Peak 7 Alumni Staff

Jon Cramer

Jon started with Peak 7 back in 2009. He graduated from Eastern Washington University with a BA in Outdoor Recreation. Jon is married to his beautiful wife Michelle who he met while working at Camp Gilead. He enjoys everything about the outdoors and firmly believes that at the end of every good trail there is always a fine culinary establishment specializing in grease, salt, and fat. Jon loves exploring the world around him, peak bagging, backpacking, running, kissing sting rays, and of course a good meal.

Lorie Wells

Lorie Ann Wells grew up northern Illinois but has been living in Spokane for the past two years now. She got involoved with Peak7 because of her desire to learn about and experience the outdoors coupled with her hope to spread Christ's love. She has a strong sense of adventure and is a beauty seeker. She is so grateful to be involved with Peak 7 and looks forward to continuing to see what God will do through them.

Heather Nelson

Heather enjoys pretty much everything. Whether reading, playing an instrument, dancing, cooking, knitting, drawing, backpacking, rafting, climbing, canoeing, or any other random assortment of activities, she loves it. More than doing an activity herself, Heather enjoys introducing others, specifically youth, to those pastimes. After graduating high school, Heather spent some time in New Zealand as a missionary. While there, God called her to outdoor youth ministry. In pursuit of that goal, she is currently attending Columbia Bible College to achieve a BA in Outdoor Leadership.

Lauren Avischious

Lauren was born and raised outside of Boulder, Colorado. She grew up playing in the foothills and learned how to ski shortly after learning how to walk. She loves to do anything outdoors, especially snow boarding, rock climbing, trail running, backpacking and hiking. Lauren will be a senior at Whitworth University where she is studying athletic training, with a minor in coaching and psychology. She has had many opportunities working with youth, in mentoring, coaching and bible school teaching capacities, but is very excited about partnering with Peak 7 Adventures. She is looking forward to God using her as an ascent and rock climbing guide with Peak 7 to share the good news of His unbelievable, unrelenting love for every one of us.

Kelly Boesch

Kelly Boesch stems from Minnesota, the Land o' Lakes. She does love butter and can handle herself in a game of pond hockey. She did however get the mountains in her blood as a child in Wyoming and is most excited to be living in them this summer while teaching kids the ways of backpacking. She loves team development and seeing folks overcome challenges. Kelly has always been one with nature and worked in the great outdoors; she has been a member with the Montana and Minnesota Conservation Corps and for the last three years has worked for a tree care service and mastered the art of shrub pruning. You will always find her working on a 'project', anything from wood
carving, to sewing, to sculpture, to necklace making, to writing poems, to gardening or practicing a little guitar. Being creative, she acknowledges God as the greatest Creator and loves to tell of His love, wisdom, mercy, justice and power.

Justin Dillie

Justin was born and raised in Wisconsin and loves the outdoors. He loves community and building it as well. Justin recently did a 10-month Christian leadership development program called Prosago. There he learned what it meant to be a servant leader and to be a assistant leader. Justin Has always been involved in camping ministries from when he grew up going to camp till when he worked at camps during the summer during college. Justin is excited to serve the youth partner with peak 7, to share what it is like to have a relationship with their father God.

Paul Rutemiller

Paul grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio but recently moved to Blacksburg, Virginia to be closer to the mountains that he loves. He's currently studying Natural Resource Conservation and English at Virginia Tech where he's Vice President of the VT Triathlon team. When not swimming, biking, running, or studying, Paul loves to explore the wilderness and to read. He's super excited to join Peak7 this summer and can't wait for all that God has in store!

Amber Carmack

Amber grew up in Prineville, OR, where she heard about Discovery Outfitters (Peak 7-Portland) as a teen. She began with our Guide-In-Training program at 17 and came on summer staff the next year. This is her second summer on staff. After her first summer she spent six months with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), three of which were spent ministering in India. After this summer she is headed to college to study nursing and missions. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar and giggling.

Alicia Myers

Alicia grew up in a small town in Indiana. She has been involved at camps since she was 5, and started working at camp when she was in her teens. Her involvement in camp lead to a passion for the ministry, and eventually led her to attend Appalachian Bible College’s camp ministry program, where she is currently a junior. This is her second summer on staff with Peak 7-Portland/Discovery. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and looking for new adventures.

