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Meet The Peak7 StaffSpokane StaffRyan M Kerrigan - Executive Director (Letter from the founders) Jon Cramer - Rafting & Climbing Program Coordinator Austin Dannen - Ascent Program Coordinator Lynn Smith - Volunteer Services Coordinator Brady Hatfield - Treasurer, Raft & Ascent Guide Loran Kerrigan - Sponsorship Coordinator Nicole Winters - Raft & Ascent Guide Pavel Bondarenko - Raft & Ascent Guide Lauren Avischious - Ascent Guide Ron LaRue - Raft Guide & Assistant Ascent Guide Emily Greenburg - Assistant Ascent Guide Laura Stembridge - Assistant Ascent Guide Jon Harper - Lead Climbing Instructor Daniel P. Shaw - Volunteer Guide Ian Kerrigan - Volunteer Guide Paul Kimball - Volunteer Guide Scott Jamieson - Volunteer Guide Sara Schmidt - Volunteer Guide Brian Jamieson - Safety Kayaker & Junior Ascent Guide
Seattle StaffEthan Petro - Seattle Area Director Ashley Paul - Seattle Sponsorship Coordinator Joel Werdell - Volunteer Guide Amanda Werdell - Volunteer Guide Zach Panther - Volunteer Guide
Alumni Staff
Board Of Trustees
Staff BiosRyan M KerriganExecutive Director
Ryan co-founded Peak 7 Adventures and has served as Executive Director from the outset, actively leading programs and trips each year. He grew up in Ecuador and Kenya throughout most of his younger years. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Ryan has worked as an ACA Certified Whitewater Kayak Instructor and Raft Guide Instructor, as well as a climbing and backpacking guide. Ryan's passions include mountaineering, climbing, backpacking, whitewater kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and traveling. He has expedition experience all over the World. Together with his wife Loran, they pursue their passions to get people involved with God's creation. Ryan, Loran and their son Dane and daughter Addie live in Spokane, WA.
Jon CramerRafting & Climbing Program Coordinator
Jon comes to us from the Carnation, WA where he has spent the last year and a half as the Adventure Camp Director at Camp Gilead. He graduated from Eastern Washington University with a BA in Outdoor Recreation. Jon has spent the last 6 summers working at Camp Gilead in just about every type of position. 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.
Austin DannenAscent Program Coordinator
Austin grew up in a log cabin out near Cheney Washington. He loves being outside and enjoying nature. After graduating from Eastern Washington University with a degree in outdoor recreation, he spent 4 months living in Germany working with youth at Ramstein AFB. For the past 3 years Austin has been working for the union gospel mission’s, Tshimakain Creek Camp as the assistant manager. He enjoys anything to do with the outdoors, especially backpacking, hunting, and a good game of pinochle. He loves working with youth and wants to serve God wherever he is. He loves to travel and has been to, Mexico, Russia, and parts of Europe, Africa, and Canada. He is excited to serve God in the Pacific Northwest with Peak 7.
Phil LabrieFinance Manager
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.
Lynn SmithVolunteer Services CoordinatorLynn was born and raised Bellingham Washington and moved to Spokane in 2007 with her husband Corey and four boys. She has been a full time stay at home mom and is excited to start using her recently found free time to devote to Peak 7. Her enthusiasm helps to encourage and energize those around her and she is excited to use her gifts as part of the Peak 7 team. As a mother of four boys, her life is always an adventure!
Brady Hatfield, CPATreasurer, Raft & Ascent Guide
Brady comes to us from Springfield, Oregon. He has served as Treasurer of Peak 7 Adventures from its inception. A true native of the Pacific Northwest, Brady enjoys all the outdoor sports this region has to offer including mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking and anything that gets him outside and into God’s creation. “Call me crazy, but it always seems to me that the most rewarding days out leave you cold, wet and more appreciative of a dry warm bed.” Brady graduated from Seattle Pacific University where he met and married his wife Alisha. Over the summers during his college years Brady served as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fighting forest fires across five western states. Brady earned his status as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2004 and owns a tax and accounting practice in Spokane Valley, WA.
