GOAT Staff Community
At Goat Climbing Gym our mission is to create an inclusive, open climbing community that will feel like home for every level of climber. And to build that community we have a well rounded crew of staff members who will help us develop our community of climbers, young athletes and teams.
We look forward to meeting you!
A – Z
Position Title:
GOAT Supervisor
Why do you like Climbing?!
I love the challenge. It requires patience learning to listen to your body as you flow on the wall. At the same time, it’s a stress reliever because you are focused only on the climb and not wanting to fall.
Years climbing:
6+ years
Climbing style in 3 words:
Controlled, Static, Technical (shorty beta forever!)
Favorite US crag:
Red River Gorge, KY
Favorite climb and why:
Enchanted Castle (5.10c/6b) in Kalymnos.
It has a beautiful view and has a variety of climbing styles and terrain. There is even a 360 move coming out of a cave to an overhung from this 100ft of perfect fun. Also there are goats cheering you on all over the mountains, or laughing at you.
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
At the front desk, Teaching classes or on the lead wall!
What inspires you?
New people that are willing to learn as well as experienced/seasoned climbers who love sharing their adventures and stories.
Position Title:
GOAT Route Setter
Why do you like Climbing?!
I love the feeling of being free on the wall. I enjoy the physicality and puzzle solving aspect of climbing as well. Climbing also teaches me to keep working towards my goals. Sometimes I get shut down when attempting a new climb or project, but if I work hard and persevere, I’ll be able to do what I put my mind to. The same goes for life
Years climbing:
4 years
Climbing style in 3 words:
Crimpy, Slopey, Compression
Favorite US crag:
The Gunks!
Favorite climb you have set and why:
A yellow V7 made up of Rock Candy Blockus pinches, the climb worked so well as it involved very technical climbing whilst still being very pumpy and physical!
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
Up at the second floor boulders/ spray wall
What inspires you?
I am inspired by climbers who project and work hard at climbs. It feels great to make it to the top of a project or pull a new grade. There is no better feeling than seeing a climber of any level come off of one of the team’s climbs smiling and feeling fulfilled about conquering it. I am inspired by being a part of the community’s climbing journey.
Position Title:
Junior Supervisor / Birthday Party Supervisor
Why do you like Climbing?!
How could I not like the best sport ever? Also rocks are cool.
Years climbing:
6+ years.
Climbing style in 3 words:
Dyno, static, tallpersonbeta.
Favorite US crag:
Only been to the Powerlinez, hope to venture outside more in the spring!
Favorite climb and why:
The Goat Climbing Gym stairs, because I live on the third floor.
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
Playing Simon Says.
What inspires you?
The Rock.
Position Title:
GOAT Route Setter
Why do you like Climbing?!
Climbing is a really special sport in that it’s individualistic, with its own personal goals and gains. Yet, you will be hard pressed to find a climber who has reached any personal milestones without the support of friends and a strong community
Years climbing:
12
Climbing style in 3 words:
Heels, Burly Squeeze Bloc
Favorite US crag:
Joe’s Valley
Favorite climb you have set and why:
Anything with a solid toehook! Your toehook game can always get stronger!
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
Routing people ON!
What inspires you?
Seeing the potential in others
Position Title:
GOAT Route Setter
Why do you like Climbing?!
The great friends I’ve made and beautiful places I’ve discovered because of climbing
Years climbing:
2
Climbing style in 3 words:
Big, punchy, punter
Favorite US crag:
Red River Gorge KY
Favorite climb you have set and why:
A tie for the first climb I ever set and most recent one:)
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
In the snack closet or teaching classes!
What inspires you?
Hard climbing and undiscovered lines
Position Title:
GOAT General Manager
GOAT Chief Route Setter
GOAT Climbing Team Head Coach
Why do you like Climbing?!
Climbing is everything to me! I love the community it creates, the language it develops and the unique movement patterns that are built by climbers as they solve a problem or crux in a climb.
Years climbing:
More than I care to admit! 20+
Climbing style in 3 words:
Heels, Hips and Shoulders
Favorite US crag:
Ten Sleep canyon WY
Favorite climb and why:
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
On the lead wall, in the office, coaching and at the front desk!
What inspires you?
Position Title:
Junior Tribe and Monday/Wed. Afterschool Coach
Why do you like Climbing?!
