Get To Know The
ASCEND Crew
Climbing Coaches
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Bri Stegman
Bri Stegman
Climbing YouthPronouns: She/her
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.
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Damu Gummadi
Damu Gummadi
Climbing Fitness Front Desk Personal Training - ClimbingPronouns: He/Him
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.
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Etai Dvora
Etai Dvora
Climbing Personal Training - ClimbingPronouns: He/him
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 -
Logan Baxter
Logan Baxter
Climbing Front Desk YouthPronouns: he/him
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!
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Marston Leff
Marston Leff
Climbing Corporate/Management YouthA 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] -
Nolan Warble
Nolan Warble
Climbing YouthPronouns: He/Him
Hi! Im a third year college student at Pitt. Climbing is my second hobby and i’ve been doing it for 6 years now.
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Scott
Scott
ClimbingPronouns: He/him
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.
Management Team
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Bill Criswell
Bill Criswell
Corporate/ManagementI am the Assistant General Manager at ASCEND Point Breeze. Have been with ASCEND for around 4 years and have been climbing for around 10 years.
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Cat Csernyik
Cat Csernyik
Corporate/ManagementPronouns: She/Her
Cat Csernyik is a climber and crafter based in Pittsburgh. She has been climbing for over 12 years and prefers getting outside whenever possible. Some of her favorite places she’s climbed include the Adirondack Mountains, Seneca Rocks, Vedauwoo, and Joshua Tree National Park. In addition to rock climbing, Cat also loves tons of other outdoor recreation activities including kayaking, backpacking, caving, snowboarding, ice climbing, stand up paddle boarding, and more!
Cat creates art and functional goods from retired climbing rope and other worn gear collected from friends and fellow climbers. She is always looking for inspiration and retired goodies. When she’s not climbing or crafting, she enjoys reading, traveling, camping, baking and spending time with her cat, Pumpkin. -
Chris Rosato Jr.
Chris Rosato Jr.
Corporate/ManagementPronouns: He/Him
Born and raised in Southern California, Chris Rosato Jr. fell in love with Northwestern Pennsylvania during his time at Edinboro University and decided to make it his home. His educational and professional experience includes marketing, public relations, live events operations, sports broadcasting and public address announcing (catch him periodically on the mic at an Erie SeaWolves game!). When he's not on a wall, he can usually be found taking in a baseball game, playing board games with friends, or volunteering as a high school sports official.
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Marston Leff
Marston Leff
Climbing Corporate/Management YouthA 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] -
Megan McGinnis
Megan McGinnis
Corporate/ManagementPronouns: she/her
Meg is a Pittsburgh native who loves photography, live music, crafts, cooking, home improvement projects, coffee shops, and spending time in her community. She lives in the Southside with her partner Drew and their two cats, Mabel & Ethel. Meg can often be found in the photo pit at concerts around the city, bouldering at ASCEND, or hanging out at her favorite coffee shop, Delanies (Southside, of course). She's excited to be part of the ASCEND team to help grow our community via social media and beyond!
Make sure you follow @meganmcginnisphoto to keep up with her photography work!
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Paul Guarino
Paul Guarino
Corporate/ManagementPaul began climbing in 2007 and was immediately hooked. An intense hobby fostered by being a gym rat, local clubs, adventurous trips, and close mentors ultimately led to a shared dream of opening ASCEND Climbing, as well as being a founding board member of SWPACC. Climbing continues to provide him with confidence, strength, countless friendships, and now his family’s livelihood. Paul also spends his free time running, practicing yoga, loving his quirky cats, and traveling to experience live music with his hilarious wife and fun-loving friends.
ASCEND Founder + Chief Communications Officer -
Sean Coyne
Sean Coyne
Corporate/ManagementPronouns: He/Him
Hi, my name is Sean and I am the Assistant General Manager of ASCEND South Side. I have been climbing since 2020 and joined the ASCEND community in 2023. When I'm not climbing I can usually be found running, biking, taking photos, or playing music.
Fitness Trainers
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Damu Gummadi
Damu Gummadi
Climbing Fitness Front Desk Personal Training - ClimbingPronouns: He/Him
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.
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Faith Burke
Faith Burke
Fitness Personal Training - Fitness Personal Training - ClimbingFaith 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!
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Rachael Riddell
Rachael Riddell
FitnessWith 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!
