School Guides

AMGA Certified Alpine Guide

AMGA Certified Rock Instructor

AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide

AIARE 3

AIARE Instructor

Wilderness First Responder

Cheyenne went rock climbing for the first time in Lyme, New Hampshire at some small cliffs in the woods around the year 2000 and was hooked. After leaving home in small town Vermont to fulfill his dream of going west, Cheyenne attended school at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, CO from 2005-2007. While studying Outdoor Recreation Leadership his passion for climbing of all types and teaching others was further developed and helped shape him into the instructor/guide he his today.

After an eight year hiatus from the East, Cheyenne is happy to have returned to New England to work for EMSCS as a climbing guide during the winter, be closer to family and see something besides pine trees in the forest. He spends his spring and fall working for Colorado Mountain College teaching the same courses he took as a student years ago and spends the summer guiding rock climbing in the Needles of South Dakota and at Devils Tower in Wyoming. When not working he can be found climbing all across the country, playing guitar or drinking great beer!

Certifications
AMGA Certified Rock Guide and Rock Instructor, Completed AMGA Alpine Guide and
Ice Instructor courses, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Guide and Rock Instructor, Completed AMGA Alpine Guide and Ice Instructor courses and Advanced Alpine Guide course, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2

Keith developed his affinity for climbing while in high school on the trap rock cliffs of Connecticut. His passion for climbing brought him further north to the ‘Granite State’ of New Hampshire where he studied Adventure Education at Plymouth State University. When he should have been in class, Keith was more likely found plugging gear on Cathedral Ledge, clipping bolts at Rumney or swinging ice tools at Lake Willoughby, VT. Keith is a full time climbing guide and spends his winters based out of North Conway, NH and is proud to call the Tetons home during the summer months. Keith is an AMGA Rock Guide Aspirant.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Ian first started climbing while in high school on polished rock outcroppings in rural Pennsylvania. Despite the heat and humidity he couldn’t get enough of it and has been climbing ever since. His passion for climbing has taken him from tall sandstone walls in the Nevada desert to alpine granite climbing in the Wind River Range of Wyoming and to his favorite of all, the cliffs of New England.

Ian has been traveling and exploring from an early age. As the son of two U.S diplomats, he has been constantly on the move since birth. His exposure to so many different cultures has instilled in him an appreciation for the small things in life. Ian never takes a day for granted and is always looking for new challenges. Rock climbing led to ice climbing and that led to bigger alpine climbing goals. When he isn’t climbing, Ian loves to road bike, ski, and travel. Ian and his wife Teaya live in the seacoast region of New Hampshire and love being able to split their time between the ocean and the mountains.

Guiding provides Ian with the opportunity to share his passion for climbing with new people while in environments with a variety of challenges. His decision to guide grew from always wanting to improve his climbing skill set. A NOLS course lead to taking an introductory AMGA course and eventually to higher-level AMGA certification and training. In college he headed the climbing branch of the schools outing club and was responsible for guiding groups and managing logistics in remote areas. These early trips solidified his desire to guide and share his passion for the outdoors.

Over time Ian has learned that climbing and guiding abilities are grown from a long time dedication toward self-improvement. Miles logged and ascents numbered are the only ways to excel.

Ian’s goal while guiding is to provide his clients with an experience that fosters further pursuits in the outdoors. Whether it is a hike, a rock climb, or a winter mountaineering trip, Ian sees every outing as a chance to grow and improve.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1

Jon discovered climbing as a part of the Boy Scouts as a young teenager. Living in northern New Hampshire, he was able to explore the sport at many of New England’s biggest cliffs, including Whitehorse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge in North Conway and Mt. Forist in Berlin. He wanted to continue his passion of climbing, so he attended Lyndon State College and earned a B.S. in Adventure Based Recreation Management. He has experience rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering throughout New England, The American West, Newfoundland, New York, and Mexico.

Jon began guiding for EMSCS in the winter of 2010. He is certified as an AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, AIARE Level 2, Wilderness First Responder, and is an Eagle Scout. He has experience teaching many different people to climb- including his in-laws.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2

Mike Lackman is a New England native who has been teaching and guiding in the White Mountains since 2008. He teaches and guides on rock, snow and ice for EMS, in addition to teaching rope skills to professional rescuers nationwide. Mike enjoys getting to know his students and clients and the challenge of helping them exceed their expectations. When he is not working in the White Mountains you can find him challenging himself to be a better skier, climber and guide on some of the most technical and scenic terrain in North America. His most memorable ascents include summits of Rainier, Hood and Shuksan.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide, AIARE III, AIARE Rec Course Leader, Wilderness EMT

Ethan started his climbing career in 2001 while attending the University of New Hampshire. With climbing areas like Rumney and Pawtuckaway State Park close to campus and plenty of climbing partners he often found it difficult to head to class. He earned a B.S. in Outdoor Education. His focus in the OE program was climbing programming and high angle rescue. Years later he still returns in the fall to help pass on the knowledge and passion for the vertical world. While attending UNH Ethan spent much of his extracurricular time as a trip leader and officer for the New Hampshire Outing Club. Many of his trips were rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing in the beautiful White Mountains.

