Gary Rall Founder

Setting Initials: GR

Gary has been climbing throughout the West Coast for almost 40 years. On a trip to England in 1987, he got the idea of building an indoor climbing gym. While there, Rall heard about a community center that had a climbing wall where people kept in shape during the winter months. He thought of Portland’s rainy weather and decided to build the Portland Rock Gym. It turned out to be the second gym in the country, and the first to use modular holds. His wife, Julie, actually came up with the phrase “rock gym” as they named the business.

Gary is a pioneer of rock climbing in Oregon. He has a multitude of hard FAs and FFAs under his belt, established Rat Cave, been regional coordinator of the Access Fund earning their 5.13 Service Award for securing public access to the Carver Bridge Cliff & Boulders, and helped to create the modern American rock climbing industry.

Brendan Rall Manager

Setting Initials: BR

Brendan's bio coming soon.

Nick Gagliardi Head Route Setter

Setting Initials: NG

Meet our head setter! Nick has been a wonderful addition to our team. He has been working at Portland Rock Gym since April of 2021 and has been crushin’ it since day one! Nick has been climbing since 2014 and setting since 2016. He has set at climbing gyms in Minnesota where he grew up, in Colorado, and now here at PRG! He has also had the opportunity to ‘guest-set’ at a variety of gyms throughout the U.S. Nick describes his setting style as “technical thug”, meaning his routes typically use quite a bit of brute force, while still incorporating technique and finesse. Nick is also known for his comp style setting and trainer flow, along with powerful shoulder moves in his routes. Outside of climbing, Nick can be found playing strategy games like ‘Go’, cooking, or watching Anime. We are thrilled to have him on our team and we hope you enjoy climbing his routes as much as we do!

Ben McMullen Head Coach

Setting Initials: BM

Ben Started climbing six years ago at Edgeworks Climbing in Tacoma, Washington. He quickly fell head-over-heels in love with climbing and spent more time at the gym then he did at home. He loves climbing not only for the physical workout it provides but also how every climb is a different puzzle that you need to figure out. After two years of climbing he got a job coaching at Edgeworks. He has been working with youth for 14 years, everything from day care to youth pastor to coaching, and having the chance to combine his love for climbing with his love for working with youth has been a dream come true.

Holly Mayle Facilities Manager, Shift Lead

Holly is originally from the Appalachian mountains, where she learned how to rock climb in an Adventure Sports Program in college 9 years ago. She learned to top rope first, then learned to trad climb in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. 😉 She moved to Portland after doing a stint of service with AmeriCorps.

One of the things she continues to enjoy about working at PRG is interacting and forming relationships with the community. Climbing is one of many hobbies she enjoys doing and she can often be found sewing, gardening, backpacking or learning the sport of roller derby!

Something she likes to remind herself is: there is rarely only one way to achieve a goal.

Dan Connelly Shift Lead

Setting Initials: Dan

Dan's bio is coming soon.

Mike Ryan Guide Coordinator, Gym Admin

Mike's bio is coming soon.

Anna Mitra Yoga & Fitness Studio Manager

Anna Mitra is one of the newer members of the PRG team, joining us as our new Yoga + Fitness Manager in October of 2021! She has been teaching and practicing yoga for over a decade, and is an avid believer in movement as a form of medicine. She was born in Wyoming, raised on a cattle ranch in Southern Oregon, and has been living and running yoga spaces here in Portland since 2015. Anna weaves her love for yoga philosophy into her strong steady Vinyasa flows, and also holds advanced certifications in Yoga Therapy and restorative yoga. When she’s not in the studio, you can find Anna out in the woods with her husband and Aussie pup, Echo, or at home curled up on the couch with her ragdoll kitten, Aurora. As a movement teacher, Anna believes in the wholeness and the deep intuitive wisdom that we all have, and strives to help students remember this within themselves. She empowers her students to be curious, to remain present with all that arises, and supports them in stepping into their own unique way of being. She encourages her students to take charge of their practice, and to make intentional, compassionate choices about how they interact with themselves and in the world.

Addison Houck Youth Programs Coordinator

Addison (they/them) has been working at PRG since 2021, starting as Summer Camp staff, Afterschool Program staff, Intro Class instructor, and overall jack of most trades. They are transitioning into the Youth Programs Coordinator position for Summer 2022 and beyond, and are stoked to bring their many years of youth development experience to a leadership role here at PRG. Addison started climbing in early 2018 while living in the Santa Cruz Mountains. When they're not at the gym, they are studying to eventually get their Masters in Social Work, taking a deep dive into a new craft-based hobby, or taking a nap in the sunshine with their dog. Chat with Addison about: belay devices! best flavor of clif bar! favorite climbing game! pros and cons of closed toed shoes! the time they saw a bear cub and burst into tears!

