping others find their love of climbing, you can often find Marston out on a climbing trip of his own!

Contact Information:
[email protected]

Hi! Im a third year college student at Pitt. Climbing is my second hobby and i’ve been doing it for 6 years now.

I'm Scott, and I'm an instructor and outdoor lead guide for Ascend. I started climbing in 2010, learned to sport climb in 2011, learned to trad climb in 2017, and earned my AMGA SPI guiding certification in 2024. Climbing is one of my favorite things and I love sharing it with others! My favorite pizza toppings are pineapple and jalapenos and I used to be afraid of heights.

Outdoor enthusiast by day, climbing instructor at night, and adventure seeker every chance I get—I've scaled the heights of all of the Adirondack’s 46 high peaks. Dabbled with ice climbing in Vermont’s Green Mountains. And hit summits in others states like Colorado and Arizona. My style of climbing is now more mountaineering focused with Washington State being my favorite playground. Washington’s Mt. Rainier has beaten me down on more than one occasion, though I did reach the 14,410 foot summit in 2018. My current Cascade Range nemesis is Mount Adams; with hard work and perseverance the plan is to summit this 12,000 footer in a couple of months. When I’m not trying to ascend a mountain, I’m typically focused on other outdoor endurance events like long distance cycling, hiking and kayaking.

I have been a Climbing Instructor at Ascend Erie since the facility opened. I have also become a licensed New York State Guide, as well as a Registered Maine Guide in the last two years. When Ascend Erie opened, I realized how much I enjoy teaching others and sharing knowledge. The best part is watching new climbers embrace their own climbing journey and develop their own skills, that progress is priceless.

As a lifelong athlete, Damu's journey has evolved from competitive karate and swimming to powerlifting, and ultimately, to his passion for climbing. He is a versatile climber who is as comfortable on a traditional rock face as he is competing on plastic. Damu leverages this well-rounded background to design personalized training that translates functional strength into real climbing performance.

Hi, I’m Fabiola, a yoga teacher and personal trainer dedicated to facilitating practices of curiosity, joy, and self-investigation through movement and meditation.

Contact Information:
Instagram: @fffromwithin

Faith has a decade in the fitness and climbing industry, working across the country as a climbing instructor, climbing guide, personal trainer, and nutritionist. Their evidence-based and individualized approach will help you reach your goals!

With over a decade of coaching experience in strength training, conditioning and mobility, I really enjoy working with folks to help them achieve their fitness goals. My classes are challenging yet supportive and I love a good playlist!

Sawyer is an upbeat well rounded fitness instructor. They encourage hard work, but look to create an inclusive space for folks of all levels of fitness. Sawyer’s class aims to leave you smiling and sweaty!

Outdoor enthusiast by day, climbing instructor at night, and adventure seeker every chance I get—I've scaled the heights of all of the Adirondack’s 46 high peaks. Dabbled with ice climbing in Vermont’s Green Mountains. And hit summits in others states like Colorado and Arizona. My style of climbing is now more mountaineering focused with Washington State being my favorite playground. Washington’s Mt. Rainier has beaten me down on more than one occasion, though I did reach the 14,410 foot summit in 2018. My current Cascade Range nemesis is Mount Adams; with hard work and perseverance the plan is to summit this 12,000 footer in a couple of months. When I’m not trying to ascend a mountain, I’m typically focused on other outdoor endurance events like long distance cycling, hiking and kayaking.

I have been a Climbing Instructor at Ascend Erie since the facility opened. I have also become a licensed New York State Guide, as well as a Registered Maine Guide in the last two years. When Ascend Erie opened, I realized how much I enjoy teaching others and sharing knowledge. The best part is watching new climbers embrace their own climbing journey and develop their own skills, that progress is priceless.

Anna was introduced to yoga at a young age and started practicing regularly in high school. She played various sports and used yoga to balance athletics and academics. After leaving college athletics in 2017, Anna completed the 200-hour yoga teacher training at Blue Point Yoga Studio in Durham, NC.

Yoga provides Anna with a grounding and enlightening experience. She believes it helps her understand herself and her purpose through asana, breathing exercises, and meditation. Anna hopes to inspire others and encourage all students to reflect inward before reacting outward.

Anthony’s approach to yoga remains focused on finding stillness within each breath and moving our body in ways to celebrate it! While practicing with Anthony you can expect creative Vinyasa style flow of breath and movement, thus learning to deepen the connection between the strength of your body and mind.

Cassandra found yoga in 2011, as a way to cope with external stressors of life and the inner workings of the mind. Her classes are a blend of movement and meditation. You can expect themes of focusing inward, exploring a variety of breath practices and sequences designed with intention to cultivate a sense of gratitude towards the body. Her mission as an instructor is to help others build a yoga practice that is much deeper than the physical, encouraging students to explore and use curiosity to find presence and awareness amidst movement.

Chelsea McQuaid has been a certified yoga teacher since 2013. Her 200 and 300-hour certifications were based in an Integral-inspired Hatha practice and she has gone on to do additional training in meditation, mindfulness, pranayama, and kids yoga.

Her classes are intended to promote increased awareness of the mind-body connection for an overall sense of wellness on and off the mat.

