Andy is an outdoor educator, guide, and conservationist with a B.S. in Forestry. A certified Pennsylvania fishing guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Level II instructor, he’s explored 15 countries across three continents through hiking, climbing, and paddling. With decades of experience in the backcountry, outdoor specialty retail, and outdoor education, he’s a trusted resource for gear and adventure advice. When he’s not teaching or guiding, he’s out exploring the woods and the water with his family—always seeking new ways to connect with the outdoors.
My climbing journey began hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Being in such incredible landscapes enticed me to learn to climb in more technical terrain where a rope would be required. After my first visit to a climbing gym, I was hooked on climbing and have dedicated the last 5 years to getting better at all things climbing. I have since received my USAC level 1 routesetting certification and worked as a full time route setter. Additionally, I have completed my AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification and began guiding in Pennsylvania. I enjoy all disciplines of climbing including trad, sport and ice climbing. I have climbed all across the United States and even a bit internationally. My favorite local crags are the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Safe Harbor. I am excited to take on this role with EPAC and hope to expand our Eastern Pennsylvania climbing community
Rachel has worked in various nonprofit marketing, communications, and fundraising roles over the past 15 years. She has been rock climbing on and off since 2009 and primarily boulders. She lives in Philadelphia and enjoys reading comics, making music, cooking, and spending with her partner Andrew and their four cats.
I’ve been climbing in gyms since 2012 and started my outdoor climbing journey in 2017. I grew up in North Carolina where the ethic is traditional, runout, and often challenging. My buddy inherited a trad rack from his brother, and we started plugging gear and trying whatever we could find. A few sketchy epics later, I decided I wanted to teach folks how to climb so they didn’t have the same (read: terrifying) experience I had. I got my Single Pitch Instructor certification in 2020 and have been instructing and teaching new climbers since. My wife got a job that relocated us to Philadelphia, so I’ve spent the last few years exploring what the Keystone State offers. I have been fortunate enough to explore much of what our country has to offer, and I feel that PA needs to be put on the map. When I’m not climbing, you can find me playing video games or hanging out with my wife, Maddy.
The outdoors have always been a part of my life and I love sharing time there with others. I’ve been climbing for about 3 years now with a greater focus of enjoying it outdoors recently. Me and my climbing partner Laura, who happens to also be my girlfriend, love going on trips together and pushing ourselves to grow as climbers. Besides climbing, I also enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, and photography. Being a part of EPAC feels like a natural fit and I’m very excited to join the team and work towards our goals together.
