Board of Directors

Patrick Hertz

 
 
 
Patrick moved to Teton Valley in 2016 and, after unloading his car, his first stop was Teton Rock Gym for a training session. He’s met most of his community and closest friends at TRG. It truly holds a special place in his heart. When he’s not working out at ‘The Beach’ (aka the fitness area of TRG), you can find him with his partner, Lori, with their two dogs, Bean and Sprout, trail running or ski touring around the valley.
 

Chris Mietjes

Chris made the move from Brisbane, Australia to Teton Valley in 2017, where he was pleasantly surprised to discover an indoor rock gym that quickly became his home away from home. Embraced by the local climbing community, he found a sense of belonging and forged lasting connections with his new American mountain family. Nearly a decade later, Chris continues to feel that same welcoming spirit every time he steps into the Teton Rock Gym. Now, as a dedicated board member, he’s committed to fostering that inclusive atmosphere for newcomers and longtime members alike.

Evan Flach

Evan has been a member of the Teton Rock Gym for 1.5 years after moving to Victor from Jackson. In addition to being a great place to train, Evan is amazed by how the Rock Gym serves as a gathering place for many groups within the Teton Valley climbing community. His professional background is in the non-profit sector, and he’s enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes a positive impact in the local community.

Staff

 

 

Jacob Yufa

Executive Director and Climbing Instructor

Jacob helped build the gym back in 2014. Since then, Jacob has grown both the facility and programs into the highly valued community resources that they are today. Under his leadership, the rock gym has established partnerships with local schools, ABC in Driggs, American Alpine Club, Courageous Kids, and other groups that result in hundreds of kids being introduced to indoor and outdoor rock climbing each year. He leads many of Teton Rock Gym’s youth groups and teaches higher-level adult climbing classes all year-round.

 

 

 

Jen Piperno

Development Director, Climbing and Aerial Instructor

Jen earned an M.A. in Nonprofit Management with concentrations in social business and program evaluation. She loves how dynamic nonprofit work is, and enjoys being able to teach climbing and aerial to children and adults, develop and run programs, fundraise, and find creative ways to build community in a rapidly evolving place.