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Meet The Peak7 StaffSpokane StaffRyan M Kerrigan - Executive Director (Letter from the founders) Trey Nichols - Program Director Russ Estes - Associate Program Director Brady Hatfield - Treasurer, Senior Guide Katie Kimball - Raft & Ascent Guide Catalina Andaluz - Ascent Guide Loran Kerrigan - Sponsorship Coordinator Jordan Kilgore - Raft Guide Ryan McCrary - Raft & Ascent Guide Paul Kimball - Raft & Ascent Guide Jeff Kuiper - Raft Guide Kyle Scott - Raft & Ascent Guide Brian Jamieson - Safety Kayaker & Ascent Junior Guide Bobby Rockefeller - Raft Support Lany Billings - Safety Kayaker Seattle StaffBoard Of Trustees
Staff BiosRyan M KerriganExecutive DirectorRyan 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, 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 live in Spokane, WA.
Trey NicholsProgram DirectorTrey 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.
Russ EstesAssociate Program DirectorRuss 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.
Brady HatfieldTreasurer, Senior GuideBrady 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.
Katie KimballRaft & Ascent GuideKatie 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.
Catalina AndaluzAscent GuideCatalina 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!
Loran KerriganSponsorship CoordinatorLoran, 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 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, but other than that skiing, backpacking, climbing, kayaking but mainly talking!
Ian KerriganRaft GuideIan 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 JonesRaft GuideHaving 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.
Ryan McCraryRaft & Ascent GuideRyan 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.
Paul KimballRaft & Ascent GuidePaul is from Spokane, born and raised. He grew up helping his dad in his woodshop and is currently a fire fighter in the Spokane Valley. He has a deep passion for the Lord and has a huge heart in ministry. He has been a blessing to have on the team.
Heidi NeddoAscent GuideHeidi 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.
Matt SetliffJunior GuideMatt 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.
Scott JamiesonRaft GuideScott 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 SchmidtAscent GuideSara 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 ScottRaft & Ascent GuideKyle 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 GuideBrian, 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.
Pat McLaughlinRaft GuidePat 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."
Robbie RechSenior Guide
Joel WerdellSenior GuideA 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.
Penjor NgudupAscent GuidePenjor is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys introducing people to the great outdoors. He loves scrambling around the Cascade Mountains, and snowshoeing in the winter. His other passions include whitewater rafting and trekking the Himalayas in his native Nepal. Penjor also enjoys soccer and cooking for friends. He has an MBA from Gonzaga University and also is fluent in 3 languages.
Amanda WerdellAscent GuideAmanda 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 CheneyAscent 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 PantherAscent GuideZach 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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