Our Instructors
Our guides know DC climbing.
-
We’re welcoming back familiar faces and bringing on new talent in 2023 to continue building the most-trusted group of professional guides working in the region.
We’re out to set a new area standard for professionalism, respect, and fairness in working with our fellow outdoor industry professionals, including:
Bonuses and profit-sharing with guides
Incentives and cost-sharing for professional development and continuing education
Transparency about our business, its operations, and how we support the people who work with us
TIM MURPHY, Founder & Program Director, MSW, AMGA SPI
Tim began climbing in the early 1990s and has climbed hundreds of traditional single and multi-pitch routes in some of the most inspiring climbing areas in the US, including Zion National Park, Indian Creek, and Gallatin Canyon. He has taught climbers, guided in the wilderness, and managed outdoor programs for over 20 years and is passionate about fostering relationships between people and nature through climbing and other outdoor pursuits.
EUNNY JANG, Founder & Director of Operations, AMGA SPI, WFR
Eunny discovered climbing after returning to the DC area from 10 years in Colorado. Building on plentiful wilderness and mountain experience as an avid backpacker and through-hiker in the west and a background in teaching, instructional design, and category and program management in educational publishing, she is excited to combine work and passion, helping others navigate a safe and successful transition into outdoor climbing by building their technical skills, knowledge, and leader confidence.
KAT PORTER, AMGA SPI, WFR
Kat is an outdoorsy extrovert who thrives on bringing energy and sharing adventures, with a passion for helping others push past their perceived limits to unlock their potential. A competitive climbing coach for over 6 years working with athletes through the national level, Kat’s specialty is personalization – getting to know who a climber is at a deeper level to tailor her coaching style to better realize their climbing abilities. She is a believer in sharing the “why” behind each area of technical climbing to help athletes gain a deeper understanding of the sport as an interactive puzzle solved using the mind and body.
TAYLOR JENKINS, AMGA SPI
Taylor has been climbing for 19 years, enjoying all styles of climbing on both rock and ice. He loves to help other people along their own journeys as climbers: “Sharing my knowledge in a way that helps others brings me joy like nothing else.”
HANNAH WANG, AMGA SPI Candidate
Hannah is a seasoned educator who has worked with students of all ages (preK-adult), in both public and private education settings. She holds a Masters of Education in Experiential Learning and Development from Plymouth State University and is excited to be at East Outdoors, where she is able to combine aspects of experiential and adventure learning with wellness programming. She loves teaching future outdoors people and helping them become self-sufficient in their outdoor endeavours. Beyond working with East Outdoors, Hannah also volunteers on the fundraising committee with Pigtown Climbs.
KRISTA NICKERSON, Certified Top Rope Instructor
Climbing has been a part of Krista’s life for 17 years, and she has been instructing for seven. She loves helping beginners find confidence, success, and connection to our climbing community, and helping more experienced climbers hone their skills to pursue their goals. She's currently working toward climbing all the 5.7s at Seneca, becoming a certified nutrition coach, and completing a one-arm pull-up. Krista’s goals also include expanding climbing among underrepresented groups and helping make outdoor spaces welcoming and nurturing for all.