Rob has dedicated 21 years to the field of education, holding a dual-track master's degree in clinical and school counseling. Currently, he serves as the High School counselor in Thompson Falls, MT. Throughout his extensive career, Rob has been instrumental in writing grants, developing curricula, and installing 12 climbing walls in Montana schools. He has also been pivotal in writing grants, developing curricula, and coordinating numerous comprehensive after-school programs, which have evolved into the extensive outdoor and adventure education program known as ASCENT.

Rob's passion for outdoor recreation, stewardship, and experiential and adventure education is evident in his favorite activities, which include bow hunting, fly fishing, backpacking, and kayaking. He firmly believes in the benefits of these activities for youth and the community.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Rob has contributed significantly to community projects. He played a key role in designing and building the Pilgeram Creek Playground in collaboration with the Project ASCENT team and AVISTA. Currently, he is involved in the design and construction of the Badrock Frisbee Disc Golf Course in Thompson Falls, working alongside team members Bob Thornhill and SCCD's Ray Brown, as well as Northwestern Energy.

Andrea serves as the operations manager for Project ASCENT, a role she has held since the organization's inception as a 501(c)(3) entity. Balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life, she is a dedicated work-from-home mother to a spirited toddler and an infant. Andrea's commitment to her community is evident through her active participation in local and statewide art exhibitions, showcasing her burgeoning talent as an artist.

Her dedication to fostering positive change in her community is driven by her belief in the transformative power of introducing youth to diverse career opportunities and supporting individuals in pursuing their passions. Andrea meticulously plans and oversees fundraisers, community events, and designs the majority of Project ASCENT's content. Her involvement extends to attending camps where she assists as needed, teaches lessons, and passionately advocates for the camps' impactful experiences.

Andrea is a firm believer in the importance of expanding one's horizons through art and nature. She continually challenges herself to explore recreational opportunities in her area, with a particular fondness for kayaking, fishing, and immersing herself in the tranquility of the woods and mountains.

Karissa, a native of Thompson Falls, has established herself as a recognizable figure within the community through her extensive work with various local businesses. Currently, she serves as an office assistant at Rocky Mountain Accounting and supplements her income by bartending on weekends. Her deep commitment to community engagement is evident through her active participation in numerous local initiatives, including the annual Christmas Bazaar, highway clean-up efforts, and various fundraising events organized by Project ASCENT.

Karissa has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in securing silent auction donations, often enlisting the help of her mother, Angie, in her volunteer endeavors. Her passion for community service is reflected in her successful organization and execution of multiple fundraisers aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals facing crises. Her proactive approach to fundraising is well-known; she is always ready to mobilize resources and support for any cause.

As a member of the Project ASCENT Board, Karissa is driven by a desire to provide children with opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Her personal interests include exploring the outdoors, bowling, hunting, reading, and spending quality time with both her Project ASCENT family and her own family, which includes their four dogs.

Anita was born and raised in Montana, enjoying summers with her grandparents in Thompson Falls, where she learned camping, boating, and fishing. After marrying, she moved to Washington state, living there for 32 years. She led 4-H projects and her family raised various animals, actively participating in community fundraisers.

Anita later became an FFA adviser and assistant track coach at Wahluke School District. Her career included daycare, hardware store work, and various roles at the school district. In 2002, she started a fruit stand that grew into a pizza and ice cream parlor. After her husband's retirement, they moved back to Thompson Falls in 2014.

In Thompson Falls, Anita enjoys the four seasons, four-wheeling, camping, fishing, and huckleberry picking. She is delighted to be back in Montana and involved with Project ASCENT, which offers children similar opportunities she had growing up. Anita is an avid community volunteer, frequently found helping out with impactful community events. Her dedication to volunteering includes organizing local fundraisers, participating in community events and supporting various local initiatives that bring people together and enhance the community spirit.

Doug, a native of Montana and an ardent enthusiast of the great outdoors, has been imparting his extensive knowledge of science for over thirty years at Thompson Falls Junior High School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he coaches various sports teams and plays a pivotal role in the operation and management of his family's ranch located near Plains. Doug's distinguished background includes his tenure as a smoke jumper, a testament to his bravery and commitment to environmental stewardship.

His passions encompass the identification of local flora and fauna, as well as the intricacies of land management. Doug has successfully led science teams to victory, securing two Envirothon State Championships and numerous top accolades.

An actively engaged community member, Doug has been integral to the development of Project ASCENT since its inception as a 501(c)(3) organization. He serves as an active board member and contributes his expertise as a guest instructor during summer adventures.