It was Ethan’s love of teaching and excitement for the outdoors that brought him to the EMS Climbing School in the summer of 2005. He quickly found a place amongst the guides as a friend and colleague. The EMS Ski School’s creation was a collaborative effort between Ethan and other guides as a way to expand the possibilities of winter travel to the EMS clientele. Ethan continues to explore the vast number of cliffs and ski locations in New England, the western US, Alaska, and beyond. If he is not guiding you will find Ethan enjoying time with family exploring the Mount Washington Valley.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, NH Mountain Rescue Service, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2

Reared in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Dylan migrated north to study environmental science at the University of Vermont. During his time at UVM Dylan was involved in the Outing Club’s climbing program, where he received instruction from AMGA and IFMGA certified guides and was active in the club leadership.

In 2012, Dylan spent half a year climbing in New York, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, California and Utah. Once the money ran out, he worked as a wilderness trip leader at the High Mountain Institute in Colorado, and later at Summit Acheivement in Maine. During that time he enjoyed climbing trips the Alaska Range and to the Sawtooth Range in Idaho.

In the past few years Dylan has settled in New Hampshire, working as as a science teacher at Fryeburg Academy when he is not guiding for EMSCS. Drawn to the Mount Washington Valley by promises of granite and waterfall ice, Dylan has not been disappointed. His work at EMSCS has been a reliable way to find adventure with clients and guides that share his passion for teaching and learning, and to discover new places to recreate in the MWV.

With an AMGA SPI certification and multiple years of guiding for EMS under his belt, Dylan is looking forward to more adventures with EMSCS for seasons to come.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide,Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1

Dustin started climbing in 2005 when he was in the Army at Fort Bliss, TX. Lacking any “real” climbing partners, he’d drag his fellow soldiers out to the short choss cliffs on the wrong side of El Paso. It was here, for better or worse, that he began teaching other people the fundamentals of climbing. A few years later, he found himself back in New England and he was able to improve his climbing and teaching skills in real mountains. Today, Dustin spends his time skiing, biking, climbing and surfing all over New England.

Dustin received his Single Pitch Instructor certification in 2015 and began working for the EMS climbing school in 2016. This year he’s looking forward to introducing more people to the unique winter playground that is the White Mountains.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State licensed guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1

Andy grew up on the Canadian border in Maine. He moved to New Hampshire in his early 20s where he found climbing. Now Andy travels around the country chasing long rock climbs, steep ice, and hard mixed climbing. Andy looks forward to growing as a guide and climber, and enjoys helping people get into the sport.

Kevin Sweeney

Climbing Guide, West Hartford & North Conway
AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor

Bio & Certifications

Kevin Works full time as a firefighter/Paramedic in Connecticut, but still finds plenty of time take AMGA courses and further his guides training. He finds that the training hes received in dealing with emergencies has helped him in his career as a guide as well as his climbing and guides training have helped him prepare for his career in emergency services.

Kevin is currently an Aspirant Rock guide and has been taking courses towards his goal of become both a certified Rock and Alpine guide. He is a Nationally Registered EMT- Paramedic, a NFPA rope rescue technician and AAIRE 1 certified.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Nationally Registered EMT- Paramedic, a NFPA rope rescue technician and AAIRE 1 certified

After an apprenticeship hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains, I started technical climbing in the French Alps near Grenoble, France where I was spending a junior year abroad.

Upon returning to the U.S., I continued climbing around New England and at the Gunks in New York State with friends I met through the AMC, which led to climbing trips out west and to Bolivia, as well as to teaching ice-climbing at a joint ADK-AMC winter school on Maine’s Mt. Katahdin.

Over the past 30+ years I’ve continued to climb and guide in New England and New York state, and have traveled extensively to climb all over the American west as well as in the Bugaboos, Selkirks and Squamish in Canada. Abroad, I’ve spent 7 seasons in Chamonix, and have climbed in Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Greece and extensively in Great Britain.

