Reception & Coaching Team 2013

 

Left to Right: Bethany Liddle, Jens Signer, Ryan Jackson, Hayley McKenna, Andy Musgrove, Sam Lavender, Heather Garside, Joanne Quinan

Left to right: Managing Director Hayley McKenna, Supervisor Sam Lavender and Receptionist Heather Garside

Left to Right: Sam Lavender, Jens Signer, Ryan Jackson & Andy Musgrove

After leaving University with BA Education Studies, Hayley worked in a school for behaviourally challenged children before setting up the company with father Phil as a business venture in 2007.

Hayley is the driving force behind the company, responsible for the day to day running of the centre, PR, Recruitment and Events Organising to name a few! Notable achievements to date include -

Responsible for the development of G.C.S.E. Bouldering Syllabus - now available nationally.

Responsible for the development of In-House Rock Stars Award Scheme for Junior Climbers

Development and maintenance of sponsorship agreement for Durham University since 2007

Young Business Person of the Year 2009: Local Business Awards

Hayley has recently taken on a new postition as Community School Governor for a local special school.

 

Joanne is DCC's newest Climbing Coach taking over from Paul Carruthers every Tuesday.

Joanne is a lover of climbing outdoors and over the years has climbed many big routes in the Alps, Pyrenees, North Wales, Lakes and America. A regular on the North East Competition-Circuit, Joanne is a powerful climber both indoors and out. 

Catch Joanne every Tuesday from 6pm Junior Academy & 7.30pm Adults Improver Session.

 

 

Climbing Coach Jens Signer is DCC through and through having learned to climb here around 5 years ago.  He is a typical boulderer - strong and powerful with great technique.  Jens' competition efforts around the region have earned him local respect in both adults and juniors competitions. Jens entered this years BMC Youth Climbing Series taking 1st place in two of the three regional rounds and making it into the final held at Ratho.

Catch Jens on Tuesday & Thursday evenings at DCC.

Andy has been climbing around 5 years since DCC opened in 2007.  After originally volunteering on weekend sessions, Andy's potential as a friendly and approachable coach was recognised. 

Catch Andy every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday evenings for Rock Stars Lessons or on a weekend as your personal Birthday Party Coach.

Ryan Jackson impressed so much after initially volunteering at DCC, that he has recently been offered a job as a Junior Climbing Coach.  Ryan's mature attitude and positive interaction with junior climbers makes him the perfect assistant for busy Saturday Rock Stars Sessions.

Catch Ryan from 10am every Saturday at DCC.

Sam joined the team in late 2012 as Climbing Centre Supervisor responsible for reception and coaching duties at DCC.

With a long standing TA background, and many outdoor pursuits qualifications under his belt Sam is well placed to offer excellent customer service and coaching.

Heather joined the team in 2012 as a Business Admin Apprentice assisting with the day to day running of the centre. 

Heather's friendly attitude and warm smile have quickly made her a favourite among adults and juniors.

Among her skills, Heather is also known to make a mean hot chocolate!

Capturing each of our events on film is In-House Photographer Luke Stoker.

Luke snaps away during our events and spends hours editing the pictures to the highest quality all in return for free climbing at DCC.

 

 

Working alongside DCC's core staff team are a number of freelance coaches drafted in as and when required. 

In 2012, we have waved off some fantastic team members who have gone on to follow their climbing dreams.  We wish Mickey, Rosie and Paul well in their new ventures.