Ethan Petro

Born in Iowa and and raised in Ohio, Ethan comes to Peak 7 most recently from New Jersey. He has been involved in the green industry for the last 15 years, and is excited to finally be involved in outdoor ministry with Peak 7. Along the way, he attended Taylor University and graduated with a degree in Psychology. He enjoys travelling, skiing, diving, flying, backpacking and mountain biking--anything to get outside. Ethan married up to his wife Joni, and they have two daughters, Hannah Gray and Tenley and live in the wonderful city of Seattle.

Phil Labrie

I am originally from Manchester, NH. I served in the U.S. Air Force which brought me to Lompoc, CA where I met my amazing bride, Kristen. Right after I proposed to my wife, I was shipped off to Korea for a year. Through God’s great planning I was able to be transferred here to Spokane where I finished out my enlistment and married my wife, who at the time was attending Whitworth College. I love the outdoors and feel incredibly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country. In November 2007, I took a leap of faith and resigned my position as Local Operations Manager for a moving company, so I could attend school full-time working towards an accounting degree. We were “graced” with our beautiful daughter Grace in April 2008. Even though my official duties with Peak 7 will be behind the scenes, I’m still glad I can be a part of such an amazing organization. My hope this year is to be out on the water and in the mountains as much as possible to see what the Lord has in store for the youth. I feel this new chapter in my life will give me an opportunity to grow in the Lord, and I’m excited to see what God has in store for me.

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Ashley Paul

Ashley grew up in the wheat fields outside of Davenport, Washington. Her love for the outdoors was nurtured by a childhood of camping in the backwoods of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Studying photojournalism at Arizona State University, Ashley decided to sail around the world studying the art of photography and writing. Upon returning to the states, she decided the Lord was calling her to the Middle East. She packed her bags and headed to Jordan for a year where she studied Arabic, taught English to Iraqi refuges and worked as a photographer. Old maps and waterfalls fascinate her. Ashley has served in youth outdoor ministry as an adventure camp coordinator and guide. She knows the Lord has led her to the Pacific Northwest to serve Him at Peak 7.

Pavel Bondarenko

Pavel was born in Otradny, Russia. In July of 1991 Pavel’s Family moved to Spokane, WA. He was raised in a low-income family and never really had the chance to experience the outdoors. Several years back, Mike, a neighborhood friend and youth group leader, took the youth group guys on a rafting trip; ever since that trip, Pavel has been drawn to the outdoors. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, backpacking, and rock climbing are several of Pavel's favorite interests. He worked at several youth camps and has been involved in many other camps working with at-risk youth. He loves being able to relate with youth who share similar backgrounds as him, and having the amazing opportunity to share the Gospel with them in the incredible outdoors.

Lauren Avischious

Scott Ptolemy

Scott was born and raised in Parker, Colorado. Growing up he enjoyed spending weekend in the mountains with his family hiking, skiing, backpacking, and fishing. Beyond these outdoor activities Scott graduated from Gonzaga University this May with a Degree in Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Religious Studies. He enjoys being out in God’s creation and has had the opportunity to lead trips outdoor trips at various camps and through Gonzaga Universities outdoor program. He is looking forward to sharing his love of Christ and the outdoors throughout the ascent season.

Ron LaRue

Emily Greenburg

Emily grew up in Spokane, Washington, with her parents and four brothers. She has had a passion for the outdoors since her very first camping trip. Emily spends her summers camping, swimming, backpacking and counseling at summer camps. As she grew in her faith, Emily volunteered at Tshimakain Creek Camp, and has since developed a heart for the at-risk youth of Spokane. She volunteered at Kidz Club (an outreach program) and Sunday school for the past several years. Emily currently lives on a farm in Spangle, Washington, and enjoys biking, Frisbee and capture the flag. She is an energetic individual who feels led to work with youth in Spokane and is excited for the opportunity God has given her through Peak 7.

Laura Stembridge

Laura never saw Peak 7 Adventures coming but feels ridiculously blessed to be able to devote all her time to this ministry. A local of Spokane, WA Laura joined the army after graduating high school. A short four years later, year of traveling, two years of firefighting, random jobs, and aspirations to be a full time vagabond, she is now attending Gonzaga University for a Bachelors in English. This gives her plenty of time to ponder: Why anyone would go down a river in anything other than a kayak… or inflatable animal. Why anyone would do anything with their life other than serve God and further His Kingdom. If we smiled at each other more, joy might radiate from our souls and turn the world golden, infusing us with His infinite love. Laura is very excited to see and experience God move in astounding ways this summer. She especially looks forward to sharing with youth the rejuvenating wonder of God’s creation as well as His infinite mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness.