Nick Gagliardi Head Route Setter

Setting Initials: NG

Meet our head setter! Nick has been a wonderful addition to our team. He has been working at Portland Rock Gym since April of 2021 and has been crushin’ it since day one! Nick has been climbing since 2014 and setting since 2016. He has set at climbing gyms in Minnesota where he grew up, in Colorado, and now here at PRG! He has also had the opportunity to ‘guest-set’ at a variety of gyms throughout the U.S. Nick describes his setting style as “technical thug”, meaning his routes typically use quite a bit of brute force, while still incorporating technique and finesse. Nick is also known for his comp style setting and trainer flow, along with powerful shoulder moves in his routes. Outside of climbing, Nick can be found playing strategy games like ‘Go’, cooking, or watching Anime. We are thrilled to have him on our team and we hope you enjoy climbing his routes as much as we do!

Ryan Anderson Route Setter

Setting Initials: RA

Ryan's bio is coming soon.

Payton Hansen Route Setter

Setting Initials: PH

Payton started climbing when he moved into his college dorm at Iowa State University. Despite being far away from any crags, he became infatuated with climbing and began going on various climbing trips, along with joining the competitive climbing team. In his 4 years at school, Payton competed at numerous competitions throughout the Midwest and qualified his way into the USA Collegiate National Championships. One of his favorite climbing memories from school is the annual road-trips to Bishop, CA with his friends during winter breaks. In 2019, Payton moved back home to Overland Park, KS to work as a route setter and a coach for a couple of local climbing gyms. Payton moved to Portland in June, 2021 to pursue a career as a full-time route setter at Portland Rock Gym (and to live closer to crags of course). When he's not training at the gym, Payton enjoys bouldering, biking, singing, surfing, and enjoying all the wonderful sushi Portland has to offer!

Abby Wilson Route Setter

Setting Initials: AW

Meet Abby! Truly a one-of-a-kind climber and person. We are so lucky to have her on staff at PRG coaching our youth programs. Abby has been working at PRG since August 2021, and has been climbing since 2010 (11 years!). Originally from Boulder Colorado, Abby moved to Portland in May of 2021 in order to further her climbing career. Outside of climbing, Abby is an avid surfer, runs triathlons, and plays with her hedgehog named Smoosh. Her favorite crag is Joe’s Valley due to her love for sandstone and all of the fun features to climb. Outside of coaching for the gym, Abby can also be found working up at the front desk and setting some killer routes. When asked what advice she would give to climbers of any and all experience levels, she stated that “you’re never too short to do the move.” And we believe it! Abby is 4’10 and can make dynamic reachy moves that most 5’10 climbers can hardly do. She is an asset to our team and we look forward to seeing her grow as a coach and as a climber!

Ben McMullen Head Coach

Ben Started climbing six years ago at Edgeworks Climbing in Tacoma,Washington. He quickly fell head-over-heels in love with climbing and spent more time at the gym then he did at home. He loves climbing not only for the physical workout it provides but also how every climb is a different puzzle that you need to figure out. After two years of climbing he got a job coaching at Edgeworks. He has been working with youth for 14 years, everything from day care to youth pastor to coaching, and having the chance to combine his love for climbing with his love for working with youth has been a dream come true.

Paul Kostenko Coach

Paul's bio is coming soon.

Abby Wilson Coach

Meet Abby! Truly a one-of-a-kind climber and person. We are so lucky to have her on staff at PRG coaching our youth programs. Abby has been working at PRG since August 2021, and has been climbing since 2010 (11 years!). Originally from Boulder Colorado, Abby moved to Portland in May of 2021 in order to further her climbing career. Outside of climbing, Abby is an avid surfer, runs triathlons, and plays with her hedgehog named Smoosh. Her favorite crag is Joe’s Valley due to her love for sandstone and all of the fun features to climb. Outside of coaching for the gym, Abby can also be found working up at the front desk and setting some killer routes. When asked what advice she would give to climbers of any and all experience levels, she stated that “you’re never too short to do the move.” And we believe it! Abby is 4’10 and can make dynamic reachy moves that most 5’10 climbers can hardly do. She is an asset to our team and we look forward to seeing her grow as a coach and as a climber!

Ryan Anderson Coach

Ryan's bio is coming soon.

