Staff
James Faerber-Owner, Executive Director
James Faerber guiding mountain biking in Fruita at 18 road near Grand Junction
Originally from Lander, Wyoming James grew up cross country skiing and backpacking with his parents in the Wind River Mountain range. He was considered an Olympic hopeful in mountain biking as a teen and then James discovered mountain climbing. He has been climbing since he was 14 and his curiosity and passion for the sport have taken him into the Tetons, the Wind River Range, the Colorado Rockies, El Potrero Chico in Mexico, El Pico de Orizaba (18,500 ft) ,Yosemite (including 2 big wall routes) and many other climbing areas across North America. He has first ascents on routes in Wyoming, Colorado, Texas and in Mexico. James has successfully led 3 expeditions to the high volcanoes of Mexico, taught advanced mountaineering & ice climbing courses in the Mosquito range in Colorado and done grade IV rock climbs with clients in the Wind Rivers, he is a true all around climber with a passion for taking people on adventures of a lifetime. One of his most memorable moments was on a trekking trip deep into Mexico Copper Canyon and conversing with a Tarahumara family that hadn’t ever met a English speaking or caucasion person before! Today, James and his family enjoy the mild winters of the Texas Hill Country that allow year round climbing, mountain biking and kayaking. James is a certified AMGA Single Pitch and Climbing Wall Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, a NICA certified Head Coach (mountain biking), a Cat 1 (Expert) mountain bike racer and accomplished mountaineer. He is also the climbing coach at a private school in Texas during the winter months. James is a member of Access Fund and American Mountain Guide Association. He assists with bike races that raise scholarship money for Trips for Kids. James enjoys helping others discover their inner strengths. It was a privilege for James to provide a weekend of adaptive climbing for soldiers from The Center for the Intrepid who sustained injuries serving our country. His easy going, calm demeanor naturally encourages his clients to work hard to meet their personal goals.
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Sean McNally- Field Director Pacific Northwest
Sean on a personal climbing trip in the high sierra linking mount Whitney East Face and Fishhook arete on Mount Russell.
Sean was born and raised in Austin, TX and is excited to be guiding for OWA! Sean started as a camper at OWA when he was just 10 yrs old and worked his way up through our advanced camps, expanding his skillset, proficiency, and passion for the outdoors. Now, Sean has made the outdoors both his personal and professional life pursuit. He is finishing his Master’s Degree in Recreation at Texas State University, and spends his free time doggedly exploring his love for the mountains, completing impressive climbing feats each year! Sean has done first ascents in Colorado, Texas and Mexicos El Gran Trono Blanco. He completed the Evolution Traverse in California Sierra Nevada Range. He leads WI4+ and 5.11 gear routes. Sean is a Wilderness First Responder and member of the Access Fund (he has to be, his father is the President of the Board!)
Sean is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide! Having recently completed his Rock Guide Course in Joshua Tree, California.
You can follow some of his adventures on our Facebook page or our OWA Guide’s blog.
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Keenan McDonald- Guide
Keenan climbing Ancient Art 5.8 Outside Moab Utah near Canyonlands
Keenan McDonald first became interested in outdoor adventure after attending an OWA summer camp at 13 years old. Since then he has been on many adventures climbing, caving, mountain biking and backpacking all across the country and abroad. Keenan grew up in Austin, Texas and attended St. Stephen’s School where he had the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of outdoor sports through the Devils Canyon Wilderness Program. He graduated from The College of Wooster in 2014 with a degree in philosophy. He ran the college outdoors club there for two years planning and attending trips to the Red River Gorge, the New River Gorge, Moab, Red Rocks and Joshua Tree. Keenan has worked for OWA since 2011 guiding climbing, mountaineering, backpacking and rock climbing. He loves to spend summers in Colorado where he gets to explore some of the world class rock climbing the state has to offer. Keenan currently lives in Austin, Texas.
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Rosa Padilla-Rock Climbing Guide
Rosa has been climbing and mountain biking for over 8 years but has just started her career as a guide and outdoor educator. She is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder. She works as a Trip Leader for Explore Austin, an instructor for Outward Bound, will soon be an instructor for NOLS, and is part of the 2021 She Moves Mountains Climbing Guide Mentorship Program based in Smith Rock, OR. Rosa grew up in Florida, but has lived in various parts of the country where she has spent much of her time climbing, biking, hiking and exploring. She attended college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta where she graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Rosa has been in the medical industry for over 8 years and has designed orthopedic implants such as Spinal rod/screw systems and Shoulder Replacement systems. She volunteers her time as a math tutor and as a guide for a non-profit based in Portland which helps organize student-led expeditions. Rosa aspires to learn more in the Alpine/Mountaineering realm and is always eager to learn and to instruct others.
