MEET THE STAFF

Max Litwin: Climbing Wall Instructor
I grew up in Bellevue, WA and started rock climbing two years ago. I am a Junior here at CWU studying geology. Climbing for me is a great way to get outside and meet interesting people. When I'm done with school I hope to work for the environment and live here in central Washington.

Helen Lau: Climbing Wall Instructor
Currently I am a graduate student in the biology department doing my master’s thesis on fungus. The mountains and forests of Washington brought me here from the east coast. Originally I came to Washington to become a snowboarding bum and slowly grew an interest in understanding the natural world from a biological perspective. I realized that an appreciation for outdoor life can come in multiple forms. For me its hiking into new wild places in search of icy glacial lakes and elfin forests. After living in Leavenworth for several years, I was introduced to rock climbing which is my challenge, my game and meditation. I love to share and explore my new found sport with others which is how I came to work with this fantastic climbing gym crew!

Denise Soderberg: Climbing Wall Instructor
I transferred to Central Washington University from the University of Washington to pursue the Exercise Science major. I am a senior right now. Before I came to CWU I took a year off and went down to sunny Southern California to pursue my dream of being a surfing sun burnt beach bum. I worked at REI in Huntington Beach and through my friends there I become an avid climber. I would take weekend trips to Joshua Tree National Park and Bishop and day trips to Stoney Point and Corona del Mar (where I would climb right on the beautiful sandy beaches with the sun setting over the ocean and the palm trees swaying from the soft ocean breeze . . . ). I first got introduced and fell in love with climbing when I was working at the Grand Teton National Park, WY over the summer three years ago. I have climbed all over Washington and just came back from climbing in Peru. I have grown up in a very outdoor oriented family and have been hiking, backpacking, and skiing all my life. One of these days, once I am done with school, I will move to the mountains so I can play everyday.

Conor Byrne: Climbing Wall Instructor
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my family backpacking and pursuing outdoor activities. These experiences while I was young left me with a passion for nature and sports in the wilderness. In 2006 I had a great opportunity to complete a semester of backpacking, snow camping, backcountry skiing, whitewater, and rock climbing. I really would like to start doing more technical alpine climbing and share climbing and the outdoors with friends. Currently I am a student in the Aviation Department.

Drew Brien: Climbing Wall Instructor
This is my first year here at CWU and i am currently a freshman hoping to go into constuction management. I have lived most my life with my parents and bother in Puyallup. My family and i have always been outdoor oriented and you name it we have probably done it once or twice. Anything from camping and hiking to back country skiing and bungee jumping any everything inbetween. I have been climbing for a short while now but the more i climb the more i grow to love the sport.

Crystal Snyder: Climbing Wall Instructor
My first ever experience rock climbing came at the young age of eight years old and ever since then climbing has always been an interest of mine. I have not indulged myself in the rush of rock climbing for awhile but plan to get back in the groove with things and look forward to the many fun times to come. My most memorable outdoor activities have been hiking to the top of Mount St Helen’s with friends and family not once but twice. I am a transfer student from Grays Harbor College and plan to pursue at Central, a degree in Exercise Science with a focus in cardiac rehabilitation.

Ryan Painter: Climbing Wall Instructor
I have lived in the Kittitas valley on and off my entire life and have been climbing steadily in the cascades for the past twelve years. This is my second year at Central and I am pursuing a major in geography. In the fall of 2008 I will be transferring to the University of Alaska to have an excuse to be closer to bigger mountains.

Mike Dove: Climbing Wall Instructor
I have a strange obsession with batman, all I do is climb and play music, and my first outside climbing experience ended up with a few friends and I contracting a scarring tick phobia that has lasted to this day. Seriously, they terrify me (even though climbing outside is one of the most fun and amazing things you can do). I'm a junior pursuing a music business and percussion performance degree, which means I get to do the things I love every day, and I'm stuck here for at least 5 years. Climbing is one of the most inspirational, driving forces in my life, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. The connections I have found between climbing and music are astounding, and one always teaches me something about the other.

Nathan Joyner: Climbing Wall Instructor
I'm a sophomore this year, working towards a degree in English and a career as a high school teacher. I’ve been climbing for about a year, a passion I discovered at our rock wall on campus, and ever since last spring my palms start to sweat just thinking about climbing. Sounds a little weird, I know, but once you’ve been there, you’ll understand. I’ve really enjoyed all the natural beauty that we're surrounded with here in E-burg, with Mt. Stuart and the Enchantments and all the alpine lakes they hold. So many hikes, so little time... Anyway, if you want to talk about climbing or hiking or about a good book you’re reading, look for me at the wall, or say ‘hi’ when you see me around campus.