Leader Spotlight
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.
Mountaineer of the Week: Duncan Cox
Meet Duncan, a 31-year volunteer and sea kayaking aficionado who loves going anywhere as long as it's with his fellow paddlers.
Mountaineer of the Week: Kiana Ehsani
Meet Kiana, a volunteer with our basic and intermediate climbing programs whose favorite post-trip meal of choice is lots and lots of pizza.
Mountaineer of the Week: Khrum Kashan
Meet Khrum, a 6-year volunteer whose favorite Mountaineers memory is climbing the west ridge of Mt. Stuart.
Mountaineer of the Week: Emily Smith
Meet Emily, a 4-year volunteer who didn't let rain and broken snowshoe straps keep her from falling in love with the mountains.
Mountaineer of the Week: Louise Suhr
Meet Louise, a Mountaineers member who began volunteering back in 1999 and has been addicted to spending time with The Mountaineers community ever since!
Mountaineer of the Week: Karina Vanderbilt
Meet Karina, a 5-year Mountaineers volunteer and climb leader who cares deeply about creating inclusive and accessible experiences within the outdoor community.
Mountaineer of the Week: Hannah Karbarz
Meet Hannah, a five-year Mountaineer who is passionate about providing equitable and non-hierarchical learning experiences for our members.
Mountaineer of the Week: Josh Taylor
Meet Josh Taylor, a volunteer leader with the Everett Branch and member of the Equity & Inclusion Working Group. Josh has benefited from the experience from The Mountaineers community and is proud to pay it forward.
Foothills Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Conbere
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Foothills Branch. This month we celebrate Susan Conbere, a backpacking, hike, and snowshoe leader.
Leader Spotlight: Meredith Mosman
Leader Spotlight is a monthly blog to showcase our incredible volunteer leadership at The Mountaineers. Meet this month's featured leader: Meredith Mosman. She is a lifelong learner who aims to lead with kindness, compassion, and humor.
Leader Spotlight: Alyssa Opland
Leader Spotlight is a monthly blog to showcase our incredible volunteer leadership at The Mountaineers. Meet this month's featured leader: Alyssa Opland. She leads climbing programs with the Tacoma Branch and focuses on inclusive leadership.
Leader Spotlight: SuJ'n Chon
Leader Spotlight is a monthly blog to showcase our incredible volunteer leadership at The Mountaineers. Meet this month's featured leader: SuJ'n Chon, a Seattle branch leader who has volunteered with The Mountaineers for the past 11 years.
Leader Spotlight: Peter Tran
Leader Spotlight is a monthly blog to showcase our incredible volunteer leadership at The Mountaineers. Meet this month's featured leader: Peter Tran. Peter is our 2021 Mountaineers Service Award recipient and current chair of the Foothills Climbing Committee.