Ryan McNeely-Rock Climbing Guide
Ryan on the Harvard Glacier in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska
Ryan is a man of many hats and helmets. He enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and mountaineering. He was born in Burleson, Texas, earned a degree in Environmental Studies from Texas State University, and currently lives in Austin, Texas. When in Colorado, you can find him on long traditional rock routes or hiking up one of the state’s many 14ers. Ryan joined the OWA team during the summer of 2011. Ryan graduated from a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) semester long leadership course before joining OWA. He is an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Climbing Instructor. This picture is located on the Harvard Glacier in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska.
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Kirk Scheel-Senior Guide
Kirk on an ice climbing trip to Lincoln Falls WI3 2 pitches winter 2013
Kirk is OWA’s medical director and lead guide for climbing and mountaineering trips. He got his start in the outdoors trekking through the Alps in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria as a youth. Kirk also teaches our wilderness medical courses that are scheduled throughout the year and has been a firefighter and paramedic for 17 years. Most impressively, Kirk is a two-time Iron Man finisher.
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Sam Whitley-Climbing Guide
Sam Whitley doing a first ascent of a route in Cambodia
Sam Whitley, born and raised back packacking in Texas, earned a degree in Business Management from Texas State University in 2011 then moved up to Colorado the following summer to be a climbing director for the Boy Scouts. He met OWA CEO James Faerber in Colorado and started guiding for Outpost Wilderness Adventure. He spent four years teaching English in Cambodia and helped build the climbing community there as well as coached the climbing team at his school. His climbing resume includes the beautiful crags, mountains, and cliffs of the Unites States, Switzerland, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Australia, China, and a few first ascents in Cambodia. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cindy Abbott-Mountain Bike Guide
Cindy abbot rocking the OWA bike jersey at the Camp Eagle Classic in Rocksprings Texas
Cindy Abbot is a proud Aggie with a degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism from A&M. She has been climbing in the Austin area for more than ten years now, but most likely you will find her on the dirt rather than the crag. The past six years her love has been for mountain bike racing. She got started racing off-road triathlons around the country and mountain bike racing in Colorado. She currently races professionally in the Texas circuit. She is a Professional Climbing Instructor, Association Base Managed Climbing Instructor and Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Additionally, she has extensive technical climbing experience everywhere from Potrero Chico, Mexico to Arkansas and more specifically my hometown of Austin. She has also guided whitewater kayaking, canoeing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and backpacking in various locations around Texas and the U.S.
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Lydia Huelskamp – Guide
Lydia having fun on a mountaineering trip in the Snowy Range, Wyoming
Born and raised in the midwest state of Missouri, Lydia Huelskamp had her sights set on big dreams in Hollywood as she packed up and moved to California for college. However, after working one summer in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range in Colorado her aspirations suddenly changed. Lydia quickly fell in love with mountain climbing and all things outdoors. She spent the rest of her summers in Colorado climbing as many 14ers as she could and the rest of her time in college backpacking all throughout California including trips to Joshua Tree, Big Sur, and Yosemite. After college Lydia hopped on a bike and pedaled her way across the country from New Jersey to Oregon, to support a housing nonprofit. The next year Lydia planned and led the bike trip traveling from Southern California to Maine. She then found her way to Austin where she has worked for OWA for over two years now, spending her summers out climbing, biking, and backpacking! One of her favorite things is getting to share her passion with others and see them get excited and inspired by outdoors.
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Lenar Adan Cantu- Guide
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Omar Munoz- Guide
Omar getting ready to go climb in Colorado.
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Jess Meiris-AMGA Assitant Rock Guide
Jes Meiris at the top of El Capitan after completing the solo womans speed record.
Jes is a Colorado native whose passion for the outdoors was kindled at a very young age by highly enthusiastic and active parents. After living on both coasts and a few places in between, she makes her home in Colorado Springs during the winter months, and during the summer travels regionally guiding rock climbing trips. A strong leader in the community, she coaches one of the state’s top competitive climbing teams, leads both indoor and outdoor technical skills clinics, serves on the Board of a local climbing advocacy non-profit, and works as a professional model. When she’s not out guiding, she can be found hanging from the face of big walls, bombing down trails on a mountain bike, or sharing smiles with friends at the crag. For Jes there is no better reward than to share her passion for the sport of climbing with those who are eager to learn and ready for a challenge! She has been guiding since 2005. Jes is currently in the AMGA rock climbing guide program she is an AMGA Assitant Rock Guide for more information about AMGA rock guide programs go here!