John Harper

Matt Setliff

Matt is one of our junior guides going through our Leadership Training Program. He is a big ol' boy with a big ol' heart for the Lord. Matt grew up with a tough background, but one day God changed his life and he started living for Him. He was first introduced to Peak 7 on a backpacking trip to the Olympic coast with Youth For Christ (YFC). Matt instantly showed great leadership potential on the trip as well as a heart that was striving to please the Lord. In May of 08, Peak 7 offered him a position as a Junior Guide in the Leadership Training Program to train him to lead and guide raft and ascent trips. Matt quickly jumped on the opportunity and has been a terrific asset to the team at Peak 7.

Catalina Andaluz

Catalina hails from the sticks of Whatcom County Bellingham Washington. Currently studying Cross-Cultural Studies, Spanish, and Japanese at Whitworth University in Spokane, she also has an intense love of the outdoors and adventure. Catalina has worked on the Trail Crew for the Department of Forestry as a Forestry Technician and has been involved in a variety of youth programs both with churches and Whitworth University. When not working as a Peak 7 Ascent Guide reveling in God's Creation or traveling to distant countries, Catalina can be found baking, devouring food as well as God's word, biking, smiling at clouds, and waiting to see you on a trip!

Ryan Brown

Ryan is the oldest of four boys who grew up mostly in the Spokane, WA area. Ever since he was a little kid Ryan has been interested in the outdoors and spent time camping and fishing with his family. More recently Ryan has been pursuing a degree in outdoor recreation at Eastern Washington University. He is married to his beautiful and incredibly supporting wife Theresa, and was just recently blessed with the birth of his first daughter Ellie. When not at home with his family, working at Starbucks, or in class, Ryan loves spending time in God’s creation fly-fishing, bowhunting, backpacking, and snowboarding.

Melissa Nelson

Maybe Melissa baked too long in the desert sun...Or maybe it was the effect of the high altitude rockies...Maybe it was the brain-freeze on Alaskan glaciers... Or those renegade ice-climbing chunks... Or maybe it was too many 40-hour shifts during medical school at Wake Forest University .... BUT for some reason, Melissa likes unique outdoor epics. Her favorite involved a newly-discovered red sandstone slot-canyon, a green cess pool, a zip-line, a 600-foot rappel, the Colorado River, and headlamps. However, as an ACLS-certified M.D., an OEC-certified ski patroller, and a candidate for a wilderness medicine fellowship (WMS), Melissa understands serious consequences. She loves to help others and to encourage them to learn. Melissa has taught in Central Asia and led university students in the mountains. She has worked with at-risk youth and adults in Russia and Ukraine, and she been involved in remote medicine in Asia. Melissa appreciates rocks, rock-climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, trekking, ethnobotany, acupuncture, rushing rivers, jumping, playing harp, photography/art, and eating sheep eyeballs.

Heather Nelson

Trey Nichols

Trey comes to us from the sticks of Chapin, SC. He graduated from Clemson University in 2004 with a Business Management degree. Since graduation, Trey worked as a youth pastor for a couple of years where he won cricket spitting contests and too many ping pong matches to count. He has been fortunate enough to raft through the Grand Canyon with some incredible friends. He has backpacked in some of the most beautiful mountains in Alaska, Montana, and up and down the east coast. He is also bilingual - speaking English and Southern. When not on the water or with a pack on his back, Trey loves mountain biking, eating good cookies, and talking about Jesus.

Katie Kimball

Katie is a native of good 'ol Spokane, Washington, and has a passion for the Northwest and all it's adventures. She’s a graduate from Eastern Washington University and has a BA in Outdoor Recreation with an emphasis on ‘having tons of fun in God’s incredible creation’. If you spend the afternoon with her prepare for anything from hiking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, wrestling with her little brothers, or just hanging out and baking cookies (the world's best ever!). Katie loves to travel and has backpacked in unbelievable places like Hawaii and New Zealand. She has a heart for ministry and has been blessed with opportunities to serve oversees in Venezuela and Indonesia. One of her passions is helping youth experience God by introducing them to His awesome creation. She is excited to continue to grow in the Lord and is looking forward to being used by God to help further the ministry of Peak 7.

