Personal Instruction

Instructors

Houston

YOUTH DIRECTOR

I found rock climbing working at a summer camp in Western NC after years of structured, competitive sports. For me climbing has been a creative way to challenge myself, find community, and exercise through play! Outside the gym, I am currently a graduate student in counseling at UNC and a strong supporter of climbing as a therapeutic activity. If you are an experienced athlete or are just looking for an engaging way to exercise, I love working with beginners from all backgrounds. Whether I am working with youth or climbing hard with our members, I take having fun, seriously. If you are interested in challenging yourself and having a great time doing it, let’s connect!

Schedule with Houston

Katie

GYM DIRECTOR

Hi! I’m Katie — a passionate climbing coach, recreational therapy advocate, and board member of the Carolina Climbers Coalition. I specialize in working with beginners and newcomers (V0–V3), offering warm, intuitive coaching in a trauma-informed, inclusive space where progress is celebrated over performance. Climbing was my way through anxiety — a way to quiet my inner critic, reconnect with my body, and find unexpected resilience and joy; I want to share that with you. Whether you're stepping into the gym for the first time or prepping for your first outdoor session, I’m here to support your journey. I weave in injury prevention, mindful movement, and mental strength so you can climb longer and healthier. Through my CCC position, I also love to help climbers transition from gym to crag with a focus on safety, ethics, optional rope skills, and conservation. I can't wait to climb with you!

Schedule with Katie

Ethan

YOUTH COACH/ROUTESETTER

Hi! I’m Ethan. What excites me most is figuring out how certain movements can get me through a project, and helping other people unlock that same understanding and feeling. I love working with beginner to intermediate climbers (V0-V6), whether you’re brand new to the sport or feeling strong but stuck at a plateau. My coaching focuses on movement and technique, including body positioning, balance, and learning when and why to use different techniques, so progress carries over to future climbs. I also care a lot about warming up well and moving intentionally, so you can climb harder and feel good doing it. My goal is for you to feel challenged but supported, build confidence, and find progress that keeps you motivated and enjoying the process. Above all else, I want climbing to stay fun! If you’re excited to learn, move better, and enjoy the process, I’d love to work with you!

Schedule with Ethan