Climbing allows me to confront my fears while having fun. It also allows me to connect with nature in the most beautiful way.
Years climbing:
4 years
Climbing style in 3 words:
Not sketchy, “illustrative”
Favorite US crag:
New River Gorge, West Virginia
What inspires you?
Finding the edge of what my body is comfortable with, and pushing further.
Position Title:
GOAT I.T. Manager
Why do you like Climbing?!
Beauty in movement. I also find it to be a form of strenuous meditation.
Years climbing:
about 10 years or so, I can’t remember anymore
Climbing style in 3 words:
Biceps, POWAR, and high feet
Favorite US crag:
Rumney NH
Favorite climb and why:
Metamorphosis @ Rumney
Poetry in stone
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
Behind the climbing walls or on a ladder making sure the WIFI is working
Pet Name:
Lillie (photo used) Thing is, I built this website and I think my dog is sooo cute. So I’m using her photo
What inspires you?
Watching my friend project a climb for years and finally sending it
Position Title:
GOAT Assistant Manager
What is your relationship with climbing?
Climbing is my absolute favorite thing to do. It’s the perfect mix of mental focus and physical exertion, that melts stress away.
Years climbing:
6
Climbing style in 3 words:
Favorite US crag:
New River Gorge
Favorite climb and why:
Legacy (5.11a Snake Buttress). A long haul of everything you could ask for; from a layback crack, to pulling over a roof on good holds, to a heady traverse. The most fun I’ve had getting pumped out of my mind.
Pet’s name:
A Shih Tzu/Poodle mix named Rocky.
How do you take your coffee?
Black
If you need to find me at GOAT I’ll be:
At the front desk or hanging off the lead wall.
What inspires you?
I get inspired by the process of improving, both in myself and in others. There is
nothing more motivating than accomplishing something that seemed impossible not too long ago.
Position Title:
Senior Tribe Coach
Why do you like Climbing?!
It’s exciting and fun, it challenges me both physically and mentally, and I like the intensity that makes me focus better.
Years climbing:
2.5 years total !
Climbing style in 3 words:
Burly, Intense, versatile
Favorite US crag:
Red River Gorge
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my students and other climbers both new and advanced. It’s awesome to see everyone trying hard. Also, I’m always seeking to reach that next grade.
Position Title:
GOAT Owner
What is your relationship with climbing?
I have always been an outdoors person. However I was not introduced to climbing until I had kids and they had their first experience at a birthday party. I feel connected to climbing on all levels as a newbie, a parent of a competitive climber and as someone who likes to do any activity outdoors and travel.
Why did you decide to build Goat Climbing Gym?
At the time we started thinking about building a gym we had already been traveling all over the country and had been seeing some of the exciting things happening at other gyms. and we felt it was time for New Jersey to have a gym with an IFSC regulation speed wall and 60 foot walls!
How long did it take to plan?
It has taken about 5 years! Finding a location to build and the process of building has taken a long time. We are lucky to have supportive family, friends and now a great team around us and Hackensack is a vibrant community that is literally building around us – we are excited for the community to embrace us and us to embrace the new community!
What will your life experiences as a summer camp management team member bring to GOAT?
As a Registered Dietitian I was lucky to get my summers to work as part of the management team at a sleepaway camp for 11 years. As a camp leader it was my role to give the staff the tools to succeed and watching them learn was so rewarding. Working with kids and young adults is always fun and exciting. Kids are hilarious and you never know what you get day to day! There is also that feeling for kids who go to camp that it is their home away from home and I want our members to feel that way about our gym.
Tell us a bit about your favorite part of the new gym
I love everything about it! Thinking about what types of competitions we will be able to have and how we will run them in our space is amazing. I love speaking to everyone in all parts of the industry. All of us in the climbing world are so lucky to be surrounded by such passionate, caring, smart and creative people.
Why did you decide to go with EntrePrise as a wall builder?
When we started talking with EntrePrises we were immediately impressed. We chose to speak with them first because they are the only certified speed wall builders in the US as well as they build all of the nationals bouldering walls for USA Climbing. We were also interested in bringing their walls to the east coast.
Favorite US climbing location, inside or outside.
We have tried to take things from many of the gyms we have been to to hopefully build a space that people will really enjoy being in. I am just starting to adventure into outside climbing and I’m sure our team will get me out more!
How do you take your coffee?