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John is a seasoned journalist and photographer with a profound passion for the outdoors, and now serves as the editor of the Bitterroot Star. His diverse experiences span several states across the country, where he has honed his skills in various natural environments. Throughout his life, John has both learned and taught an extensive array of outdoor activities, including scuba diving, climbing, hiking, spelunking, wilderness survival, kayaking, bushcraft, fishing, and more. His expertise extends to working with youth, where he has specialized in imparting leadership and wilderness skills.

John's commitment to youth development is further exemplified by his summers spent at a scout camp, where he supervised large groups of young individuals of varying ages. For many years, he has also instructed wilderness survival to ROTC cadets, college students, and other youth groups. He has been the key developer of our newest Summer Adventure, the Bitterroot Adventure. John is immensely enthusiastic about his involvement with Project ASCENT, an organization dedicated to helping youth and the community discover themselves through outdoor experiences.

Bob has dedicated his life to working and engaging in outdoor activities. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management and an Associate's Degree in Technology. Since his teenage years, Bob has been involved in youth development, coaching sports and mentoring young individuals. He is a retired Law Enforcement Officer from Thompson Falls, Montana.

Throughout his distinguished career as an Army Ranger, Bob specialized in teaching survival skills, orienteering, mountaineering, rock climbing, and various other outdoor disciplines. He played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the school safety procedures for the Thompson Falls School District. Presently, Bob is an active member of Sanders County Search and Rescue, where he coordinates and trains members to locate, provide medical assistance, and extricate lost or injured persons, ensuring their safe return to familiar surroundings and reunion with family members.

Bob has been involved with Project ASCENT since its inception. His favorite outdoor activities include archery, backpacking, camping, biking, mountaineering, ice fishing, and hunting. He is deeply passionate about outdoor activities and education that encourage community members to explore the beautiful landscapes of Montana. Additionally, Bob is currently collaborating with fellow team member Rob Christensen, SCCDC's Ray Brown, and Northwestern Energy to build the Badrock Disc Golf Course in Thompson Falls.

Angie, a lifelong resident of Thompson Falls, has dedicated 23 years to the local Town Pump and is now serving the police department as a 911 dispatcher. Her extensive career in customer service underscores her commitment to the community. Angie is actively involved in numerous local initiatives, including the annual Christmas Bazaar, highway clean-up efforts, and various fundraising events organized by Project ASCENT.

Her expertise in securing silent auction donations is well-recognized, and she frequently collaborates with her daughter in these volunteer activities. Angie's passion for community service is evident in her successful orchestration of multiple fundraisers aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals in crisis.

Angie joined the Project ASCENT Board with the goal of helping children access experiences that are often beyond their reach. In her leisure time, she enjoys activities such as bowling, hunting, reading, cutting firewood, and being with her family and their four dogs.

Ron is a retired US Army Vietnam veteran who completed 15 years in the Federal Civil Service before retiring to his home state of Montana. After seeing most of the world from Europe to the far east, his goal is to live the rest of his life enjoying the great state of Montana.   Ron is an avid bow hunter and has spent several years as an instructor for Mt. Fish Wildlife and Parks.  His interest is primarily traditional archery and hands-on making most of the equipment used. 

 

He has hunted and backpacked most of the western states and Alaska, and his interests also include fishing of all kinds including bow fishing for carp. He admits that wild game is preferred at the table, and that when the freezer is empty it is time to pick up a firearm. Summertime is spent looking for new hunting spots, picking huckleberries and taking in the scenery of northwest Montana. His latest hobby is watching the various birds who stop in for a bite, and identifying them. Ron has served on the citizens advisory counsel to FWP and has also held positions on the Montana Bow Hunters Association Board of Directors.  He is also an active member and has been on of the Board of Directors for the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge 2757 .

I spent my youth in Colorado where I enjoyed hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, rafting, and outdoor photography. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the military and served for almost 30 years. During my various duty assignments I seized every chance to explore and experience every culture and environment. Although I've lived in Montana for several years now, I am new to the Thompson Falls area. I have hiked several trails in the area, and with the help and advice of so many good people in the area, look forward to exploring many more in the years ahead.

 

Last year I was fortunate enough to join Rob on some of his many camping expeditions and was totally impressed with the experience, education and camaraderie instilled in the young campers. Later, I was honored when Rob asked if I'd like to join the Project ASCENT program. I firmly believe in its philosophy and vision, one of which will be able to help the many military veterans in the area. Having served in the military I feel I can continue to be of service to them and the local community through this program.