Staff Biographies

Stay Tuned for Pics of our Dynamic Staff!

Daniel Poggi

Daniel has climbed for 17 years and in the process has traveled through out North America and Europe for rock climbing.  In the last five years he has rarely had the opportunity to climb outside but loves climbing in his favourite gym or on his home wall.  He is passionate about the sport and truly enjoys helping others achieve their goals or to push them a little further up the wall.  No matter where he might be he will always take the opportunity to meet someone new. 
Daniel lives by his motto: "Try your hardest and have fun in the process!"

Geoff Creighton
Geoff Creighton has been working at Cliffhanger since the beginning of time itself, 1994. On any given day one can find Geoff mainly falling on things… those ropes and pads seem to work! Ok, more seriously, Geoff is in charge of training staff and consults on safety issues. Geoff’s favourite climbing area in the world is Cliffhanger Coquitlam (Kalymnos was ok…). In his spare time, Geoff loves to hang out with his beautiful wife, Josie.
Geoff Creighton is an ACMG Rock Guide.

Colby Appleby
Colby Appleby has been working at Cliffhanger for a little over a year. Colby manages Cliffhanger Coquitlam, as well as coaches the Kidrock Junior Program. On weekends Colby route sets or is out looking for big rocks to climb. His favourite climbing area in the world (so far) would have to be Red Rocks, but more locally, Nanaimo River. Colby is a certified ACMG Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2, and has completed his ACMG Route Setters course. He has been climbing for 14 years, and hasn’t been able to kick the habit yet.

Jessica Marcone
Jessica Marcone has been climbing for 4 years now, and has worked at Cliffhanger Coquitlam since February 2005. Jessica is one of Cliffhanger’s Junior Team coaches, as well as a floor supervisor, intro instructor, and can occasionally be found behind the front desk. Jessica predominately likes to boulder outdoors, but never passes up an opportunity to hop on some routes up in Chekamous Canyon, Squamish. Her favourite climbing area is in Railay, Thailand.
Being an avid outdoor adventure seeker, Jessica also likes to hike, surf, mountain bike, play tennis, and travel.

Luke Elder
Luke Elder began rock climbing after working at a summer camp in 2006, where an artificial climbing wall lured him into the climbing world. Soon after, in October of 2007, Luke began working at Cliffhanger where he now belays and helps coach the Cliffhanger Junior Program. As for favourite climbing area in the world, ask him next year once he’s done more extensive travelling.
Outside of the gym Luke enjoys skimboarding, snowboarding and video games, but he’s not very good at any of them.
Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Science, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACMG CGI Level 1.

Bryan Walter
Working at Cliffhanger for 2.5 years now, Bryan Walter is a common face around the gym. Bryan is a certified floor supervisor, belayer, intro course instructor, and route stripper. His favourite climbing area is Squamish, which is also the only climbing area he has ever been to outdoors.
Outside of Cliffhanger, Bryan has an avid interest in archery and camping.

Lindsay Jackson
Lindsay fell into the sport of Rock Climbing two years ago via coincidence and an expiring gift certificate. Ever since then she has been working at Cliffhanger, first as an entry level belay slave and then eventually desk and floor staff.
Lindsay hasn’t had much of a chance to travel with climbing, other than to Squamish, but she would definitely rank the beach bouldering in California near the top of her list. When she’s not knuckle deep in granite, Lindsay tries to stay busy outside; whether it’s surfing in Tofino, running half marathons in Victoria or hiking the Chief.

Simon Yoon
Simon Yoon started his climbing career when he was 16 years old. Found often in the climbing crags of Squamish, Simon enjoys both sport climbing and bouldering. Employed at Cliffhanger for 3 years now, one can find Simon manning the desk or working as a floor supervisor.
When Simon is not climbing you can find him in Whistler mountain biking, or skiing. 

Aimee Chan
Aimee Chan has been working at Cliffhanger for one year now and is a very familiar face around the gym. Aimee works behind the desk, and teaches introductory climbing courses. During her break you can find her pulling on plastic, as well as driving up to Squamish for a great day of climbing.
Aimee also works as an Outreach Youth Worker and enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and being outdoors.

Patrick Guichon
Though he’s been working at Cliffy's since 2005, Patrick never seems to get enough time to climb. Ironic, eh? However, is there really such a thing as too much climbing? When Patrick does climb outdoors, Skaha, Banff, Canmore and Ghost River are some of his favourite places. He prefers climbing anything overhung, juggy, crimpy, sloppy, or pretty much anything that isn't slabby! His advice to would-be climbers: Don't forget to climb at least once in your life with a 5.8 bailer, wearing pink and purple striped PJ's!
Outside of climbing, Patrick likes to scuba dive, kayak, hike and swim.
Climb and share your experiences!