Black with a little bit of sugar free vanilla. Makes my day.
What inspires you?
Watching my kids achieve things on their own after using what they have learned and worked for. And listening to people who can tell amazing stories and people who work hard and enjoy what they are doing and then have time to enjoy life.
How would you describe your ownership style and ideals in 3 words?
Develop, teamwork, listen.
Position Title:
Jr. Supervisor
Why do you like Climbing?!
I love the challenge presented in stringing together my inner lexicon of climbing movement & techniques to unlock all the intricacies of moves, and precise foot and finger positionings on a climb, and then dialing in and getting into the perfect flow of pace, breathing, and focus to send climbs at my absolute limit, and in turn pushing those limits in my climbing as well.
Years climbing:
5, soon 6 years. I started climbing in 2018 and have been going strong since.
Climbing style in 3 words:
Crimps, tension, technique
Favorite US crag:
Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin for bouldering & Red River Gorge in Kentucky for sport.
Favorite climb and why:
Haven’t thought about it. I usually get the most enjoyment either setting climbs on the spray wall with a mix of complex and difficult movement, or from sending a climb at my limit outdoors.
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
Working behind the desk or setting something funky on the spray wall.
What inspires you?
My ability to overcome challenges and the enjoyment of engaging and interesting climbs. Also climbing with my friends inspires me to keep on climbing.
Position Title:
GOAT Route Setter
Why do you like Climbing?!
Climbing gives me that child-like feeling of moving your body and just having fun! I used to skateboard a lot before even learning about rock climbing as a sport. The two share the same need for dedication or stubbornness, as well as accepting some level of risk. You keep trying until you land the trick, or you stick that move and send! That unparalleled sense of satisfaction you get afterwards is why I like climbing so much. On top of that, the community is great; everyone is always helpful and supportive.
Years climbing:
1.5
Climbing style in 3 words:
Big, Dynamic, Pinchy
Favorite US crag:
I haven’t done much outdoor climbing, but I really like the Gunks.
Favorite climb you have set and why::
It’s the first set that I am really proud of. It’s a black V3 stem boulder where you eventually press up off of two Flathold volumes to get your feet up. It looks good and is accessible to a lot of climbers!
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
f im not setting, I’ll be training on the second floor or taking a nap on the mezzanine couch.
What inspires you?
Seeing anyone trying hard and putting in effort for something they’re passionate about. Climbing, studying, whatever it is. I find that energy contagious and makes me want to do the same.
Position Title:
Marketing Manager / Supervisor
Why do you like Climbing?!
I like climbing for two reasons: the community and the mental challenge. Climbing is my safe space, where I can challenge myself mentally (and physically) to do better and be better. Having a supportive community adds another level to the experience.
Years climbing:
3
Climbing style in 3 words:
static, technical, creative
Favorite US crag:
Powerlinez! Classic, close to home, a good go-to for a day of bouldering.
Favorite climb and why:
62% of Gorbachev – super sick boulder with some fun foot jamming and a mystical crystal (it exists, I swear).
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
chit chatting, falling off rocks, or hunkered over my laptop
What inspires you?
Watching/learning from expert climbers, as well as my desire to set two V8’s for the sole purpose of naming them “like the juice” and “not like the juice.” It really keeps me going.
Position Title:
GOAT Assistant Head Route Setter
Why do you like Climbing?!
Climbing makes me feel complete. I love that the wall can make you feel totally confident & calm, or completely panicked & nervous. But my favorite part of climbing is the community. This sport has done so much for me mentally & physically, but it’s the people I meet, who are so strong, inclusive, and supportive, which have made me fall in love with the sport.
Years climbing:
3
Climbing style in 3 words:
static so static
Favorite US crag:
The Gunks!
Favorite climb you have set and why:
I set a mega slab! It had multiple starts, huge features, and solid accessibility. It was a fun opportunity to put something really appealing up with my team and I’m super proud of how it turned out.
If you need to find me at Goat I’ll be:
On the systems board with the team!
Pet Name: Sully & Jiji. Both of my cats are obsessed with me & follow me around the house everywhere. I actually adopted Jiji from a member of one of my old gyms. They brought her in and I took her home!
What inspires you?
I am lucky enough to work with some of the strongest, most hardworking climbers. They inspire me everyday to overcome new challenges, train harder, and enjoy life.