The Staff

Lyn’s climbing addiction began at Berkeley Ironworks in 2001, and she is forever grateful for how climbing and the community have changed the trajectory of her life. Lyn is happiest when climbing with her favorite... people and animals in the great outdoors, whether it be bouldering, sport, or trad. She’s a reluctant skier who is trying to get better, occasional lifter, and a lapsed knitter and runner who welcomes tips on all of the above. Most importantly, Lyn is the proud mom to an adult daughter and an elementary aged son and partner to a home inspector who likes traveling to climb almost as much as she does.

Jeffrey has been climbing for over 20 years across the world. Jeffrey’s formal education is in painting and drawing, but you’re more likely to find him on the Valley floor floating up boulder problems, or on... a bike running laps in the Oakland hills. Jeffery is one of our most experienced instructors and his clinics and private lessons slots fill up quickly! He answers to ‘Ye-feery’ and ‘Chuck’.

Michelle likes cats. She is a vegan. She doesn’t own a car. If you can’t find her behind the desk at BIW or at REI… good luck. She is probably backpacking the JMT or scuba... diving off the coast of Bali or climbing in Rocklands or raving in London or ____________. Your guess is as good as ours.

Cristina’s love for lead climbing fuels her commitment to pushing boundaries, both for herself and her students. With a focus on self-determination of success, Cristina integrates mindfulness techniques into her coaching, empowering climbers to bring... their authentic selves. She started the Chicks with Grit Affinity Meet-up group in Jan 2024 for women and gender-expansive climbers, as a symbol of gratitude to those who have mentored her. In an effort to further contribute to a thriving climbing community, Cristina linked her background in Coastal Science Policy and Management from the University of New Hampshire, to advocacy as a the Bay Area Climbers Coalition board member. Cristina leads the BACC’s commitment to, participation in, and facilitation of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Riley was born and raised in the East Bay. He loves petting bumblebees, dancing in the dirt, and playing Magic the Gathering with friends. While studying Ecology & Evolution at UCSB, he decided to ditch... the wetsuit (literally used once), trade them in for a pair of climbing shoes, and never looked back. Since then, he’s worked with youth in outdoor education and restoration, coached climbing, and learned he’s happiest when it’s just him and the people he loves in the great outdoors.

Christian has been climbing consistently for around two years and is addicted to climbing. He can’t go two days without feeling climbing withdrawals. He loves all types of climbing but has never had the opportunity... to try trad. I’ve learned that I’m at my happiest when I’m among the climbing community. I love adventure and the outdoors and I am always up for an outdoor side quest!

Kensey has been climbing off and on for 15 years. Her biggest passion is travelling around the world to boulder the rockiest crags, catch the cleanest waves, carve the fluffiest powder, chaturanga with the best... views, and, of course, eat the freshest food.