Contact Information:
https://www.instagram.com/chelseameditates

https://www.tiktok.com/@chelsea.meditates

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DhqgyWBxn/

My name is Clifton and I’ve been an acrobat in Pittsburgh since 2017. I love to add my own silly flair to my practice and I love to teach others and watch them succeed. In addition to lifting people in the air, I also love to juggle and take photos.

Hi, I’m Fabiola, a yoga teacher and personal trainer dedicated to facilitating practices of curiosity, joy, and self-investigation through movement and meditation.

Contact Information:
Instagram: @fffromwithin

I was introduced to acro through a yoga class I took in college. When I moved to Pittsburgh, I found the Pittsburgh Acro Facebook group, showed up to a jam at Schenley Plaza, and I have been hooked ever since. I love acro because it's a uniquely fulfilling activity that combines problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and just messing around with your friends.

Helena completed her 200 hour YTT at One Point One in Pittsburgh in 2023, and has been consistently climbing for the past 3 years. Her classes focus on yin and slow flows to bring awareness to the breath and body. Outside from yoga and climbing, she enjoys running, reading, and cooking.

Contact Information:
Insta: @helenaj777

Jessica has been practicing yoga since 2006, and received her 200-hour certification through One Point One Yoga in 2021. Her classes have roots in vinyasa, which simply stated, is linking poses together through breath. In Jessica’s classes, you can expect a focus on anatomy and mobility, with elements of breathwork, meditation, and yoga philosophy sprinkled in. She is concurrently working towards her 500-hour certification and an 800-hour yoga therapy certification with One Point One Yoga. Jessica looks forward to sharing the strength, power, and confidence yoga has given her with everyone who walks into her class.

Jessica Schaefer, ERYT-200, Yoga Therapist in Residence

Karla has been teaching in the Erie, PA and surrounding communities since 2013 after completing Yoga Teacher Training with Satya Yoga. Since then, she has completed various trainings and certificates, including restorative yoga, meditation, and more recently, RAGE Yoga. She is currently working on her 300-hour training to become an E-RYT 500.

Karla additionally holds a Masters in Humanistic Psychology, and has taught yoga in many settings including various mental health and drug & alcohol organizations, school-based programs, and summer camp settings for youth. She has also taught at several fitness centers and yoga studios throughout the years. Presently, she teaches at Ascend Erie and at a local corporation in downtown Erie.

Her guiding philosophy is that yoga is for EVERYBODY and she promotes an inclusive approach to coming to the mat. She brings fun/funky and lo-fi music playlists as well as a lot of humor to her classes (normal adult life is too serious, after all!)

I was first introduced to Acro in the summer of 2018 after a friend I was climbing with spontaneously invited me to a class and I've been hooked ever since! I fell in love with the ability to be silly and playful while doing something physically demanding alongside some really cool people. I take a pretty relaxed approach to Acro, but I still enjoy pushing myself to try new things. Often you'll find me working on F2H, fun flows, and learning how to base! While I don't climb anymore, I also love slacklining and fire spinning!

Instagram: @throughthekinks

After trying a number of different physical activities/sports, Leart fell in love with yoga in the winter of 2019. Something about the act of combining breath and movement, offered a revelation in clearing the mind and strengthening the body. In Leart's classes expect to be met with fun challenges, options for different experiences, and mindful support for your yoga journey.

Nadia has always been passionate about movement. She has a background in coaching gymnastics and in teaching acrobatics and yoga. She currently teaches Inversion class on the 4th Wednesday of every month. In her class, you can expect a playful, interactive environment which includes drills to build strength and awareness for being upside-down. Outside of ASCEND, Nadia is a home health nurse and finds fulfillment in helping patients navigate their healthcare. Nadia also loves to spend time with her friends, boyfriend and pets.

I completed my 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification in July of 2023. I am also trauma yoga certified and have been facilitating groups since April of 2023. Outside the yoga studio, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband and our dog.

Taylor started her yoga journey in college while just taking it as a course credit.
She’s been practicing 7 years and was inspired by her first teacher, pgh yoga community teachers, and other students to gain her certification while working on the end of her Masters degree at Chatham University.
Off the mat, Taylor spends time working as a therapist, exploring new places, and learning more on how to achieve her goal of becoming a Integrative Yoga Therapist.
You can find Taylor at Ascend Point Breeze on Tuesday nights and in Southside on Thursday nights for some restful Restorative yoga

Timmy was born and raised in the Pittsburgh region and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout his youth, Timmy trained in various forms of dance, including ballet, jazz, and acrobatics, and it was during his years as a dancer that he was first introduced to yoga as a compliment to his training. Though his involvement in dance grew to an end, Timmy continued to crave movement that combined flexibility, balance, muscle coordination, and a sense of grace – movement he is grateful to have found on his yoga mat. Timmy has offered classes at Ascend and around the city of Pittsburgh since early 2021, and in 2023 he was named an Ambassador of Yoga for Lululemon.

Vahid is an engineer and dedicated Acro teacher with over nine years of experience. Since discovering Acro in 2013, he has performed with groups such as ThaCrowBats and the Pittsburgh Circus Arts Collaborative at venues throughout Pittsburgh. His teaching emphasizes playfulness, strength, flexibility, and communication, fostering both skill development and a strong sense of community.