Jes racking up for the womens solo record on the Nose of El Cap
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James Faerber-Owner, Executive Director
James Faerber guiding mountain biking in Fruita at 18 road near Grand Junction
Originally from Lander, Wyoming James grew up cross country skiing and backpacking with his parents in the Wind River Mountain range. He was considered an Olympic hopeful in mountain biking as a teen and then James discovered mountain climbing. He has been climbing since he was 14 and his curiosity and passion for the sport have taken him into the Tetons, the Wind River Range, the Colorado Rockies, El Potrero Chico in Mexico, El Pico de Orizaba (18,500 ft) ,Yosemite (including 2 big wall routes) and many other climbing areas across North America. He has first ascents on routes in Wyoming, Colorado, Texas and in Mexico. James has successfully led 3 expeditions to the high volcanoes of Mexico, taught advanced mountaineering & ice climbing courses in the Mosquito range in Colorado and done grade IV rock climbs with clients in the Wind Rivers, he is a true all around climber with a passion for taking people on adventures of a lifetime. One of his most memorable moments was on a trekking trip deep into Mexico Copper Canyon and conversing with a Tarahumara family that hadn’t ever met a English speaking or caucasion person before! Today, James and his family enjoy the mild winters of the Texas Hill Country that allow year round climbing, mountain biking and kayaking. James is a certified AMGA Single Pitch and Climbing Wall Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, a NICA certified Head Coach (mountain biking), a Cat 1 (Expert) mountain bike racer and accomplished mountaineer. He is also the climbing coach at a private school in Texas during the winter months. James is a member of Access Fund and American Mountain Guide Association. He assists with bike races that raise scholarship money for Trips for Kids. James enjoys helping others discover their inner strengths. It was a privilege for James to provide a weekend of adaptive climbing for soldiers from The Center for the Intrepid who sustained injuries serving our country. His easy going, calm demeanor naturally encourages his clients to work hard to meet their personal goals.
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Sean McNally- Field Director Pacific Northwest
Sean on a personal climbing trip in the high sierra linking mount Whitney East Face and Fishhook arete on Mount Russell.
Sean was born and raised in Austin, TX and is excited to be guiding for OWA! Sean started as a camper at OWA when he was just 10 yrs old and worked his way up through our advanced camps, expanding his skillset, proficiency, and passion for the outdoors. Now, Sean has made the outdoors both his personal and professional life pursuit. He is finishing his Master’s Degree in Recreation at Texas State University, and spends his free time doggedly exploring his love for the mountains, completing impressive climbing feats each year! Sean has done first ascents in Colorado, Texas and Mexicos El Gran Trono Blanco. He completed the Evolution Traverse in California Sierra Nevada Range. He leads WI4+ and 5.11 gear routes. Sean is a Wilderness First Responder and member of the Access Fund (he has to be, his father is the President of the Board!)
Sean is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide! Having recently completed his Rock Guide Course in Joshua Tree, California.
You can follow some of his adventures on our Facebook page or our OWA Guide’s blog.
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Keenan McDonald- Guide
Keenan climbing Ancient Art 5.8 Outside Moab Utah near Canyonlands
Keenan McDonald first became interested in outdoor adventure after attending an OWA summer camp at 13 years old. Since then he has been on many adventures climbing, caving, mountain biking and backpacking all across the country and abroad. Keenan grew up in Austin, Texas and attended St. Stephen’s School where he had the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of outdoor sports through the Devils Canyon Wilderness Program. He graduated from The College of Wooster in 2014 with a degree in philosophy. He ran the college outdoors club there for two years planning and attending trips to the Red River Gorge, the New River Gorge, Moab, Red Rocks and Joshua Tree. Keenan has worked for OWA since 2011 guiding climbing, mountaineering, backpacking and rock climbing. He loves to spend summers in Colorado where he gets to explore some of the world class rock climbing the state has to offer. Keenan currently lives in Austin, Texas.
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Rosa Padilla-Rock Climbing Guide
Rosa has been climbing and mountain biking for over 8 years but has just started her career as a guide and outdoor educator. She is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder. She works as a Trip Leader for Explore Austin, an instructor for Outward Bound, will soon be an instructor for NOLS, and is part of the 2021 She Moves Mountains Climbing Guide Mentorship Program based in Smith Rock, OR. Rosa grew up in Florida, but has lived in various parts of the country where she has spent much of her time climbing, biking, hiking and exploring. She attended college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta where she graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Rosa has been in the medical industry for over 8 years and has designed orthopedic implants such as Spinal rod/screw systems and Shoulder Replacement systems. She volunteers her time as a math tutor and as a guide for a non-profit based in Portland which helps organize student-led expeditions. Rosa aspires to learn more in the Alpine/Mountaineering realm and is always eager to learn and to instruct others.