For 22 years I was the AAC delegate to the UIAA Safety Commission, the group which sets the standards for the UIAA label for climbing equipment.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State licensed Tier 1 Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1, PSIA certified Telemark Level 3 and Alpine Level 2

Originally from the UK Anne has been climbing throughout the world for the past 25 years. Her adventures have taken her to the summit of Mount Everest, and Ama Dablam in the Himalaya; Aconcagua in Argentina, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador and peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc. Denali, Alaska.

She has also worked for Exum mountain guides in the Tetons, and completed the National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) instructors certification in the Wind Rivers, Wyoming.

Anne has climbed and guided throughout the United States, including her home cliffs of Ragged Mountain Connecticut; the Gunks in New York. New Hampshire’s Cathedral ,Whitehorse, and Humphrey’s Ledges, Cannon mountain. Joshua Tree, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, California. Squamish, British Columbia.

Certifications:
AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA certified climbing wall instructor, NY State Guide, Tier 1 Rock Climbing, Emergency Medical Technician

I grew up in Rumford, a small town in the mountains of Western, Maine. I started hiking at an early age with my parents, and skied competitively both alpine and nordic through school. I started climbing in 1993 by taking an introductory course through a North Conway-based climbing guide. I climb primarily in New Hampshire and Maine, and have climbed in the Cirque of the Towers, the Red River Gorge, the San Juan mountains, the Tetons, Estes Park, and Mt. Rainier. I began guiding for the EMS Climbing School in 2012 and focus primarily on Mt Washington Ascents and introductory lessons. Teaching people the skills they need to pursue their goals and sharing some of their first outdoor experiences with them is something I find very rewarding. My experiences in the mountains have given me so much, it’s exciting to think of what is in store for someone just starting out. I have been an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor since 2014 and have completed AIARE II avalanche education. When I’m not guiding I work for the electric power utility in New Hampshire as a high voltage electrician. I’m also an active member of Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue and maintain certification as a Nationally Registered EMT, NH Dept. of Safety Licensed Provider, WEMT, EMT-T, TCCC provider, and NASAR Sartech II.
Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness EMT

Patrick is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire Outdoor Education program. He has years of experience of climbing in the White Mountains including working a 2-year stint as the Lead Caretaker of Hermit Lake Shelters in Tuckerman Ravine, where he focused on skiing, alpine climbing, and mountain rescue.

Currently, Pat is the Program Director and Head Coach for a backcountry skiing program for high school students at Carrabassett Valley Ski Academy at Sugarloaf, ME. His team of athletes travel internationally in search of the best backcountry and big mountain skiing as they gain avalanche education, wilderness medicine training, leadership experience, and other mountain skills.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Level 2, SOLO Wilderness First Responder, SOLO Instructor Apprentice

Most of the time you can find Brendan working as an Air Traffic Controller in Boston at Logan Airport, but his real passion is spending time outdoors challenging himself on Rock, Ice, and Snow. He would love to share some of his experience he has gained climbing peaks in the cascades, 14ers in Colorado, or treks in the Swiss Alps and Dolomites. Having just completed his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Certification this fall, he is excited to share his skills with you and get you ready to lead your own adventures.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder

Nick Nelsen has called New Hampshire home for over 17 years. Nick earned his B.S. in Adventure Education from Plymouth State University and has been taking advantage of the incredible rock and ice climbing in the Northeast since 2005. Nick has experience rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering in major regions such as the Cascades, Joshua Tree, Utah, Colorado, Acadia, and of course the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Certifications:
Certified Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1

Eric started climbing indoors and became immediately hooked and bought all his own gear on his first day. After college, he moved to Vermont with the intention of being a ski bum but ended up working at a climbing gym and soon became an assistant guide. Eric fell in love with the Shawangunks after climbing his first multi pitch on High Exposure. Eric moved to the area in 2002 to work for the EMS Climbing School.

Eric has climbed extensively across the US, and traveled around the world climbing in Mexico, Europe and Asia. Some of Eric’s notable ascents include the Lost Arrow Spire, Royal Arches, and the Nose in Yosemite, and Levitation 29 and Epinephrine in Red Rocks.