Jack Radcliffe Assistant Coach

Anna Mitra Yoga & Fitness Studio Manager

Anna Mitra is one of the newer members of the PRG team, joining us as our new Yoga + Fitness Manager in October of 2021! She has been teaching and practicing yoga for over a decade, and is an avid believer in movement as a form of medicine. She was born in Wyoming, raised on a cattle ranch in Southern Oregon, and has been living and running yoga spaces here in Portland since 2015. Anna weaves her love for yoga philosophy into her strong steady Vinyasa flows, and also holds advanced certifications in Yoga Therapy and restorative yoga.

When she’s not in the studio, you can find Anna out in the woods with her husband and Aussie pup, Echo, or at home curled up on the couch with her ragdoll kitten, Aurora. As a movement teacher, Anna believes in the wholeness and the deep intuitive wisdom that we all have, and strives to help students remember this within themselves. She empowers her students to be curious, to remain present with all that arises, and supports them in stepping into their own unique way of being. She encourages her students to take charge of their practice, and to make intentional, compassionate choices about how they interact with themselves and in the world.

Christina Provencio Yoga Instructor

Christina’s practice began in college when a dorm mate invited her to yoga at the rec center on campus. She fell in love immediately and surrendered to an eternal life of conscious practice and learning. Never before had she been asked to breathe this way, to listen this way, to move and stretch this way, to be this way. Yoga quickly became more than the balance she needed to get herself through the stressful times; yoga became Christina’s spiritual fire and connection to an evolution of movement.
During her time in Southeast Asia, the asanas were brought to life for her in a traditional experience. Traveling from village to village, Christina sought out guidance and training under Buddhist monks. She learned to quiet the mind and surrender to the power of meditation.
Today, yoga continues to challenge her as she strengthens her relationship with herself. As this connection deepens, she is able to share her heart and passion for this life to the people around her through practicing yoga side by side. This ever growing love has presented Christina with the opportunity to teach and share her spiritual journey with our yoga community.

Lexi Hardin Yoga Instructor

With a background of 16 years of professional and pre-professional ballet training, Lexi has studied movement intensively. After finding a consistent yoga practice at the age of 16, she discovered the movements of asana to heal the body, as well as the ability to calm the mind through meditation and pranayama. Lexi became certified in 2013 with a goal to share the life changing lessons which yoga had taught her. Studying with her fellow yogis has been incredibly rewarding and continues to show the value of practicing gratitude every day. Through guiding flows, she hopes to open the mind through encouraging playfulness, curiosity, and self acceptance.

Noelle Wallwork Yoga Instructor

Inspired by movement and the potential for optimal health Noelle interweaves a variety of teachings to cultivate a unique style of mindful movement. With trainings in Primal Vinyasa, Baptiste Power Yoga, and various continuing education workshops, Noelle strives to offer well rounded practices that incorporate breathwork, flow, and self-inquiry. Noelle has been guiding yoga practices for 7 years, teaching at studios around the United States, as an onsite teacher for an international yoga retreat center, and at multiple festivals. Recently, Noelle has been deepening her knowledge of the human body at East West College of the Healing Arts, pursuing further education to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is passionate about cultivating practices that calm the nervous system and to offer students tools that they can take with them off of their mat. When not teaching or practicing, you’ll likely find Noelle curating and drinking herbal teas, walking in the forest, or singing along the river. One of Noelle’s passions is the cultivation of community and nourishing her inner Soulshine.

Jacob Friedman Yoga Instructor

Jacob Freidman (he/him) has been practicing yoga since 2010 and, after moving to Portland in 2020, has joined the PRG team! Jacob teaches Katonah Yoga, a Hatha practice infused with Daoist principles, metaphors and maps and Yin yoga, a slow meditative practice designed as a container for insight and self-awareness. When he's not on the mat, Jacob enjoys going out into nature, hiking, music, cooking, reading, and his dog. Catch him on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Brooke Shotwell Yoga Instructor

Brooke's path to yoga started with her young life as an athlete, which forged her love of movement and physical expression. Her exploration of the body deepened during her undergraduate studies in Theatre Arts Performance when she took many movement and breath classes, and began to discover the subtle body. Brooke has now been practicing yoga for over a decade. Upon completing her 200 hour YTT, she was given the "Lila Award" celebrating her sense of creative play, which is exactly the atmosphere you can expect from one of her classes. Brooke teaches with empathy and humor, guided by the beginner's mind. She aims to create a space for students to cultivate awareness internally as well as physically, and her classes balance practical biomechanics, joyous movement, and loving connection. When she's not on her yoga mat, you can find Brooke reading fantasy novels, eating pizza, drinking wine, and exploring Portland with her husband and their moyen poodle, Boomer.

