Executive Director

Austin is from Spokane, Washington and joined Peak 7 in 2009. He has been a committed member of the team ever since, serving as a guide, coordinator, program manager, and director. He is passionate about communicating the love of God, and sharing his enjoyment of the outdoors with youth. He loves spending time with his family, traveling and exploring the world, and having fun with friends. Austin lives in the Spokane area with his wife, Anna, and their sons, Isaac and Justice.

Operations Director 

Jenny is a Washington State native, growing up hiking, fishing and spending countless hours outdoors. Married for nearly 30 years, Jenny and Ken have 3 sons, one incredible daughter in law and two grandsons. As a family they have served as the onsite camp administrators of UGM Camp since 2002. Jenny is passionate about youth advocacy and outdoor recreation, making Peak 7 the perfect fit. In her spare hours, Jenny can be found adventuring with Ken, solo hiking in the great PNW or introverting with an excellent book.

Finance Director

Shelley was born and raised in Spokane, where she met her husband Peter while in High School. Along with Washington, she’s lived in Arizona and Indiana all while raising 4 children. Her first real outdoor adventure was a spring break trip with Outward Bound Adventure in Canada. Shelley and her family enjoy camping and boating wherever they currently call home.

Program Director

I was born and raised in Alabama backpacking in the woodland forests. The outdoors has always provided a great deal of clarity and understanding in my life. I learned at a young age that getting outside would give me a big dose of the “feel goods”. It was through outdoor adventure that my body and mind began to heal, always returning with a different perspective about what I was facing in my life. My passion to work in the outdoors felt unreal and not attainable and I never put a lot of thought into pursuing it. After years of moving around the country seeking jobs that I thought I needed, a mentor flew me out to climb Mt. Rainier. After that trip one of my guides encouraged me to explore some of my passions in the outdoor industry. When I found out about Peak 7 I could hardly believe something like it existed. It absolutely changed everything about what I thought was possible for my future. The culture and community surrounding Peak 7 has had an everlasting impact on me and I consider it a great honor to now be in the program role helping to create programs that might inspire others.

Development Coordinator/Spokane Guide

Sarah is a Spokane local with a deep love for Jesus and the mountains. As a former Peak 7 guide, she witnessed firsthand how the organization’s programs deeply impact youth, while also learning and growing alongside these kids. As a dedicated youth leader at her church, Sarah is committed to encouraging and discipling the next generation. Through her many adventures in the PNW mountains she has found comfort in a God who's thoughts and ways are so much greater. In her role as Development Coordinator, she is excited to strengthen and build Peak 7’s community and financial foundation, working to cultivate relationships, resources, and opportunities that support the organization's mission. When out of the office, Sarah enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, reading, and connecting with others over a good cup of coffee.

Challenge Course Facilitator

Born and raised in Spokane Washington, Emily Spring was never too far from the PNW. It has never been just one trip, one experience, or one time, that Emily didn’t find herself in aw of the beauty that is the outdoors. From backpacking to rafting, to rock climbing and camping, Emily has done it all and is constantly trying new things. Luckily, Peak 7 has always offered those opportunities for outdoor experiences, based in faith, to help strengthen Emily’s relationship with Christ. Continuing her love of challenges and trying new things to push herself, Emily is hoping to complete a 5k, a 7k, and a half marathon, all in one year. Working towards this goal is a stretch, but nothing is impossible. Emily was a Peak 7 Junior Guide in high school, and has deep roots working with youth at UGM Camp since her teen years!

