Staff

Brian Adams:  Climbing Wall Instructor I love drumming and I love climbing and at some point I need to pick one... but not now. I am a music ed and percussion performance major here and will soon graduate... in a few years. When I began climbing, it was a way to have fun and hang out with my friends. The more I climbed the more I began to push myself and discovered how far I could go. Since I have started pushing my physical and mental limits with climbing, I have found that I have been able to do the same things with the rest of my life. I love to climb in new places and go on crazy adventures with my friends, so we'll see what happens this year.

Jennifer Ashton:  Climbing Wall Instructor My name is Jenny and I'm just starting my "victory lap" as a super senior here at Central. I'm double majoring in Psychology and Exercise Science and getting a minor in Nutrition. I've been climbing off and on for the last couple years here at the rock wall and I recently had my first outdoor climbing experience, which was absolutely fantastic! I really encourage anyone and everyone to give climbing a shot. I know it's scary and intimidating as a beginner but if you stick with it, after a few trys you'll find that your confidence will grow and you'll meet a lot of really great people who are just starting out as well. My advice to those who are just starting....rent the shoes, they make a HUGE difference and I personally promise that it will be much easier to climb.

Britt Dahlgren: Climbing Wall Instructor I'm a senior studying Percussion Performance and climbing helps release a lot of the stress that comes with such a busy major. I get to help people learn to climb and get over mental obstacles as well as push myself physically and mentally. I really enjoy goofing around, whether playing nerf or just hanging out and watching movies, anytime is a good time. I look forward to seeing you in the wall!

Mike Dove: Climbing Wall Supervisor My name is Mike Dove and I love climbing! I have been working at the CWU Rock Wall for almost 3 years, and I am loving every minute of it. Climbing is the perfect balance between finesse and brutality, and I urge everyone to try it out. I am also an avid Batman fan, and have a HUGE fear of ticks... don't ask. Hope to see you at the wall!

Nathan Joyner: Climbing Wall Instructor I'm a senior this year, working towards a degree in English literature and a career as a high school English teacher. I’ve been climbing for about three years, a passion I discovered at our rock wall on campus, and ever since those first climbs in the gym 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, from Mt. Stuart and the Enchantments to Manashtash Ridge. So many hikes, so little time... Anyway, if you want to talk about climbing, or hiking, or about a good book you’re reading come look for me at the wall or say ‘hi’ when you see me around campus!

Max Litwin: Climbing Wall Instructor I grew up in Bellevue, WA and started climbing 4 years ago. As a senior studying geology here at central I have many opportunities to get out and apply my studies in the field all over the US as well as enjoy the many wonderful climbing areas here in the northwest and elsewhere. After graduating in the spring I hope to live and work here in Central Washington and climb every day!

Nicole Mills: Climbing Wall Instructor I am a post-baccalaureate student, taking pre-requisites for physical therapy school. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University (WWU) in Environmental and Outdoor Education. Since graduating from WWU I have worked in the outdoor education industry, instructing and facilitating anything from 5-day courses focusing on team-building and natural history to 35-day backpacking, rock-climbing and mountaineering courses. I was introduced to climbing at WWU, but climbed infrequently because I was intimidated by the “climbing scene”. After graduating I re-awakened my interest in climbing on a New Year’s trip to Joshua Tree, CA. I found the J-Tree climbing community to be incredibly supportive and all about having fun! Since then my work and personal travels have brought me to some of the best climbing areas in western US, and in some places in Argentina and Chile. My goal at the climbing wall is to help create an inclusive atmosphere where people are not afraid to try something new, and feel supported while overcoming fears, being challenged, learning and most importantly having fun! The climbing wall is a great place to learn basic technical skills, movement, develop strength, and meet other climbers. Hope to see you there!

Jesse Pierson: Climbing Wall Instructor Hi, I’m Jesse. I am a junior this year and I have been enjoying the thrills of rock climbing ever since I started school here. Two year of climbing, in the whole scheme of things, means that I have hardly scratched the surface of what the sport has to offer but I absolutely love diving further into it. The only part of rock climbing that has really lead me into trouble is when my piano professor sees my callused and bandaged fingers in my piano lesson. Probably not the best for that “delicate piano touch”. I am also a die-hard fan of the Seattle Mariners baseball team. Next year is the year!