Danny Meza Yoga Instructor

Danny is a recent transplant yogi from Sacramento, California. Introduced to yoga simultaneously as climbing, he quickly learned the synergy and benefit to both a healthy yoga practice and an adventurous climbing schedule. Three years later, he’s found himself teaching many styles of yoga including vinyasa, hatha, yin, restorative and yoga for climbers. He hopes to share the benefits and fun of yoga with the local climbing communities. You can find Danny climbing/teaching at the local climbing gyms around Portland! He looks forward to sharing space with you all.

Rebecca "Sunny" Sunshine Yoga Instructor

Rebecca Sunshine (MSc, E-RYT, YACEP) is Sunny by name and sunny by vibe. For her and many others, yoga is a reference point: a return to center. A practice where she can cultivate awareness, gather strength, share her love, and live a fuller life with more intention. The proof is in the pudding: go to one of Sunny's yoga classes or just hang around her for long enough (not long) and before you know it you’ll feel more compassion and have a brighter take on life. Her practice integrates Integral Yoga, Body-mind centering, Feldenkrais, Zen Buddhism, Stoic philosophy, Yoga Biomechanics, tap dance, and poetry.

Devon Wright Yoga Instructor

Devon is a creative yoga instructor new to PGR. Originally from Tampa, FL, she traveled to Portland, OR in 2017 for work, excited to try on a new environment. Devon began her yoga journey in 2010 while attending University of Florida and found that her fascination for the practice continued to grow over the years. Yoga initially was a physical practice for her that was sustainable, and yet, encouraged openness and expansion in the body. It has since grown into something much deeper. Yoga is a way of life for her and the teachings are something that she carries with her throughout each day.
In 2018, Devon completed her 200hr-RYT certification at YoYoYogi in Portland, OR. She now shares the practice and joy of yoga supporting others along their own personal journey. Cultivating and expanding the mind, body, and spirit. Devon’s love and intention is to connect people with their bodies and breath through yoga. Through this, she hopes to help them find bliss within themselves and peace in the hectic modern world.
Outside of the yoga studio, Devon enjoys participating in Ecstatic Dance, performance arts, hiking, camping, running, and Authentic Relating activities.

Tayler Jenkins Yoga Instructor

Tayler has been practicing yoga since 2007 and climbing since 2014. She completed her 200-hour YTT in Kerala, India and subsequently spent 1.5 years climbing and teaching yoga around Asia. Forever a student, Tayler has continued her education to become a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. While the physical benefits of yoga are vast, the jewel that has kept Tayler practicing for 15 years is how it helps her feel more mindful, grounded and grateful in daily life. At PRG, you can find Tayler guiding climbers through breathwork, balance, flexible strength, and mindful movement so that they can enhance physical performance and head game while nourishing overworked parts of the body. Her signature style is a hatha-vinyasa blend utilizing exploratory movement and inquiry to empower the practitioner to connect with their own inner wisdom, curiosity, and self love on the mat and beyond. Tayler believes that a lighthearted approach to yoga and life can increase our sense of wonder and awe, enabling us to move through the world with a greater sense of connection to our inner selves and the world.

Dan Litvin Yoga Instructor

Dan discovered yoga at age 17 as a means of cross training for hockey and martial arts, and quickly fell in love with its profound wisdom, breathwork & meditative practices, and embodied way of living. He completed a 200-hour training at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA in 2011 and has since undergone advanced 500-hr Ayurvedic Yoga and 650-hr Ayurvedic Health Counselor trainings from the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurveda in Stockbridge, MA.
For Dan, the physical practice of yoga is an opportunity for connection, regeneration, self-discovery, play, and enjoyment. As such, he leads classes that are accessible with invitations to dive deep into one's unique experience and breath while respecting the lineage, teachings, and origins shared with us from the people of the Indian subcontinent. When practicing with Dan, expect to focus on your breath, move mindfully, experience a nice savasana, and practice some sort of meditation-based practice.
When he's off the mat, Dan spends his time exploring Portland, climbing, hiking, skiing, reading, eating, cooking, or soliciting places to see in/around town (he moved from the other coast in Autumn 2021). He's excited to be part of the warm and welcoming community at PRG - be sure to say hi if you see him in the studio or the gym!