Challenge Course Facilitator

Justin grew up in the world of camp ministry in Colorado and the mountains of Arizona. In this environment he cultivated a deep personal love for nature and adventure. Into his teen years he worked in various roles at the camp and that world became part of his DNA.
The moment he knew he wanted to help others discover the wonder of God's creation was in high school when he planned and guided a group of friends deep into the Grand Canyon to explore Havasupai (still the most beautiful waterfalls in the world in his humble opinion).
After graduating Bible college He continued a career in youth/outdoor work. In Colorado he worked several summers as an activities director and eventually started a non-profit boys home serving young men who grew up in the foster system and had become homeless. His brother worked for Peak 7 as a guide and with some nudging convinced Justin to move across the country and serve as Program Coordinator. The idea of a faith-based outdoor company that provided intense and authentic encounters with God and nature was too good to pass up. After serving with Peak 7, Justin spent 6 years at the YMCA in various roles finishing as the school age/day camp program director. Since then adventures have looked like a 1-year trip around the world, getting married to his beautiful wife, Lauren, becoming a professional pilot and starting growing family as he and Lauren serve as house parents in the Peak 7 program house.

Challenge Course Facilitator

Patty grew up in Minnesota with a deep love for the outdoors. From camping trips across the country to nights spent marveling at star-filled skies, she continues to find joy in God’s creation. With a professional background as a personal and executive Life Coach, Patty is passionate about helping others build confidence, resilience, focus, and balance. This desire to serve and inspire others led her to Peak 7, where she first volunteered on snowshoe adventures and later became a Facilitator and Adventure Guide for the Challenge Course. When she’s not leading outdoor experiences, Patty enjoys discovering new trails and traveling with her family.

Guide

Growing up in Spokane to a family who loves camping and spending time outside, Haley was set to love being outdoors from the get go. Finding Jesus in adulthood, she has come to appreciate the sense of beauty, wonder, awe, and peace that comes from spending time in God’s creation. Her favorite memories on family trips growing were always the adventurous ones: zip lining, whitewater rafting, skydiving, and the experiences were made all the better by the kind, playful guides always encouraging her to challenge herself a little more. She’s excited for the opportunity to be that person for everyone she gets guide in adventures this summer with Peak 7, glorifying God every step of the way!

Guide

After growing up rambling around the forests of Ohio, Emily moved out to Spokane about ten years ago and has continued to fall more in love with the outdoors ever since. She enjoys backpacking, climbing, sailing, skiing, and fishing, and has had the pleasure of experiencing many adventures in these realms that have pushed her to grow through discomfort and fear. Because of this, she is very passionate about helping youth to do the same, in order to grow into the best and most confident versions of themselves, and believes that through this, they will grow in knowledge of themselves, and also of their Creator.  Emily currently works as a local artist in Spokane, and will continue to do so after Peak7.

Guide

Returning for another amazing summer with Peak 7 is Sam Ramirez! Sam is from Southern California but is currently studying physics at Gonzaga University. His love for the outdoors started from camping and fishing with his mom and cousins when he was young to then taking multiple trips to Yosemite National Park to hike Yosemite Falls with his uncle. The Lord has opened Sam's eyes to enjoy His creation and how grateful he is to be on this Earth. Peak 7's values and belief in creating a community based on the Lord's creation brought Sam back to build off of the amazing summer he had last year with new memories and experiences. His plan for the future is to teach in the PNW after his time at Gonzaga University.

Guide

Hi- I am Jack Odone!
I am from Camas, Washington, but lived in England and Germany for 7 years while my dad was stationed overseas. I am an Eagle Scout, and have loved getting to do outdoor adventures and grow my skills.
Peak 7 speaks to me because I want to bond with kids through the outdoors and hopefully talk with them about their life and Jesus.
A goal I have is to get my degree in Political Science from Whitworth University and maybe become an attorney so I can help people who are underrepresented and need help.

Guide

Clarissa is joining the Peak 7 team this summer after graduating Colorado State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and International Studies. She has lived all over the US, but has been raised for most of her life in Bozeman, Montana. Growing up with three brothers and the outdoors in her backyard, it was easy for Clarissa to become passionate about backpacking, skiing, being on the water, and more. This passion has lead Clarissa to study abroad in Nepal for four months and backpack guide in Rocky Mountain National Park for the last two summers with Camp Timberline. Clarissa is stoked to join the team at Peak 7 because of their vision to reveal the Creator through His creation, while also keeping these life-changing experiences accessible for all. She plans to continue guiding and working seasonally for the next few years before pursuing law or international work.