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Sawyer Sidelinger
Sawyer Sidelinger
FitnessPronouns: They/them
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!
Front Desk Crew
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Abby Hughes
Abby Hughes
Youth Front DeskPronouns: She/Her
Hi! I’m Abby. I work as a youth coach and front desk assistant at Ascend Point Breeze. I love to climb, backpack, run, bike, paddle…pretty much anything outside! If you see me at the gym feel free to say hi or come talk climbing with me!
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Adrian DiBiase
Adrian DiBiase
Front DeskPronouns: He/Him
Aye! I'm Adrian. I really enjoy music, lifting and flow arts. Avid climber and yogi too! I enjoy getting kind of good at stuff and then dropping that for another hobby.
Contact Information:
@drainbin on instagram! -
Alana Karras
Alana Karras
Front DeskPronouns: she/her
Either outdoors missing my cat or indoors with my cat missing the outdoors. Lover of all rocks, plastic and real ❤️
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Alyssa Laughner
Alyssa Laughner
Front DeskPronouns: she/her
Graduate student by day, your front desk worker by night. Ask me about my cats.
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Barnabas Vaughn
Barnabas Vaughn
Front DeskPronouns: he/him
Barnabas has worked in the outdoor industry for some time in a variety of ways. Barnabs enjoys climbing on rocks.
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Casey Litvin
Casey Litvin
Front DeskPronouns: She/her
I love all things outdoors and being active. I am an animal lover and usually, have an animal with me at all times.
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Clifton Loosier
Clifton Loosier
Yoga Front DeskPronouns: He/him
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.
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Connor Diaz
Connor Diaz
Front DeskPronouns: he/him
Connor graduated from Pitt with a degree in history & law in May of 2025. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, climbing, and cooking. His favorite climbing area is the Red River Gorge in Kentucky!
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Damu Gummadi
Damu Gummadi
Climbing Fitness Front Desk Personal Training - ClimbingPronouns: He/Him
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.
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Emma Kleckner
Emma Kleckner
Front DeskPronouns: she/her
Hi, my name is Emma and I am apart of the Front Desk Staff. I am very passionate about fitness and wellness, so I love being apart of the community here at ASCEND. I rowed crew the past four years at the University of Pittsburgh, and now that that is over, I am so excited to continue my climbing journey here 🙂
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Hayley Rhorer
Hayley Rhorer
Front DeskPronouns: they/them
Hello! My name is Hayley, I grew in Arizona and have been an avid lover of the outdoors my whole life. I started climbing my senior year of high school, mostly bouldering, but more recently I've been training my top roping and lead climbing skills! In addition to climbing, I love my job doing neuroscience research, reading, biking, and hanging out with friends (and my cats)!
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Logan Baxter
Logan Baxter
Climbing Front Desk YouthPronouns: he/him
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!
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Sarah Berry
Sarah Berry
Front DeskPronouns: she/her
Hi, I’m Sarah. I enjoy haunted houses, bouldering, stand-up comedy, hiking, reading, and yoga. Working at Ascend is so much fun because I get to meet people and talk about climbing stuff with them all day long. I’m from Boston originally but now live in Duquesne (near Kennywood) with my husband, dog, and cat.
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Sean Palmer
Sean Palmer
Front DeskPronouns: they/them
I am an educator, rock climbing enthusiast, and aspiring wizard. In my free time I love to read and eat good food.
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Shann Riley
Shann Riley
Front DeskPronouns: She/her
Your local outdoor enthusiasts. I love trad climbing, climbing photography, trail running, and taking my cat on all adventures! I also love ducks!
Ask me to show you photos of my cat 🐈⬛
Contact Information:
@ShannsEyeView on Instagram for my climbing photography -
William Savage
William Savage
Front Desk YouthPronouns: he/him/his
Hi- my name is William and I have been climbing since February 2023! When I'm not on the wall, I can usually be found improving my French or watching music videos with my friends. Find me at the desk if you want to chat!
Yoga Teachers
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Anna Wears
Anna Wears
YogaPronouns: She/her
Anna was exposed to yoga as a child and began practicing early in her high school career. She played various sports, using yoga as a way to balance athletics and academics. Yoga became a more prominent focus following her collegiate golf career when she completed the 200-hour yoga teacher training in Durham, North Carolina. Anna also completed a course in Transcendental Meditation in 2016. Currently, Anna is in her final year of a dual Masters degree in Social Work and Public Health at Pitt. She has worked as a yoga instructor at Ascend since May 2023.
