OPS DIRECTOR & HEAD ROUTESETTER

Hey, y’all! I’m Ethan. I started climbing in 2019 when I arrived at Duke as an undergrad and immediately fell in love with both the sport and the community. Since 2022, I’ve also been routesetting top-rope climbs at Duke, which has been an awesome way to give back to the place where I got my start.
Some of my biggest joys in life come from helping people connect to the outdoors, especially through climbing! When I’m not in the gym, you can usually find me at Moore’s or Pilot, out trail running, or hiking with my cat, Pebbles!

DIRECTOR OF GROWTH

Hello! Throughout the years, climbing became an outlet to conquer my fears and anxieties and become a physically stronger athlete, but more importantly, it provided significant mental benefits; my anxious thoughts are squandered once I find myself on the rock. For others like me that are simply unaware of the possibility or don’t feel like they could ever get involved – I want to share with them, guide them, nurture within them the immense power of recreational therapy through climbing.

I serve on the Board of Directors for the Carolina Climbers Coalition and in my spare time, you can find me climbing, mountain biking, and obsessing over wildlife.

YOUTH DIRECTOR

Hey everyone, My name is Houston! I just finished up my Master of Public Health and am now pursuing a Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at UNC Chapel Hill. Mental Health and wellness are both central to my future career and the way I choose to live my life. I love to be active and spend time outside, as they are incredible ways to take care of our minds and bodies. While I am still a relatively green climber, the combination of physical challenge and mental creativity that comes with the sport has had me obsessed from the beginning. Whatever brings you to the gym, don't underestimate the value of fun! I'm excited to work hard with you all, and more importantly have a great time doing it!

FOUNDER, YOUTH COACH

Howdy! My name’s Johnny. When I'm not working on the gym, you'll find me projecting at Moore's or hangliding at the beach. I absolutely love meeting new friends and challenging myself - this gym has been a great example of that, lol. Currently, I’m learning the ways of being a DJ as well as working on my next big project in the outer banks…

ROUTESETTER & HOST

Hello! I was first exposed to indoor bouldering back in 2012, and I've been a pebble wrestling addict ever since. My passion for bouldering has taken me on some incredible adventures, with a special place in my heart for the Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, where I established several first ascents in 2017. When I'm not bouldering, you'll usually find me spending time with my two corgis, or playing board games with my friends. 

ROUTESETTER & HOST

Hi friends, I’m Verity (she/her)! I’ve been climbing rocks and trees my whole life and found bouldering in a gym in MN in 2019. I’m not much of a dancer, but climbing feels like poetry in motion to me. I started coaching in 2023 and love helping the next generation fall in love with the sport. In 2024, I began routesetting and discovered how meaningful it is to give back to the community that helped me find myself through climbing. When I’m not at the gym, I’m hiking with my dog Klee (usually toward a boulder at Moore’s Wall), making coffee for friends, or singing. Excited to serve The Boulder Garden community — see you on the wall!

HOST & YOUTH COACH

How’s it going, guys? I’m Nick! A huge part of who I am is spending time outdoors and finding outlets that let me be as creative as possible outside. Some of those outlets include snowboarding, climbing, and mountain biking, just to name a few. Being outside has brought me so much joy and has really helped me grow and challenge myself through a variety of experiences. I’ve built a strong and meaningful community and made some of my closest friends through the outdoors, and I can’t wait to make even more through this gym.

ROUTESETTER

Hey y’all! I've been climbing, coaching, and setting for almost 20 years. As a setter, I gravitate toward intricate motions and complex body tension. My home crag for the majority of my climbing career has been Horsepens 40, so expect to see slopers... a lot of slopers. Come nerd out with me on microbeta and planning outdoor trips! 

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hey there! My name is Coleman, but most people know me as Cole. I started climbing back in 2025 and haven’t looked back since. My career background is in digital marketing and media production, with experience in higher-ed, the nonprofit sector, and creative agencies. Being a Boulder Garden member gives me so much energy, and every day I look forward to helping foster the community-oriented dynamic that makes this place one of a kind. Outside of my career and the gym, I'm the dad to a four-legged luchador of a bulldog named Muggsy, an avid weekend hiker/camper when the weather cools down, and a giant music enthusiast — always down to talk about an artist or album you like.

HOST

Hey y’all, I’m Aaron! I started climbing back in 2017 and almost immediately fell in love with the sport. It’s led me to new friends, new adventures, and a deeper appreciation for the world and all its weird rocks. Outside of climbing I enjoy hiking (ideally to some rocks), paddleboarding, taking care of my houseplants, and playing games with friends. Come chat, whether you want to plan an outdoor trip or talk about the greenery around the gym!

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Hey there! Dr. Sam here. I have been a physical therapist for about 9 years now. My treatment style combines hands-on work with personalized exercise programming aimed at getting you back to doing what you love your way. One of the things I really enjoy about my work is empowering folks coming back from an injury to explore movement confidently again. I love to hear, "I tried... [shows me something we had NOT been working on yet] and it was great!" I am always inspired by the awesome folks I get to meet. I've recently had to retire from soccer after my second ACL tear. Otherwise, you can find me enjoying the trails and lakes of NC or hitting the slopes out West. And while I've only dabbled a bit in climbing, I look forward to trying and learning more while being a part of this amazing community.