Certifications: AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor for Climbing

Even though I was born in New York I seem to have grown up a southern boy from Georgia to Alabama via Louisiana. I came back to the northeast where I discovered climbing about ten years ago. In short order I was fully committed to climbing and became a guide and took up residence in the parking lot behind the climbing school. The view and the commute were great! I’ve since moved to a place with heat (a wood stove) and running water. I sometimes miss the daily bath at split rock. I have a hard time guiding with out really taking my client to the edge of their expectations, and then a little farther. I love to hear “Wow, I never would have believed I could do that!”, or “That was the most incredible day ever!” I love to climb in new places. The latest was “Liberty Bell Crack” in the cascades. I really like long climbs. I think I’m destined for the west. But until then come and climb with me in the Gunks, I can promise as much thrill as you can stand!

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Carolyn Riccardi grew up as far away from rock climbing and the mountains as you can imagine in the Flatlands of Brooklyn. As a teenager she was introduced to backpacking in upstate, NY, hiking trails on the AT and camping in Harriman State Park. After high school she worked on Wall Street returning to college to study political science and history. Prior to guiding Carolyn worked as a sex educator in New York City. She was widely sought after appearing on the Today Show, VH1, Bravo and in print in the New York Times, GQ, the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, and New York Magazine.

After reading Jon Krakauer’s account of solo ice climbing the Devil’s Thumb in Alaska, Carolyn was inspired to call Eastern Mountain Sports became a regular weekend traveler to the Gunks and Adirondacks. In a few short years Carolyn has climbed alpine rock in the Cascades, sandstone in Red Rocks, sport climbs in Flagstaff and Rumney, ice routes on Cannon Cliff, the Catskills and Daks, as well as classic three star routes in the Gunks.

Carolyn understands what its like to be a client out with a guide for the very first time. Besides climbing and obsessing over the weight of each piece of her gear, Carolyn enjoys listening to heavy metal and watching horror movies.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Rock Guide Course Graduate, Alpine Course Graduate, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level II

Growing up on the upper west side of New York City immersed in city life it’s hard to imagine Matt as an outdoorsy person. Despite his surroundings Matt frequented the outdoors, going fishing, hunting, hiking and camping throughout his youth. He had a deep passion for experiencing the tranquility, randomness, and seriousness that nature has to offer.
One day in high school Matt joined a friend who was going bouldering in central park, a type of climbing where one climbs boulders. Immediately, he was hooked and he bought the necessary gear needed to climb and never looked back. Soon he climbed at the Gunks, and hitch hiked, biked, or bused to New Paltz every weekend to climb as much as possible.

Since, Matt has embraced all disciplines of climbing including ice, alpine and mountaineering. He has traveled extensively throughout North America, and parts of South America. Some notable climbs include Kautz Ice Chute on Mountain Rainier, and Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Matt aspires to be fully mountain guide certified by the AMGA

Certifications:
AMGA Rock Instructor, NY State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Aid

Patty grew up in the small town of Charlestown, New Hampshire. She graduated from Keene State College, with a Bachelor or Fine Arts degree in painting and photography. She also

studied American Sign Language and runs climbing programs which target the hard of hearing and deaf.

She began her love affair with rock in 1994 at a secret crag known only to locals. She grew up hiking and exploring throughout the foothills of southern NH. On rest days she would time herself running up Mount Monadnock in Troy, NH – also known for being the second most climbed mountain in the world. She was very athletic as a child and excelled in sports in school – gymnastics and soccer being two of her favorites.

Patty enjoys the fluid movements of climbing most, the subtle changes in mind and muscle. “It’s amazing”, she says, “What you can make your body do when you totally commit!” She adds, “What drew me to the Shawangunk Mountains at first were the stellar overhangs (ceiling like outcroppings) and horizontal cracks. Something you just don’t find elsewhere”. It fits her style of climbing, long powerful moves, which seems ironic given she is only 5’1″.

When asked what her favorite climbing area is Patty says jokingly, the one she is currently planning a trip to. She always gets excited about the places she hasn’t been no matter how small or monumental a crag it is. It’s like Christmas.

In her “free time” Patty is also a Triathlete and runner. She Competes masters level track and field in the 800m, 1 mile, and 5K distances. Patty has run the NYC marathon, Philadelphia marathon and Nipmuck Ultra Trail marathon. She has completed the Mussleman half Ironman and is a three time survivor of the SOS, Survival of the Shawangunks Triathlon. She aspires to complete a full Ironman Triathlon someday.

Patty is married to her husband Scott, who first taught her to climb, and they have a son, Evan, who also enjoys climbing and BMX biking.

Patty is currently pursuing her AMGA Rock Instructor Course and Exam. Along with this goal, her dream is to climb El Cap in Yosemite Valley with her son.