Pat McLaughlin

Pat is a down home country boy, born and raised. He is currently living in the Spokane area and attending Washington State University, just south of Spokane. He is earning a degree in Construction Management. Pat is always looking toward adventure and adds young blood to Peak 7 Adventures. He has been kayaking for about two years, and has fallen in love with it. He recently became an ACA Certified Whitewater Raft Guide. Along with kayaking he loves skiing, camping, mountain biking, hunting, dirt biking, and wake boarding. Basically he is an adrenaline junky, but always keeps safety in mind. "God gave us this awesome place to have fun, get out there."

Bobby Rockefeller

I grew up in Santa Rosa, California. I moved up to Washington when I met my wife, Lindsay, while she was attending college at Whitworth University. We decided to make Spokane our new home because of our love for the outdoors and the opportunities that Washington had to offer. I am excited to spend time with the kids and help the youth see the beauty that God has provided us, and in the process improve my relationship with Him. I am currently a student, working towards a degree in Nursing and healthcare and a full-time dad. I have two daughters, 11 yr old and an 11 month old. My favorite outdoor hobbies include camping, fishing, hiking, boating, water skiing, snowboarding and am interested learning to kayak, mountain climb and hunt.
Can't wait to see you out there!

Russ Estes

Russ grew up in Ecuador (one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world) and that is where his passion for being outside was born. He has worked as a whitewater rafting guide in NY thru college and since then has worked or volunteered at camps in NY and PA. He has climbed peaks up to 18,000 feet in Ecuador and a number of smaller peaks in Alaska, and on the west and east coasts. Russ has a BA in Biology. Russ spent time at the Galapagos Islands and up past the Arctic Circle in Alaska while working towards his degree. Having studied to be a biology teacher gives Russ a unique perspective on nature and how it affects our lives; mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Ryan McCrary

Ryan is from Chapin, South Carolina and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Graphic Communications. When not backpacking or bouldering, Ryan enjoys fishing, trail running and canoeing. Deathly afraid of heights, Ryan tries to overcome this fear by trad-climbing anyway. Ryan also enjoys anything chocolate and talking about Jesus, and hopes to find a way to be involved with mission work in his future.

Mills Snell

Mills is from Columbia South Carolina and is a Student at the University of South Carolina. He is spending his summer here serving youth with Peak 7. Mills enjoys rock climbing and backpacking and long walks on the beach.

Chapman Fairey

Chapman comes from South Carolina in hopes to find cool weather. He is going to school at Clemson University studying mechanical engineering, but he hopes the Lord won’t stick him in an office after college. Chapman loves spending time outside, and when he isn’t backpacking in the Cascades he is up for inner-city adventures; skateboarding, hanging out with friends, and chilling in DixieLand. Chapman is stoked about Jesus and Peak 7, and he loves flowers.

Ethan Gray

Ethan is a good ole southern boy from Chapin, South Carolina. He is getting ready to head off to college at the University of Montana where he will be majoring in Forestry management. Ethan loves backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, and fellowship with his friends. When he is not outside enjoying God’s creations he is usually eating or sleeping.

Heidi Neddo

Heidi was born and raised in Colorado, which fostered her love for the outdoors and outdoor pursuits. She grew up skiing, camping, hiking, biking and involved in sports, and added rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing and snow boarding to her outdoor activities while in college and beyond. She is a NOLS graduate (Trip Leader Course). Both parents being immigrants from foreign countries allowed her many opportunities to travel, extensively in Europe but also in parts of Asia, North Africa, and Central America. Heidi holds a Masters in Counseling and has worked as a youth and family therapist since 1996. Her dream is to incorporate Biblical and adventure-based counseling and adventure programs for the purpose of helping others renew relationships and rejuvenate their walks with Christ.

Jordan Kilgore

Jordan is an EMT and wildlands firefighter. I is a superb raft guide with lots of energy. His interactions with youth is exactly what we desire from our guides. When he is not guiding for us, he can be found skydiving, base jumping, kayaking or fighting fires.