Meet the Team

In 2011, Alex, Paul, and Aaron took their climbing partnerships to the next level by joining forces to build a new climbing gym in Pittsburgh, PA. At the time, picking suitable careers was proving to be difficult and we all recognized the need for someone to take Pittsburgh's climbing scene to the next level. And just like that, the concept of ASCEND was born. To us, it was a perfect union worth devoting our lives to. Over the years, we gradually learned how to turn our aspirations into a functioning project capable of being integrated into the local business environment. While our initial vision has morphed, we've never strayed from our ultimate goal of staying closely connected to the climbing community and help improve upon the foundation our predecessors so graciously provided.

The values we live by are simple: We are approachable and authentic, we respect our community, we strive for excellence, we are dedicated to safety, and we love to have fun! We look forward to meeting you all! We may not be sponsored athletes or industry veterans, but we've put our hearts, brains, and sweat into building ASCEND. We are dedicated, here to stay, and climbers for life. To reach us or any of our talented staff directly, see below or stop just stop in and ask around!

Alex Bernstein
Founder, Director of Finance + Business Development
Alex Bernstein

[email protected]

Alex is Pittsburgh-born-and-raised and first got his start in climbing in ca. 2005. ASCEND is his labor of love and a culmination of many years of planning. In addition to the hats he wears at ASCEND, Alex is the Treasurer of the SW PA Climbers Coalition, a volunteer with the Seven Springs Ski Patrol, an avid cyclist, and loves to travel.

Paul Guarino
Founder, Director of Marketing + Operations
Paul Guarino

[email protected]

Paul began climbing in 2007 and was immediately hooked. An intense hobby fostered by local clubs, adventurous trips, and close mentors ultimately led to a shared dream to expand the community by creating an intentional gathering place. Climbing continues to provide him with confidence, strength, countless friendships, and now his family's livelihood. Paul also spends his free time running, practicing yoga, loving his quirky cat, and traveling to experience live music with his hilarious wife and fun-loving friends.

Aaron Gilmore
Founder, Facilities + Project Management
Aaron Gilmore

[email protected]

For the past 15 years, Aaron has worked in almost every aspect of climbing gyms, and since 2011, he has worked to help make ASCEND Pittsburgh a reality. Now he is the Director of Facilities and Project Management, where he oversees ongoing facility maintenance and serves as project manager for new design and construction projects. When not at the gym, he is hanging out with his wife and two kids.

Brian Pascuzzi
Director of Routesetting
Brian Pascuzzi

[email protected]

Brian got his start climbing in the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania. As Director of Routesetting, he’s responsible for the week to week routes and problems that go up on ASCEND’s walls, routesetter training, new hold and volume procurement, and ensuring that we all have a good time while climbing! He loves hearing from climbers and talking about climbing. When he’s not setting, he’s climbing, getting ready to climb, or recovering from climbing.

Jason Gilmore
Director of Youth
Jason Gilmore

[email protected]

Jason was a first grade teacher for 12 years before returning home to become ASCEND's Youth Director. He is passionate about using adventure sports as a means to grow strong, kind human beings. When not in the gym Jason loves getting outside to train for endurance events such as triathlons and mountain adventures.

Jill Gilmore
Director of Training + Front Desk Operations
Jill Gilmore

[email protected]

Jill was an art teacher for 8 years before moving to Pittsburgh and starting to work at ASCEND. She works with youth during summer camp, but you can most often find her behind the front desk. Outside of work, Jill enjoys riding her bike, cooking (and drawing!) vegan food and taking care of her adorable foster toddler.

Lauren Verzilli
Director of Yoga + Fitness
Lauren Verzilli

[email protected]

Lauren's yoga practice began in 2008, but her passion for it continues to grow. Lauren is from a small town on the outskirts of Youngstown, OH. She created a yoga community there that is still alive today. That brought her much joy, but is now humbled to have established a yoga family in Pittsburgh, a city that at first intimidated her, but now calls home. Her psychology degree translates into a love for people and meeting others where they’re at on their journey, which you can notice in her teaching style. Although she may be at the heart of ASCEND’s yoga program, it surely wouldn’t beat without the amazing team and community by her side! Lauren stays busy working two other jobs, enjoys time with family, being spontaneous, traveling, camping, and live music with friends.

