TJ grew up in southern Michigan spending his free time outside playing on the water, hunting, and pursuing athletics. From a young age he always enjoyed being in nature. While attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor he stumbled onto rock climbing and his passion for climbing blossomed. He cut his teeth on the beautiful southern sandstone of the Red River Gorge and New River Gorge where he grew to love how open and accepting all climbers are with one another. While completing his education at U of M he was honored to be the president of universities climbing club and began a career as a competitive youth climbing coach and routesetter at the local climbing gym, Planet Rock.
TJ followed his passion for the mountains west and landed in Colorado in 2013, accepting a job at KMAC that summer, solidifying his love for Estes Park and RMNP. He’s been with us ever since and now serves as KMAC Guides camp director, leading multi-pitch routes on Lumpy Ridge. He lives in Pinewood Springs just outside of Estes with his partner and their two dogs.
Certifications
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- Wilderness First Responder
- AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide