Rhiannon Kunesh

I grew up in rural Minnesota where my only exposure to climbing was at summer camps and the occasional birthday party. I spent my childhood canoeing on the river through my hometown, camping and hiking at the local state park, and cross-country skiing through our woods in the winter. It wasn’t until I moved to Minneapolis after my undergrad that I had consistent access to a climbing gym for the first time. I was hooked. 

I moved to Madison to get my master’s in social work last fall and knew that my best chance for meeting cool folks in the area was to get involved at the local climbing gym. I started working at Boulders my first week here and was climbing outside with a great group of people the next weekend- the rest is history. I try to say yes to every climbing trip I can; to The Red River Gorge, Red Rocks, Puerto Rico, and am continually surprised by the local climbing that Wisconsin has to offer. 

The confluence of my social work education and climbing instruction this year has been life structuring, as my passion lies in improving access to both the outdoors and mental health care. When I’m stressed, anxious, or low, the best medicine is getting outside. The fresh air and physical activity ground me while forging a connection to something larger than myself, and I’ve noticed my confidence and ambition for the future have grown immensely since diving into climbing. This joy is what I hope to share with clients and climbers and fuel my work as a guide. Nature is self-care that everyone should be able to access. 

CERTIFICATIONS

Wilderness First Responder
ACA Community Paddle Sports Leader