Climbing Staff

BRET.JOHNSTON

Bret Johnston Manager

1. I have two wiener dogs.
2. More than one VW member probably babysat me as a kid.
3. I am the youngest USAC National Chief Routesetter in the country.
4. I am a fantasy football nerd.
5. Vertical World is family.
Contact Bret

Mattie

Mattie J. Wheeler Regional Director of Programs and Instruction

1. I first drove a car when I was 10 on the Bonneville salt flats speedway. My dad had me sit on a phonebook to be able to see over the wheel.
2. Foraging is the best! Berries, Morels, Chantrelles, and Asparagus are mostly what I seek but I’m always trying to learn more.
3. I enjoy simple pleasures like watching it rain when the sun shines through it and you can see every drop.
4. I dream of living on a lot of land and owning a cow.
5. I like trucks, Toyota Trucks.
Contact Mattie.

PJ Daley Assistant Gym Manager/Groups Coordinator

1. I’m a hobbyist photographer.

2. I meow sometimes when surprised.

3. I’ve climbed in Argentina.

4. I wrote a book before college.

5. I love red wine.

Contact PJ

Renata Kalnin Youth Program Coordinator

1. I have all the jumping ability of the average corgi. This doesn’t stop me from trying to dyno, and I’ll stick one someday.
2. In college, I studied public health and worked the night shift as an EMT.
3. I’ve climbed 4 of the hundred highest peaks in Washington in one 24 hour period, from two trailheads.
4. Nearly all of my outdoor gear is lime green. It’s not my favorite color, but it is a color that goes on sale a lot.
5. My preferred climbing/backpacking/ski touring fuel is Swedish fish.
Contact Renata

Andrew2

Andrew Featherston Events & Outreach Coordinator

1. I am an identical twin.

2. I once summited Mt Fuji in shorts.

3. If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be chips and salsa

4. In high school, my youth club ultimate team won a national championship.

5. Wayne Brady once asked me if I had a dog biscuit, I didn’t

Contact Andrew

Brock

Brock Dion Social Media Coordinator

1. My sourdough starter’s name is Leaven Worth.

2. I’ve restored a conversion van and helped restore a sailboat.

3. As a kid, I once had a 2nd degree sunburn. I hate vinegar because of it.

4. Once, while surfing, one of my fins split the webbing on my left-hand.

5. Cream cheese gives me the hiccups.

Pat

Patrick Stutts Front Desk

1. I grew up in Nashville.
2. Yes, I did work on a farm at one point.
3. No, I do not have a country accent.
4. Yep, I do play instruments (a Nashville thing).
5. I agree, (modern) country music is pretty terrible.

Sam

Sam Heaney Front Desk

1. I am originally from England but I have lived in the U.S. since 2015
2. I have a retired racing greyhound named Frank.
3. Indian food is my favorite cuisine.
4. Traditional film photography is one of my hobbies.
5. I like owls.

Andy Miller Front Desk

1. I can blow bubbles off my tongue
2. You can find my dog and I at Discovery Park each day.
3. I have perfected the art of making calzones.
4. I am a certified tax professional.
5. Ask me for a music playlist.

Ryan Casella Front Desk

1. My first full-time job was working with the Merchant Marine to restore WWII Victory-class ships.
2. I used to do cancer research, but this is way more fun.
3. Reese’s cups are my go-to, but the pieces are a travesty!
4. I thoroughly dislike climbing in long pants.
5. Climbing should be for all!