Leader Spotlight
Mountaineer of the Week: Kelsey Hoffman
Meet Kelsey, Seattle Branch Chair, a scholarship recipient, and Climbing volunteer who makes participants feel welcome and comfortable by showing up as her goofy self.
Mountaineer of the Week: Dan Miller
Meet Dan, whose favorite close-to-home adventure is walking and who finds a greater appreciation for the natural world through volunteering for Mountaineers courses and stewardship activities.
Mountaineer of the Week: Carl Harrington
Meet Carl, a sailing leader who encourages aspiring leaders to see skills from the student perspective and whose favorite close-to-home activity involves sailing, karaoke, and crepes.
Mountaineer of the Week: Mike Forsyth
Meet Mike, whose 11th Essential is a thermos of tea, and who enjoys hearing the stories of people who find strength in the outdoors and groups like The Mountaineers.
Mountaineer of the Week: KD Dase
Meet KD, the current Seattle Climbing and Snowshoeing Committee Chair who embraces all types of feedback to foster open communication and gain a deeper understanding of students' needs.
Mountaineer of the Week: Jeannie Nahan
Meet Jeannie, a sea kayaking volunteer leader who encourages people to use the "see one, do one, teach one" practice to become a better kayaker.
Mountaineer of the Week: Aleesha Wilson
Meet Aleesha, a Climb Leader whose most treasured Mountaineers memories revolve around the mutual support and encouragement among Mountaineers members.
Mountaineer of the Week: Sara Schroeder
Meet Sara, a Seattle Skipper and Mountaineers Sailing Instructor who encourages people of all experience and skill levels to jump in and volunteer.
Mountaineer of the Week: Beth Owen
Meet Beth, a sea kayaking leader whose favorite memories are kayak camping trips with paddlers who became friends through The Mountaineers.
Mountaineer of the Week: Mark Goodro
Meet Mark, a member of the Board of Directors whose favorite Mountaineers memory is lying down in the Paradise parking lot with fellow Mountaineers at midnight after a long, exhausting Rainier climb.
Mountaineer of the Week: Alan Vogt
Meet Alan, the Night Sky Committee Chair whose favorite close-to-home adventure is taking a telescope to Kerry Park to show planets to the public.
Mountaineer of the Week: Cheri Solien
Meet Cheri, a cross-country ski and Global Adventures volunteer leader whose favorite Mountaineers memories are skiing snowy cross-country trails with the companionship of fellow Mountaineers.
Mountaineer of the Week: Jonathan Rambo
Meet Jonathan, a climb leader who encourages aspiring volunteers to identify and prioritize their "why" in volunteering to avoid fatigue and burnout.
Mountaineer of the Week: Dixie Havlak
Meet Dixie, a Youth and Family Programs volunteer whose favorite Mountaineers memory is sunbathing on the summit of Mt. Adams with her whole family.
Mountaineer of the Week: Chuck Welter
Meet Chuck, Meany Lodge Chair since 1999, who enjoys quality chocolate and is amazed by the range and depth of experiences guests bring to the lodge.
Mountaineers of the Week: Jennifer Fortin, John Sisco, and Kathy Fox
Meet Jennifer, John, and Kathy, three retiring members of the Olympia Branch Stewardship and Conservation Advisory Team (SCAT).
Mountaineer of the Week: Shuko Hashimoto
Meet Shuko, who enjoys post-trip onion rings and believes in the importance of leaders listening to participants with empathy and care.
Mountaineer of the Week: Daisy Fish
Meet Daisy, an Intensive Basic Alpine Climbing instructor who enjoys post-trip burritos and believes that teaching others skills helps you learn in a new way.
Mountaineer of the Week: Gregg Gagliardi
Meet Gregg, a 39-year volunteer who enjoys teaching technical skills and encouraging aspiring volunteers to jump in with both feet.
Mountaineer of the Week: Brian Stone
Meet Brian, a sea kayaking instructor whose favorite close-to-home adventure is Henderson Bay when the south wind is firing.
Mountaineer of the Week: Kimber Cross
Meet Kimber Cross, a Basic and Intermediate Alpine Climbing Course instructor who is passionate about building a community of joy and inclusion while teaching members to climb safely and effectively.
Mountaineer of the Week: Otto Greule
Meet Otto, the Seattle Branch Navigation Committee Chair whose favorite Mountaineers memories involve witnessing the "light bulb" go on for his navigation students.
Mountaineer of the Week: Logan DeGrand
Meet Logan, a canyoning and packrafting volunteer who lives for the magical moments when students face their fears, trust their skills, and safely enjoy a new place.
Mountaineer of the Week: Julie Dasso
Meet Julie Dasso, current Olympia Climbing Committee Chair and Hike Leader whose favorite Mountaineers memories include end-of-course celebrations when students share their stories of fun and accomplishment.
Mountaineer of the Week: Chris Swarthout
Meet Chris, a five-year volunteer who encourages members to jump on volunteering opportunities without worrying about their level of expertise and lean into the caring support of The Mountaineers community.
Mountaineer of the Week: Emma Agosta
Meet Emma, a seven-year volunteer whose favorite close-to-home adventure is riding her mountain bike at St. Edward State Park.
Mountaineer of the Week: Jeni Brink
Meet Jeni, a 15-year volunteer whose soul is fed by witnessing others experience the freedom of the mountains.
Mountaineer of the Week: Andy Zavada and Sheila Reynolds
Meet Andy and Sheila, hike leaders and Conditioning Hiking Series administrators who believe that hiking in the backcountry "brings out our best and truest selves."
Mountaineer of the Week: Peter Clitherow
Meet Peter, a 30-year volunteer whose favorite close-to-home adventure is trail running the endless loops at Tiger Mountain.
Mountaineer of the Week: Stacey Lissit
Meet Stacey, a 12-year volunteer who always has a good pre-hike ice breaker in her back pocket.