Meet Our Team
Gary Rall Owner & 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 Vice President
Mike Ryan Operations
Nick Gagliardi Route Setting
Meet our setter director! Nick 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!
Anna Mitra Yoga & Fitness Studio Programs
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.
Ryan Anderson Youth Climbing Team
Dan Connelly Shift Lead, Instructor
Addison Houck Shift Lead, 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
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!
Dylan Barks Route Setter
Setting Initials: DB
Ryan Anderson Head Coach
Kari Loy Coach
René Aronson Coach
Payton Hansen Coach
Addison Houck Coach
Dylan Barks Coach
Anna Mitra Yoga & Fitness Studio Director
Anna Mitra 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.
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.
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.
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!
Phoebe Schiff Yoga Instructor
Phoebe Schiff is a yoga teacher, corporate wellness professional, and writer based in Portland. Her classes invite students to practice svadhyaya [self-study] in each pose, and in every experience on and off the mat. Her highest intention is to teach yoga in a way that honors its Southeast Asian roots, and to guide students to experiences of chit [higher consciousness] and ananda [bliss] in their yoga practice, and in their lives.
Vickie Connor Yoga Instructor
Vickie grew up playing soccer at a competitive level. It wasn't until her soccer career came to a close that she discovered a regular yoga practice. At first, she practiced yoga for the fitness benefits. But soon, she realized how beneficial her practice was to her physical, mental and overall wellness. Now, her goal is to share her love and practice with her students. Vickie is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and completed her training at Parallel45 in Vancouver, WA. She is passionate about making yoga accessible and fun to all. Join her in the studio for alignment-based vinyasa classes where you'll flow breath to movement to upbeat playlists.
Dana deLaski Yoga Instructor
Dana completed her 500 hour teacher training at ISHTA Yoga in New York City in 2018, and holds additional certifications in Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and more. The name "ISHTA" comes from Yoga Sutra 2.44 and is often translated as “that which resonates with the individual spirit." In her teaching, Dana aims to provide students with tools and guidance so that they can tailor the practice to their individual needs in each moment—allowing them to find "that which resonates with their spirit." She hopes to help students see how yoga teachings reach far beyond the mat (that the physical experience connects to other layers of our being), and to always keep the practice fun! Dana’s classes always come with a few silly jokes (please laugh), a reminder to meet yourself where you are, and an extra juicy savasana.
Erica Burjek Yoga Instructor
Erica is new to Portland from New Orleans, and excited to be a part of the PRG Yoga community! She has been teaching yoga throughout New Orleans since 2015, and loves teaching vinyasa classes and seeing how students grow from week to week. When not on the mat, she can be found exploring Portland with her dog, attempting to surf on the coast, or working on her art at home.
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.
Karra Rudisill Fitness Instructor
Karra became a fitness trainer and coach in order to combine her passion for exercising and teaching. She got her fitness specialist certification at Lane Community College, with a focus on kinesiology, injury prevention, and exercise science. From there she acquired several training certifications and has been working in the Portland area as a personal trainer, stretch specialist, and group fitness coach. Karra loves participating in every type of sport and will try any new activity at least once, but she also enjoys playing video games, reading comics, drawing, and spending her free time with her pup. She teaches a wide variety of modalities including circuits, strength, conditioning, HIIT and more, along with specific types of classes such as boxing. No matter what class she teaches though, she always makes sure the classes are fun, engaging, and challenge her students to do their best, and improve their skills and strengths.
Haze Lambdin Fitness Instructor
I have been in health and fitness for over 20 years with a bachelors in Exercise Sports Science, a concentration of Health and Human Performance with countless certifications in order to provide you with the safest and most effective program to help you elevate your fitness goals. I have such a strong love for helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. As a child, I was extremely into jumping ramps on my bike, climbing trees, and sprint racing. As I became older I had a strong desire to help people to have a balanced and well rounded healthy life. As an adult, I enjoy going on hikes, kayaking, going on long walks, riding my bike, strength training, and cooking healthy food that taste and feels good eating it:)
I am originally from Memphis TN and moved to Portland during the pandemic because I always wanted to live here and felt it was the best time to pack up and come here. Portland has a awesome vibe and I am so happy to be here!
I look forward in meeting each and everyone at PRG and help you excel in your fitness goals. I am truly devoted for your growth feeling greater and having a robust life.
Also, we will have a blast and walk away with a smile!
Megan McGarry Fitness Instructor
Hi, my name is Megan McGarry. I was born and raised in Portland, OR, and attended Portland State University for my undergraduate degree in International Studies and Japanese. While studying at PSU, I became a certified group fitness instructor and fell in love with teaching group fitness classes. My favorite format to teach is strength training because I like to help my participants feel powerful and strong in their bodies. When I'm not in the gym, I love running with my dog, camping with family, cooking, and trying Portland's many delicious restaurants!
Join Our Team
Open Positions
Position: Front Desk Staff
Hours: 16 - 32 hrs / Week
Compensation: Starting at $14.75 per hour plus opportunity for regular spiffs and monthly bonuses when the team meets its monthly goal. Eligible for 401k plan with employer matching after 1000 hours.
Company Summary:
Be a part of a locally owned climbing community in Portland! PRG has been dedicated to creating a strong, passionate, and inviting climbing community since 1987 when it was established as one of the first climbing gyms in the nation. Additionally, PRG is continuing its legacy of innovation with a second location coming soon in Beaverton. This gym will feature state of the art features/amenities and will continue to push the needle by being the largest gym in the country by square foot.
PRG is committed to serving the climbing/fitness and yoga community that serves us. We do this by focusing on having talented routesetters, experienced coaches, and excellent classes. Additionally, we offer ways for our community to take their skills to the outdoors through guided experiences and lessons.
Having a great community starts at the front desk and that’s where you come in. We are looking for dedicated, knowledgeable, and outgoing people to work with our members and guests.
Responsibilities:
- Greet all customers as they are arriving and leaving the gym
- Use our point of sale software (Rock Gym Pro) to look-up and update customer account information, register clients for classes, and complete transactions
- Assist first-time visitors through filling out liability waivers and guiding them through our facility
- Promote our membership offerings and classes to prospective members
- Educate our community of members on our classes and programs
- Works as a team member to achieve monthly sales goals
- Help maintain the cleanliness of the facility.
- Conduct brief auto-belay and top rope belay tests.
Requirements:
- Enthusiasm towards assisting our customers and the community
- A commitment to understanding the fundamentals of climbing and what programs, gear and offerings make sense for each person visiting the gym.
- Top rope belay experience
- Ability to balance completion of administrative tasks with customer needs
- Regular evening/early morning and weekend availability
Desirables:
- Lead belay experience
- Prior cash register/sales/retail experience
Perks:
- Free membership
- 30% discount on all retail items/café
- Discounts at local outfitter Next Adventure
- Discounts at Prana’s Portland Store
- Pro-Deals with participating industry partners
- Opportunities to advance into other operations and sales positions at the new facility. Staffing needs are expected to double within seven months.
If you fit this description and want to join a fun and dynamic team, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to sales@portlandrockgym.com with the position of interest in the subject line. Thank you!
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.
General Inquiries
Any other questions or comments? Please email info@portlandrockgym.com
To learn more about becoming one of our yoga or group fitness instructors, please email yoga@portlandrockgym.com
Hours
Sat: 9AM - 9PM
Sun: 9AM - 6PM
503 - 232 - 8310
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