Though her roots are in New Hampshire surrounded by beautiful mountains she now calls the “Gunks” her home. It is a place that follows strict tradition, something she admires. She finds herself surrounded by amazing athletes of all types. “It’s hard to be lazy at the Gunks”, she says. “I find myself inspired every day”.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Peter began climbing in 1986 shortly after moving to North Conway N.H. With no knowledge of climbing whatsoever he purchased a climbing magazine at the local EMS and was astounded by the photos he found inside. on the inside back cover was a full page ad for boreal fire’ climbing shoes featuring John Bachar hundreds of feet up soloing on a 5.10 in Yosemite. Looking back to the photos he saw that many of the climbers were wearing those same shoes and he thought “I need a pair of those”. Two days later he walked into the shop and there they were – right on the wall. He walked out the door with his purchase and headed down the lifelong road of climbing.

Notable ascents include Epinphrine in Red Rocks Nevada, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, a solo ascent of the Black Dike on Cannon cliff NH, the north face of Mt Stanley in Canadian Rockies and a 3 hour nighttime ascent of Repentance on Cathedral Ledge, NH

Other acts of ingenious include successfully leaving the wheel of a Winnebago traveling at 65 mph on the Mass Turnpike to retrieve leftover chicken from the fridge in back, an unsuccessful winter ascent of Cathedral Ledge auto road at 1:00 am with a 1969 VW van equipped with tire chains ( the chains broke and tore off the brake lines and the van had to be lowered 4 pitches with a climbing rope. Successfully catching a 4 1/2 foot rattlesnake bare handed. With very little skiing experience made a very unsuccessful ski descent of the Tuckerman Ravine headwall, a successful all wheels off – incredible jump with a subaru wagon during a high speed car chase (he was the pursuer ) – (that car later drowned in the lake after falling through the ice) and a successful houdini like escape after being pulled to the bottom of a river from a rope wrapped around his ankle with one end attached to a boat anchor and the other to a water filled submerged canoe ( the anchor line was attached so as not to lose the boat in the event of a capsize)

Surprisingly enough he has survived and lives with his wife Joanna and 3 children Jack, Adam and Theo in the new paltz area of new york. other interests include hunting, cooking, photography, skiing and mt biking and he aspires to climb the Steck/Salathe” route in Yosemite, La pomme d’or in quebec, the Bonnatti route on La Grande Capucin in France and a trip to the Ruth Gorge in Alaska.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Bill began his climbing career at Bloomsburg University with the Quest Program. In the 1990′s he worked for the North Carolina Outward Bound School as an Instructor, Climber, and Head Climber. At times he could be found at the top of Hawksbill Mountain doing the “Bushman’s” all-star wrestling dance with Eric Brown, while encouraging students to descend off of the scary and ominous rappel.

In 1999, Bill joined Peter Hovling’s gang and parked his beater black van behind the Mountain Deli and began his guiding tenure with EMS. A couple of winters were spent guiding ice in the Adirondacks with various trips to the west coast to climb and guide in Joshua Tree, Red Rocks and Yosemite. One winter was spent at Camp 4 in Yosemite where Bill was a member of the YOSAR (Search and Rescue) Team. But eventually Bill made his way back to the Gunks, where his true love can be found: overhanging trad routes. The area has a special calling for him with its vast network of carriage roads and trails. These connect to all the various outlying crags nestled throughout the Shawangunk Ridgeline. This great terrain makes it an ideal location for cyclocross riding, a fall passion of his.

Throughout the past few years Bill has been combining his love of climbing with his love of cycling and skiing. During the rock season he encourages his fitter clients to bike out to Millbrook, climb the almost always-deserted cliff and then cycle back down the twisty carriageway. When the snow flies and the ice and conditions are right, he’ll combine cycling with ice climbing and skiing to make for a long, challenging and rewarding day in the Catskill Mountains.

For times when Bill is resting his weary bones between adventures, you can find him reading the latest action novel; petting his part time cat, Monster; practicing his Frisbee flick into the couch (much to his girlfriend’s delight); or hunkered over a chess board deciding which move will be his best.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

I was first introduced to rock climbing in the mid 70’s on a Boy Scout outing, and knew immediately that more than anything, I wanted to become a climber. Shortly after that I purchased some basic equipment and taught myself to climb. I started teaching others to climb in 1978 and joined the EMS Climbing School in 2008.

In my over forty years of climbing I have visited many areas in the US, New Zealand, and Australia including: the White Mountains of NH, the Shawangunks & Adirondacks in NY, Seneca Rocks WV, Wind River range & the Tetons in WY, Rocky Mountain NP & Estes Park CO, the Sandias & Organ Mts of NM, City of Rocks in ID, the Sierra & Joshua Tree NP in CA.

