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.

Board of Directors

Jim Schulz

Current: Owner & President – Grand Teton Floor & Window Coverings
Past: President Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce, President Rotary Club of Teton Valley, Alpine Director Jackson Hole Ski Club, President Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation, PSIA Intermountain Divisional Examiner & Clinician
 
Jim lives in Victor with his wife Chris.  They work to balance staying active and engaged in the Tetons, traveling to spend time with family and friends, and seeking out adventure on the road with each other.
 


Christopher Trudeau

A Teton Valley resident for ten years and a recreational rock climber for over thirty; Chris’ initial participation with the Teton Rock Gym began when he volunteered to assist with staffing the front desk back when the gym first opened. Eventually, his interest and involvement gravitated to occasionally setting boulder problems in exchange for access to this invaluable local climbing and training resource.

Now as a member of the Teton Rock Gym Board of Directors, his primary position is functioning as the Board’s Treasurer. Socially, his emphasis is on local crag stewardship with a focus on developing, promoting, and protecting the rock climbing resources within and surrounding Teton Valley.

 

Sarah Kaiser

 A Teton Valley resident of 25 years, Sarah lives in Tetonia with her husband, Tuffy, and teenage son, Will. As an elementary teacher and parent, Sarah is highly invested in programs that benefit Teton Valley youth as well as the greater community. Her son’s passion for climbing combined with her past and present adventures in the mountains inspired her involvement with the Teton Rock Gym. She is deeply committed to helping people of all ages find fun and friends while challenging themselves through climbing.