Loran Kerrigan, CTRSSponsorship Coordinator
Loran, Ryan’s beautiful wife, grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended college at Clemson University. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism Management, like Ryan, but emphasized in Recreation Therapy. Loran is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist. She worked several years at the Tamarack Center (residential psychiatric facility) and also worked at Young Life camps and as a camp counselor at the Presidio YMCA in San Francisco. She has also coached soccer and basketball in South Carolina. You can find Loran swimming, biking, and running in triathlons, as well as skiing, backpacking, climbing, kayaking but mainly talking!
Nicole WintersRaft & Ascent Guide
Nicole grew up in northeast Pennsylvania and didn’t realize the difference between a mountain and a hill until she moved to Colorado for college. She graduated from the Air Force Academy with a Bachelor’s in Meteorology. During her time in the Air Force she was stationed in Alaska and Utah as a weather officer. She loves playing outside, competitive sports, and delicious treats. Nicole has been a youth leader with high school students for the past five years. She is excited to serve youth as a part of Peak 7, and to see lives changed from encountering the awesomeness of God.
Pavel BondarenkoRaft & Ascent Guide(Russian Spetsnz Instructor)
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 AvischiousAscent Guide
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.
Scott PtolemyAscent GuideScott 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 LaRueRaft & Assistant Ascent Guide
Emily GreenburgAssistant Ascent GuideEmily 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 StembridgeAscent Assistant GuideLaura 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 HarperLead Climbing Instructor
Daniel P. ShawVolunteer Guide
Daniel is an active stay-at-home dad who helps lead climbing, backpacking, and rafting trips with Peak 7 in his free time. He grew up in Prescott, Arizona and lived in Texas and Colorado before moving to beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He is married to Alyssa Shaw M.D. and they have 1 son, Payson. He has worked as an engineer for an oil and gas company, as a middle school science and math teacher, as a climbing guide, and at several outdoor retail stores. Daniel is also a competitive runner and triathlete and coaches both sports. He is passionate about bringing youth into the wilderness and sharing the love of Christ with them. Daniel loves rock and ice climbing, kayaking, running, and biking. He has traveled around the world seeking adventure and exploring God’s beautiful earth. He runs a bouldering gym in Idaho Run, Rock & Roll.
Ian KerriganVolunteer Guide
Ian is one of Ryan’s four brothers, who all grew up together in Ecuador and Kenya. He graduated from Moody Aviation in Tennessee with a BS in Missionary Aviation Technology. Ian has traveled all over the world, four of the seven continents, enjoying the outdoors. Though he loves the outdoors and all it has to offer, his real passion is enjoying the beauty from thousands of feet in the air. Ian is currently working as a flight instructor and aviation teacher at Moody Aviation, Felts Field. Ian and his wife, Lela, live in Spokane, WA.
Dave JonesVolunteer Guide
Having lived in the Northwest his entire life, Dave enjoys many activities the area has to offer. When he’s not on the river kayaking or rafting you might find him mountain biking, backpacking, canoeing, camping, hiking, skiing or trying out his latest endeavor fly fishing. Dave works as an electrician and is a 'Jack of All Trades'. He lives in Spokane, WA with his wife Stephanie and his two daughters Lily and Ella.
Paul KimballVolunteer Guide
Paul is a firefighter in Spokane. He is a great addition to Peak 7 with a love for the Lord and youth.
Scott JamiesonVolunteer Guide
Scott was born and raised in the beautiful Northwest and graduated from WSU with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including camping, hiking, climbing and scuba diving. However, his enduring love for kayaking has lead him to enjoy endless hours on many rivers over the past 20 years. Because of his contagious passion for this sport he has encouraged others to become active in kayaking and/or whitewater rafting, including his wife and 2 kids. Each year the Jamiesons center their vacation time around rafting and kayaking excursions. Together they have conquered many rivers and have made numerous memories as a result of their whitewater pursuits. In order to support their river habit Scott and his wife Melody own ten Fantastic Sams hair salons and work together in the daily operation of this business. While off the water Scott enjoys photography, Thai cooking and is an accomplished Jazz pianist, often arranging songs to play for church and youth group functions. Scott truly enjoys being part of a ministry that combines his love for whitewater with reaching out to kids and showing them God’s amazing creation.