I enjoy climbing with people of all levels of experience and skill, especially those returning to the sport after a hiatus.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Marcia was first introduced to rock climbing fifteen years ago at a small crag outside of Boston, an area rich with climbing history which she found intriguing. She perfected her climbing techniques climbing the granite walls of Quincy Quarries. Marcia fell in love with the Shawangunk Ridge and its surrounding lands upon her first visit. She has climbed throughout the Northeast and West Coast but feels most at home in the Gunks. After more than a decade of climbing Marcia started teaching climbing to children during summer camps. Marcia has this to say about climbing “It is amazing when one can feel the rock and flow freely through movements. Getting to the top is the ultimate goal however the shear enjoyment of the moves is thrilling.” Marcia spent her career as a Pediatric Nurse and currently works at a private club near Princeton as a Personal Trainer. She lives in New Jersey with her boyfriend and has two adult children who live in the Boston area.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Will, who is always psyched and with a smile on his face, loves all types of climbing. Whether its a few hours of bouldering, an all day rock route or an early morning into late night backcountry ice climb he loves it all! Having learned to climb at Rumney NH while attending college at nearby Plymouth State he quickly fell in love with the sport and lifestyle that surrounds it. Unable to choose a discipline to try and focus all his energy into he instead tries to be proficient at them all. He loves climbing in the Adirondacks where he can participate in most types of climbing just minutes from his doorstep and where many people before him have said “If you can climb in the Adirondacks well, you can climb anywhere well!” Locally, besides climbing as much as he can, he has helped to repair climbing trails, replace anchors and develop new climbing and bouldering areas. Not so locally he has traveled around the US and world to pursue his passion. Bouldering in Joe’s Valley, big walls in Yosemite, ice climbing in the San Juan’s, dessert towers in Utah, mountaineering routes in the Cascades, alpine rock in the Sierra’s and high altitude mountaineering routes in Peru and Bolivia are just some of the destinations and disciplines he has experienced. His ultimate day out? Going to Silver Lake in the fall to put up new routes with his wife Sara.

Certifications:
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, Rock Guide Course Graduate, Ice Instructor Course Graduate, AIARE II, Wilderness First Responder, New Youk State Licensed Guide

Bobby began climbing while studying for his degree in Expeditionary Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh. During this time he was able to develop a passion for outdoor education and recreation.  He enjoys introducing people to new sports and helping them reach their goals.

Certifications:

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, SOLO Wilderness EMT, New York State Guide, NYS-Advanced EMT-Critical Care, American Heart association BLS Instructor

Matt lives in the Adirondack Mountains where he guides rock and ice climbing for the EMS Climbing School. He’s passionate about the climbing opportunities in his home mountain range and loves to share great days in the mountains with our clients whether it’s someone’s first day on the cliff or a seasoned climber looking to push their limits. Matt’s been climbing for most of his life and enjoys all aspects of mountain-craft. Waterfall ice climbing, bouldering, rock climbing, alpine climbing, high altitude mountaineering, coaching a climbing team in the gym, these are all good as far as Matt’s concerned and keep climbing exciting and engaging. When Matt’s not working for EMS he runs instructional climbing programs for several regional colleges and universities, guides climbs for Alpine Ascents International in the Cascade Range of Washington State, Alaska and Internationally and volunteers as a ski patroller at Whiteface Mountain.

Certifications
New York State Licensed Guide
AMGA Certified Rock Instructor

Doug dabbled in climbing in college, and then started climbing regularly when he “found” the Quincy Quarries in Massachusetts in 2002. Hooked, he began exploring other Greater Boston crags, like Hammond Pond, Rattlesnake Rocks, and Crow Hill. His passion for climbing has since taken him to rock, ice, and snow throughout the Northeast and the much bigger mountains on the left coast.
Doug began guiding for the EMS Climbing School in 2008. He is certified as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, an AIARE Level 2, and a Wilderness First Responder. He also claims the very unofficial record for most known laps on his favorite moderate routes at his home crag, the Quarries’ White and Black Knight.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2

I was first introduced to rock climbing in the mid 70’s on a Boy Scout outing, and knew immediately that more than anything, I wanted to become a climber. Shortly after that I purchased some basic equipment and taught myself to climb. I started teaching others to climb in 1978 and joined the EMS Climbing School in 2008.