Charli Beck Yoga Instructor

Charli first experienced yoga in a community college class in 2007 and knew right away it would be a life long endeavor. Since learning to climb in 2010, the two activities and the relationship between them have defined her way of being in the world. In 2019, Charli completed a 300 hour teacher training in Portland and has been more rapidly deepening her practice and knowledge base. She is excited to share her two movement based passions with the Portland climbing community and assist others in their growth and journeys in whatever small ways she can.

Madi Behr Yoga Instructor

Madi first started practicing yoga when she was a toddler with her Dad, cultivating compassion and a love for movement-based learning. As she got older, Madi found a love for teaching little ones, bringing her to Portland from Omaha NE to be a wobbler teacher. After moving, she looked to yoga to help create a community and completed her 200HR Training and Kids Yoga Certification. Madi is continuing on to complete her Asthanga 500HR Training. Yoga brings the opportunity to share her love for teaching, connection and loving compassion for all! When she's off the mat, Madi spends time with her cats, reading, caring for her plants and exploring the beauty of Oregon!

Morgan Draps Fitness Instructor

Morgan has always been athletic soul. From playing tag outside with friends in elementary school, to playing basketball in middle and high school on a varsity team. Always on the search for a great total body workout she has taught and been a part of multiple types of workout classes, including Aqua Aerobics, boot camps, and adapted physical activity programs. Morgan grew up in Southern California where the sun was always shining, and outdoor activities were abundant. From hiking the Hills of LA, to bike riding along the Pacific Coast Highway, she is always for yearning to find where adventure and physical activity meet. In her free time she plays Dodgeball in an adult recreation league, enjoys hiking the various trails of the PNW, and has recently discovered a love for bouldering! Morgan graduated with her Bachelors in Kinesiology, and plans to go to Graduate School to obtain a degree in Physical Therapy to continue her goal, and passion of helping people get healthy, fit, and happy!

Kensie Sempert Fitness Instructor

Years of experience in different fitness modalities, from powerlifting to endurance sports, inspired Kensie to complete her personal training certification to help empower other individuals through strength training and love of movement. Her primary passion as a fitness professional is complementing outdoor, athletic, or everyday recreation with cross-training that not only helps us perform and feel better, but also fosters longevity in our favorite activities. In working with Kensie, you can expect to practice fundamental movements as well as progressions, build or improve a foundation of strength by maximizing your effort, and better understand how movement mechanics improve performance (oh, and also have fun!). She works with all levels of ability and cultivates inclusivity in the spaces she leads.

Grant Brobeck Fitness Instructor

Grant received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Pacific University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Florida. He was born and raised in the Portland metro area and has a passion for both the outdoors and fitness. Climbing has been a part of Grant's life for the past 8 years and he feels it is the perfect way to combine his passions and to challenge himself daily. He wants nothing more than to help people improve their quality of life and to reach their health and fitness goals.

Suha Khan Fitness Instructor

Recent graduate from Washington State University, Suha majored in Kinesiology and minored in Strength & Conditioning. Suha has coached D1 athletes at her time with WSU and interned at a sport performance facility post grad working with all ages of athletes and movers! Suha believes movement is meant to be enjoyable. Her goal for all her clients is for them to get stronger and have fun doing it! You can expect high energy music and vibe in Suha's classes.

Zei Johnson Fitness Instructor

Zei takes an approach to fitness based on one's lifestyle and their current capabilities. His experience with aiding in the coaching of world class powerlifters, or the time spent shadowing and learning from physical therapists and high level rehab trainers, allows for a holistic approach to each person and their needs. Being a cross trained athlete, engaged in activities like Powerlifting and Muay Thai, Zei understands the importance of strength and conditioning crossover. Zei got his degree from PSU in Applied Health and Fitness, letting him get the Certified Strength and Conditioning Certification from the NSCA shortly after.

Position: Fitness Instructor
Job Type: Independent Contractor
Pay Rate: $35 per class

Are you inspired to guide others on their wellness journey? Portland Rock Gym is hiring fitness instructors as we prepare to open the PRG Fitness Annex! We are looking for exceptional individuals who are interested in collaborative partnerships, are on the cutting edge of their craft, and are passionate about creating a safe environment for our community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

*Applicants should be ACE, AFAA, ISSA certified or other applicable certification
*AED/CPR certification is required (can be obtained within 3 months of hire date)
*Carry personal liability insurance
*Participate in continuing education

Formats:
Cardio & Core
Sculpt
Bodyweight Strength
Kettlebells
Circuit Training
TRX
Foam Roller/Self Massage

If you are a passionate, qualified and enthusiastic instructor we would love to hear from you!
Please send certifications, resume and a little love note about yourself and why you want to be a part of the PRG crew to yoga@portlandrockgym.com.