Ryan McNeely-Rock Climbing Guide
Ryan on the Harvard Glacier in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska
Ryan is a man of many hats and helmets. He enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and mountaineering. He was born in Burleson, Texas, earned a degree in Environmental Studies from Texas State University, and currently lives in Austin, Texas. When in Colorado, you can find him on long traditional rock routes or hiking up one of the state’s many 14ers. Ryan joined the OWA team during the summer of 2011. Ryan graduated from a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) semester long leadership course before joining OWA. He is an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Climbing Instructor. This picture is located on the Harvard Glacier in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska.
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Kirk Scheel-Senior Guide
Kirk on an ice climbing trip to Lincoln Falls WI3 2 pitches winter 2013
Kirk is OWA’s medical director and lead guide for climbing and mountaineering trips. He got his start in the outdoors trekking through the Alps in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria as a youth. Kirk also teaches our wilderness medical courses that are scheduled throughout the year and has been a firefighter and paramedic for 17 years. Most impressively, Kirk is a two-time Iron Man finisher.
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Sam Whitley-Climbing Guide
Sam Whitley doing a first ascent of a route in Cambodia
Sam Whitley, born and raised back packacking in Texas, earned a degree in Business Management from Texas State University in 2011 then moved up to Colorado the following summer to be a climbing director for the Boy Scouts. He met OWA CEO James Faerber in Colorado and started guiding for Outpost Wilderness Adventure. He spent four years teaching English in Cambodia and helped build the climbing community there as well as coached the climbing team at his school. His climbing resume includes the beautiful crags, mountains, and cliffs of the Unites States, Switzerland, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Australia, China, and a few first ascents in Cambodia. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cindy Abbott-Mountain Bike Guide
Cindy abbot rocking the OWA bike jersey at the Camp Eagle Classic in Rocksprings Texas
Cindy Abbot is a proud Aggie with a degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism from A&M. She has been climbing in the Austin area for more than ten years now, but most likely you will find her on the dirt rather than the crag. The past six years her love has been for mountain bike racing. She got started racing off-road triathlons around the country and mountain bike racing in Colorado. She currently races professionally in the Texas circuit. She is a Professional Climbing Instructor, Association Base Managed Climbing Instructor and Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Additionally, she has extensive technical climbing experience everywhere from Potrero Chico, Mexico to Arkansas and more specifically my hometown of Austin. She has also guided whitewater kayaking, canoeing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and backpacking in various locations around Texas and the U.S.
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Lydia Huelskamp – Guide
Lydia having fun on a mountaineering trip in the Snowy Range, Wyoming
Born and raised in the midwest state of Missouri, Lydia Huelskamp had her sights set on big dreams in Hollywood as she packed up and moved to California for college. However, after working one summer in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range in Colorado her aspirations suddenly changed. Lydia quickly fell in love with mountain climbing and all things outdoors. She spent the rest of her summers in Colorado climbing as many 14ers as she could and the rest of her time in college backpacking all throughout California including trips to Joshua Tree, Big Sur, and Yosemite. After college Lydia hopped on a bike and pedaled her way across the country from New Jersey to Oregon, to support a housing nonprofit. The next year Lydia planned and led the bike trip traveling from Southern California to Maine. She then found her way to Austin where she has worked for OWA for over two years now, spending her summers out climbing, biking, and backpacking! One of her favorite things is getting to share her passion with others and see them get excited and inspired by outdoors.
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Lenar Adan Cantu- Guide
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Omar Munoz- Guide
Omar getting ready to go climb in Colorado.
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Jess Meiris-AMGA Assitant Rock Guide
Jes Meiris at the top of El Capitan after completing the solo womans speed record.
Jes is a Colorado native whose passion for the outdoors was kindled at a very young age by highly enthusiastic and active parents. After living on both coasts and a few places in between, she makes her home in Colorado Springs during the winter months, and during the summer travels regionally guiding rock climbing trips. A strong leader in the community, she coaches one of the state’s top competitive climbing teams, leads both indoor and outdoor technical skills clinics, serves on the Board of a local climbing advocacy non-profit, and works as a professional model. When she’s not out guiding, she can be found hanging from the face of big walls, bombing down trails on a mountain bike, or sharing smiles with friends at the crag. For Jes there is no better reward than to share her passion for the sport of climbing with those who are eager to learn and ready for a challenge! She has been guiding since 2005. Jes is currently in the AMGA rock climbing guide program she is an AMGA Assitant Rock Guide for more information about AMGA rock guide programs go here!
Jes racking up for the womens solo record on the Nose of El Cap
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