In my over forty years of climbing I have visited many areas in the US, New Zealand, and Australia including: the White Mountains of NH, the Shawangunks & Adirondacks in NY, Seneca Rocks WV, Wind River range & the Tetons in WY, Rocky Mountain NP & Estes Park CO, the Sandias & Organ Mts of NM, City of Rocks in ID, the Sierra & Joshua Tree NP in CA.

I enjoy climbing with people of all levels of experience and skill, especially those returning to the sport after a hiatus.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Marcia was first introduced to rock climbing fifteen years ago at a small crag outside of Boston, an area rich with climbing history which she found intriguing. She perfected her climbing techniques climbing the granite walls of Quincy Quarries. Marcia fell in love with the Shawangunk Ridge and its surrounding lands upon her first visit. She has climbed throughout the Northeast and West Coast but feels most at home in the Gunks. After more than a decade of climbing Marcia started teaching climbing to children during summer camps. Marcia has this to say about climbing “It is amazing when one can feel the rock and flow freely through movements. Getting to the top is the ultimate goal however the shear enjoyment of the moves is thrilling.” Marcia spent her career as a Pediatric Nurse and currently works at a private club near Princeton as a Personal Trainer. She lives in New Jersey with her boyfriend and has two adult children who live in the Boston area.

Certifications
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State Licensed Guide, Wilderness First Responder

Joe Sherlock is a paddle sports enthusiast that enjoys introducing outdoor fun to all. As a Native Rhode Islander he grew up fishing and sailing on Narragansett Bay, always looking to extend the trip and explore the next cove. He discovered the virtues of kayaking in 1998 and has become an avid paddler ever since. “Kayaking is the best way to explore your local waterways. You can hug the shore and see things most people will never experience. When the day is done, you can pack it all back in your car and go plan your next adventure.” Joe went on to become a kayak instructor in 2001 and has been teaching kayaking ever since. Joe is an ACA Level 4 instructor with ACA whitewater and adaptive certifications. He has been working in the Paddle Sport industry since 2001 and is currently the Manager of The Kayak School. You can frequently find him surfing at the beach or off on some open water adventure. During the busy summer months he is most often found at Lincoln Woods State Park teaching a class or getting ready for a group outing. In the off season he is guiding winter sports or teaching people to roll their kayaks in the warm pool. Whether its mountain biking, road biking, hiking, skiing, backpacking, kayaking, surfing, stand up paddling or going out for a motorcycle ride; Joe’s motto is “get outside, play and have fun!”. Come enjoy Joe’s passion and take a class or tour with this Native Rhode Islander and explore the virtues of playing outside in New England.

Certifications:
ACA Level IV: Open Water Coastal Kayaking, ACA Level III: River Kayaking, ACA Adaptive Paddling endorsement, BCU 4 Star (2008), Red Cross Lay Responder First Aid and CPR/AED

Since 2007, Casi Rynkowski has been living her dream training athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those who want to live a healthier life style. Her passion for fitness outdoors exploded when she launched the Adventures In Fitness (AIF) program at the YMCA in Westborough Massachusetts. This program helps clients explore fitness outside the gym by pairing personal training sessions with adventure sports such as ice climbing, stand up paddle boarding, surfing, snowboarding and more.

Casi got hooked on stand up paddle boarding when Adventures in Fitness became partners with Eastern Mountain Sports Schools. Already an avid snowboarder and surfer, the addition of stand up paddle to her repertoire was natural and she is loving it. As a fitness professional, Casi believes that fitness training on a stand up paddleboard is one of the greatest additions to functional training that has come around in a long time. Training on a paddleboard provides a whole-body workout that can hardly be equaled in any other way.

On land, Casi specializes in both general conditioning and sports performance. Her training programs are designed to increase strength, power, speed, and agility. Typical training sessions are in the form of cardio-strength circuits and always include some form of core and balance training, such as kettlebells and Bosu. “If you only train while sitting or lying on a bench, then how do you expect to improve your game or move through life with more stability? Life and sports do not happen in stable conditions.”

Today you will find Casi teaching SUP Fit and SUP Beach Bootcamp at Eastern Mountain Sports Schools. Her SUP programs combine all these same principles and will give you a heart pounding workout all while enjoying the sun and water.

Certifications:
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ACA Level 2 Certified SUP Instructor, BIC Sport Ambassador, Werner Team Paddler

Mark has been paddling for 12 years and teaching for EMS for 4 years. His paddling destinations include, most of the New England Coast including a two week trip up the Maine Coast in 2009, the Channel Islands with a 14 mile open-ocean return crossing, South Carolina, Newfoundland and Deception Pass in WA. He is currently planning a trip to Pembrokeshire Wales 2011. Mark’s passion is anything water! Strong currents, surf, class 3-4 whitewater. When it’s frozen; you can find Mark hanging from his ice axes during the winter months. Mark is one of our experienced open water instructors that loves to play and teach in the challenging stuff. His expertise, style and charm add to any outdoor experience. He especially enjoys sharing his knowledge and know how about kayaking to all.