Sara KimballVolunteer Guide
Sara grew up in the small town of Concrete, Washington. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Over the past 3 years, she has worked as a traveling occupational therapist throughout the country (including Hawaii). God has blessed her with incredible adventures and learning experiences! She has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys sharing God’s creation with others. From rock climbing and day hikes to mountaineering and extended backpacking trips, Sara is always up for an adventure! She recently traveled to New Zealand for a 6-week Adventure Bible Course. Besides outdoor activities, Sara loves to spend time with family and friends and always enjoys a great game night! She is also very involved with coaching wheelchair and adapted sports here in Spokane. Her desire is to glorify God in all that she does. She looks forward to another season of deepening faith and great adventures through Peak 7 trips.
Kyle ScottVolunteer Guide
Kyle has lived in the Northwest for the majority of his life. He enjoys the outdoors and has a passion for showing God’s love to others. Kyle works as a carpenter and shares his life with his wonderful wife Katie.
Brian JamiesonSafety Kayaker & Ascent Junior Guide
Brian, son of Scott, is an incredible young man with a heart for the Lord. He is an experienced kayaker and can handle himself on the mountain with the best of them. He began kayaking at the age of 3 and had his first hard-shell kayak at 6. He attended kayak camp each summer on the Payette River beginning at age 6 until he graduated and began working as a safety boater for the company. He also enjoys the sport of paintball and plays bass for his school worship band.He is a great role model for the youth that we work with.
Ethan PetroSeattle Area Director
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.
Ashley PaulSeattle Sponsorship Coordinator
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.
Robbie RechVolunteer Guide
Joel WerdellVolunteer Guide
A native to the beautiful Northwest area has climbed to the grueling base camp of Mt. Rainier, kayaked the raging and treacherous Sultan River, even braved..................seeing the Nutcracker ballet with his wife just to make her smile. He's a man of many talents and abilities, and he adds a joyful, positive energy to the Peak 7 team. Getting his CS and Physics degrees from Whitworth college, he fell in love with the city of Spokane, a little frozen yogurt place called Didiers, and game called Ultimate Frisbee. In May of this year he felt the calling to move back to Seattle where he lives currently with his wife Amanda and currently working for a software company and enjoying his weekends in the great outdoors.
Amanda WerdellVolunteer Guide
Amanda joins the Peak 7 crew with an awesome energy, spirit, and love of laughter. She is a Washington State native who enjoys white-water rafting, biking, and rock-climbing (when she gets a chance to go!). Her experience working with youth includes a summer internship in Sweden working with Young Life Stockholm as a camp counselor, and being a former Young Life leader in her hometown. Currently she is pursuing a degree in Nursing School to become a registered nurse, and settling in to her new home that her and her husband Joel just purchased in the Seattle area.
Doug CheneyVolunteer GuideDoug brings a spirit of encouragement, enthusiasm and energy to the group. His home town is Tucson, Arizona and attended Liberty University and the University of Arizona majoring in Business Management. His experience and interests are in rock climbing, mountain biking, snow boarding, kayaking and long boarding to name a few. Along with his interests in extreme activities Doug’s background is in business management and is currently a senior sales consultant for a technology company in Seattle, WA. He has experience with leading kids of all ages and loves to have fun!
Zach PantherVolunteer Guide
Zach grew up in Spokane Washington and enjoys all this area has to offer. He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Management Information Systems. Growing up Zach played premier soccer for the Falcons and is also an avid skier. These interests early in his life led his parents to subscribe to the common phrase “Soccer, Skiing and No Money”. Zach has since taken up mountaineering with his most recent assent being Mt. Adams in Washington (12,267 feet). Zach, his wife Shannon and their dog Rider currently live in Seattle, WA.
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