Kait Junek
Manager | CWA CWI Level 4 instructor | Lead Instructor
As a passionate climber and Certified CWI Level 4 provider, Kait specializes in teaching lead climbing and lead belaying. With years of experience both on and off the wall, her focus is on helping climbers build the skills and confidence to take their climbing to the next level. In addition to lead climbing instruction, she also provides targeted training to improve climbing strength, power, and endurance, ensuring a balanced approach to both physical and technical aspects of the sport. Her goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to climb safely, efficiently, and confidently.
Kait(@)rocksandropes.com
Elissa Moss
Team Manager, Lead Training Team Coach, Assistant Coach - Travel & Comp Team
"I started climbing in 2010 at a local gym in North Texas, and it didn’t take long for climbing to become a major factor in the way I shaped the rest of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to work in amazing climbing facilities, teach summer camps, coach teams, create branding and artwork for gyms, travel across the southwest to boulder, multi-pitch, and sport climb, and build up a network of climbing partners and friends from the different communities I have been a part of.
One of my favorite aspects of coaching is getting to witness the next generation find their place in and through our community, set and meet personal goals, and discover the gifts that only climbing brings. I feel especially grateful to have found myself in Tucson part of a supportive and talented community of teachers, mentors, and innovators who are paving the way for young climbers to achieve incredible things through this sport."
Elissa(@)rocksandropes.com
Jon Mavko
Head Coach, USAC L2 coach, C4PC Level 2
"My climbing journey only truly started to take off over the past three years, and despite my parents sharing a stoke for climbing since before I was born, I actually did not find myself enjoying the sport until I was living abroad, studying psychology in Guadalajara, Mexico. I quickly came to love bouldering, and shortly after committing myself more to climbing and training, I signed up for a three month NOLS course in southern Arizona, where we spent a month straight living in Cochise Stronghold, and after returning to Mexico from that trip my excitement and commitment to the sport grew immensely.
Climbing has grown me in so many ways, but all of my personal growth from trying on my first pair of rentals to my first multi was encouraged by those around me. So many of the beautiful things I have seen and been able to experience have been provided in part by belay partners, trainers, gym owners and members and coaches. Because I have found so much personal enrichment in the outdoors and the culture of climbing, it brings me so much joy to be able to engage with the next generation of climbers, help teach them the skills and ethics we value, and learn from them throughout the process."
Jon(@)rocksandropes.com
Emma Nak
Assistant Coach - Junior Team
"I began climbing at age thirteen when I wandered into a gym in my hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I immediately fell in love with the movement, ethic, and community of climbing, and a year later I joined the local youth team. During my time as a youth climber, I challenged myself mentally and physically and found myself climbing at the national level. I also unlocked a passion for teaching and mentorship when I began coaching younger kids on the team. After I graduated, I brought the skills and work ethic I learned to Tucson, where I am continuing to challenge myself on sport routes on Mt. Lemmon and beyond.
Throughout my climbing career, I have been fortunate to encounter a few mentors who have greatly influenced my climbing and character. I am forever appreciative of their guidance and generosity, and the lessons I learned from them will stay with me for the rest of my life. I consider it an honor to be able to pass on the knowledge and spirit of climbing to today's youth, and I hope that our youth team members leave the program not only as great climbers but great people."
Emma(@)rocksandropes.com