Yoga is a grounding and enlightening experience for Anna. She feels it allows her to gain understanding of herself and her purpose, through asana, breathing exercises, and meditation. Anna wants to spread empowerment to others and encourage all students to reflect inward before reacting outward.
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Anthony Casciato
Anthony Casciato
YogaAnthony’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.
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Cass Stevens
Cass Stevens
YogaPronouns: She/her/they
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.
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Chelsea McQuaid
Chelsea McQuaid
YogaPronouns: She/her
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/chelseameditateshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chelsea.meditates
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DhqgyWBxn/
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Clifton Loosier
Clifton Loosier
Yoga Front DeskPronouns: He/him
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.
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Hannah Genovese
Hannah Genovese
YogaPronouns: she/her
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.
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Helena Jarosz
Helena Jarosz
YogaHelena has been climbing on and off for 6 years and practicing yoga for even longer. She completed her 200-hour teacher training at One Point One in Pittsburgh in 2023. Class with her will include slow flows and yin to bring awareness to the breath and body. As a climber, you can find her avoiding the slopey holds unless it’s top rope.
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Jessica Schaefer
Jessica Schaefer
YogaPronouns: she/her/hers
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
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Karla Bretz
Karla Bretz
YogaPronouns: She/her/hers
Karla received her 200-Hour Certification from Satya Yoga in Erie, PA in June 2013 and recently completed RAGE Yoga training in Spring 2024. She is currently working on her 300-hour training to become an E-RYT 500.
Karla has taught in many settings over the last decade including various mental health and drug & alcohol recovery organizations, in after school and summer camp settings for youth, as well as several fitness centers and studios.
Her guiding philosophy is that yoga is for everyBODY and she promotes an inclusive approach to coming to the mat. You do not have to be a skilled yogi to attend! Props to fine tune postures for optimal alignment and relaxation, a lot of humor (life is too serious already!), and fun/funky playlists are all a part of her classes.
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Katheryn Weeden
Katheryn Weeden
YogaPronouns: she/her
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
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Leart Doko
Leart Doko
YogaPronouns: he/him
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.
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Nadia Moore
Nadia Moore
YogaNadia 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.
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Taylor Solomon
Taylor Solomon
YogaTaylor 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 Joy
Timmy Joy
YogaPronouns: He/Him/His
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.
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Vahid Vahdat
Vahid Vahdat
YogaVahid 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.
Youth Coaches
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Abby Hughes
Abby Hughes
Youth Front DeskPronouns: She/Her
Hi! I’m Abby. I work as a youth coach and front desk assistant at Ascend Point Breeze. I love to climb, backpack, run, bike, paddle…pretty much anything outside! If you see me at the gym feel free to say hi or come talk climbing with me!
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Audrey Thompson
Audrey Thompson
YouthPronouns: she/her
I have been climbing for 3 years and now as a coach I love watching kids completely surpass my climbing abilities! Outside of climbing I skate with Steel City Roller Derby, love to knit, and spend too much time binge watching trashy tv.
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Brannon Edwards
Brannon Edwards
YouthPronouns: He/Him
Hey! I’m Brannon, a youth coach. I’ve been climbing since 2022 and enjoy every second I spend on the wall. I’m also a nationally ranked Laser Tag player!
Contact Information:
Instagram: Twink182 -
Bri Stegman
Bri Stegman
Climbing YouthPronouns: She/her
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.
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Logan Baxter
Logan Baxter
Climbing Front Desk YouthPronouns: he/him
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!
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Marilyn Creveling
Marilyn Creveling
YouthPronouns: She her
Marilyn has been climbing since she fell in love with the sport in college. With five years of coaching experience under her belt, she currently works with high school aged climbers and loves fostering the confidence they need to transition from guided learners to self-reliant climbers.
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Marston Leff
Marston Leff
Climbing Corporate/Management YouthA 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] -
Nolan Warble
Nolan Warble
Climbing YouthPronouns: He/Him
Hi! Im a third year college student at Pitt. Climbing is my second hobby and i’ve been doing it for 6 years now.
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William Savage
William Savage
Front Desk YouthPronouns: he/him/his
Hi- my name is William and I have been climbing since February 2023! When I'm not on the wall, I can usually be found improving my French or watching music videos with my friends. Find me at the desk if you want to chat!