Certifications:
ACA Level V: Open Water Coastal Kayaking, BCU 4 Star, Red Cross Lay Responder First Aid and CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid and CPR

Steve Banks is one of those top notch experienced open water sea kayak instructors that loves to teach and explore. He has been kayaking for 18 years and instructing for EMS for the last 5 years. Using New England as his home playground he has paddled locations from Newfoundland to South Carolina, Washington state, California, the Virgin Islands and Wales.
Steve lives in Massachusetts and takes full advantage of all New England has to offer be it sea or whitewater paddling, ice climbing, mountaineering, camping or day hikes.

Steve is an American Canoe Association level 4 Coastal kayak instructor and a BCU 4 Star Paddler. He is also CPR and wilderness first aid certified.

Certifications:
ACA Level IV: Open Water Coastal Kayaking, BCU 4 Star (2010), Wilderness First Aid and CPR

Originally from the UK Anne has been climbing throughout the world for the past 25 years. Her adventures have taken her to the summit of Mount Everest, and Ama Dablam in the Himalaya; Aconcagua in Argentina, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador and peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc. Denali, Alaska.

She has also worked for Exum mountain guides in the Tetons, and completed the National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) instructors certification in the Wind Rivers, Wyoming.

Anne has climbed and guided throughout the United States, including her home cliffs of Ragged Mountain Connecticut; the Gunks in New York. New Hampshire’s Cathedral ,Whitehorse, and Humphrey’s Ledges, Cannon mountain. Joshua Tree, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, California. Squamish, British Columbia.

Certifications:
AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA certified climbing wall instructor, NY State Guide, Tier 1 Rock Climbing, Emergency Medical Technician

Mike Lackman is a New England native who has been teaching and guiding in the White Mountains since 2008. He teaches and guides on rock, snow and ice for EMS, in addition to teaching rope skills to professional rescuers nationwide. Mike enjoys getting to know his students and clients and the challenge of helping them exceed their expectations. When he is not working in the White Mountains you can find him challenging himself to be a better skier, climber and guide on some of the most technical and scenic terrain in North America. His most memorable ascents include summits of Rainier, Hood and Shuksan

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness EMT, PSIA Level 1 Telemark, AIARE Level III, AIARE Recreational Course Leader

Kevin got his start in outdoor education as a sailing and backpacking instructor for The Hurricane Island outward bound school in Maine. Here he developed his passion for rock climbing. Over the past 10 years he has been honing his craft on cliffs locally in New England and on trips across North America including Red Rocks, Yosemite, The Tetons and Wind river Range in Wyoming, Seneca Rocks and the Bugaboos.

Kevin Works full time as a firefighter/Paramedic in Connecticut, but still finds plenty of time take AMGA courses and further his guides training. He finds that the training hes received in dealing with emergencies has helped him in his career as a guide as well as his climbing and guides training have helped him prepare for his career in emergency services.

Kevin is currently an Aspirant Rock guide and has been taking courses towards his goal of become both a certified Rock and Alpine guide. He is a Nationally Registered EMT- Paramedic, a NFPA rope rescue technician and AAIRE 1 certified.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Nationally Registered EMT- Paramedic, a NFPA rope rescue technician and AAIRE 1 certified

After an apprenticeship hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains, I started technical climbing in the French Alps near Grenoble, France where I was spending a junior year abroad.

Upon returning to the U.S., I continued climbing around New England and at the Gunks in New York State with friends I met through the AMC, which led to climbing trips out west and to Bolivia, as well as to teaching ice-climbing at a joint ADK-AMC winter school on Maine’s Mt. Katahdin.

Over the past 30+ years I’ve continued to climb and guide in New England and New York state, and have traveled extensively to climb all over the American west as well as in the Bugaboos, Selkirks and Squamish in Canada. Abroad, I’ve spent 7 seasons in Chamonix, and have climbed in Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Greece and extensively in Great Britain.

For 22 years I was the AAC delegate to the UIAA Safety Commission, the group which sets the standards for the UIAA label for climbing equipment.

Certifications:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, New York State licensed Tier 1 Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1, PSIA certified Telemark Level 3 and Alpine Level 2