Samantha Ebner
Director of Human Resources
Samantha Ebner

[email protected]

Samantha originally hails from Wellsboro, PA, a small rural town in north-central Pennsylvania; famous for the Grand Canyon of PA, gas-lit street lamps, and the Wellsboro Diner (it was on the Travel Channel once). She moved to Pittsburgh in 2011 after majoring in Photography at Edinboro University. In 2014, she switched gears and began her career in Human Resources. Over the years, Samantha has advanced quickly; she has held a variety of roles within multiple HR departments and has a track record of building successful programs while improving functions. In May of 2019, she was offered the opportunity to join ASCEND’s leadership team and is currently responsible for building and developing ASCEND’s Human Resources department. When Samantha isn’t working or climbing, she can be found adventuring with her partner and three dogs, trail running, or watercoloring at a park somewhere.

Wade Desai
Director of Climbing
Wade Desai

[email protected]

Wade has been an avid outdoors enthusiast for the better part of 25 years, and has found passions in climbing, slacklining/highlining, and skiing. He currently works as a Climbing Wall Association certified Climbing Wall Instructor, as well as a PCGI-certified Climbing Guide, in addition to contributing to a variety of impressive personal projects and slackline organizations. With his diverse skill sets in multiple climbing disciplines, and a deep respect for the history and ethical considerations of climbing, Wade embraced his role as Director of Outdoor Programming in 2020 (after its inception by a Pittsburgh climbing legend). He enjoys taking trips in his van with his partner and pup, and you're likely to see him slacklining all over the city. He also greatly enjoys pickles.

Mira Mikan
General Manager - ASCEND Youngstown
Mira Mikan

[email protected]

Mira was born in Xi’an, China and now lives in Canfield, Ohio. While earning her B.S. in hospitality management from YSU she discovered the thrill of rock climbing. She found ASCEND (previously known as TRANSCEND) after working in a previous position as an event coordinator, and the rest is history! When not climbing, she spends quality time with her dog Gimli, friends, and family.

Kaitlyn Yerger
General Manager - ASCEND South Side
Kaitlyn Yerger
Kaitlyn is originally from Nazareth, PA, but has called the Laurel Highlands home since 2015. She moved to Pittsburgh in July 2021 to start at ASCEND. After graduating from Juniata College with a degree in Spanish Education, she moved to León, Spain to teach in a bilingual program. She taught Spanish locally before switching gears to pursue a degree in Adventure Sports Management where she specialized in rock climbing, mountain biking and winter sports. She managed various departments at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Laurel Mountain and Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp before starting with ASCEND Pittsburgh. In her free time, you can usually find her hiking, biking or climbing somewhere with friends and her dog, Laurel. She also loves to knit and cook for others so let her know if you have awesome recipes or patterns to share! Climbing has always been a passion, and she’s excited to share it more with the ASCEND community!
Employment

ASCEND Pittsburgh is looking for experienced workers to participate in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. Positions can be part- or full-time. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. No matter the position, ASCEND demands teamwork and cross-training, occasionally calling for, but not limited to, customer service, retail sales, coaching, cleaning and maintenance, special events, and/or administrative duties.

ASCEND Pittsburgh is managed by Pittsburgh-based climbers whose mission is to build-upon and grow an already developed community of climbers and fitness-driven individuals in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area. ASCEND aspires to live up to the standards set by some of the best gyms in the world and to become a nationally recognized collaborator in the industry. Please consider joining an energized, talented, and motivated team and becoming a positive influence on new and existing climbers that walk through ASCEND’s doors.

 APPLY NOW

Our Mission

ASCEND fosters an equitable, holistic, community-based, climbing, fitness, and yoga experience.

We strive to provide the best climbing and fitness experience for our customers. From excellent equipment to knowledgeable staff, our gym will be a top-notch operation. The space will be one that fosters community and belonging, by being more than just a climbing gym: it’s a “third place” where customers can feel just as comfortable as they do at their workplace and their home, and where our customers want to simply be.

As a group of climbers that decided to start a gym, our values reflect a down-to-earth and authentic quality. Our gym is an extension of our love of a good day of climbing with a group of our closest friends that ends with storytelling around a campfire.

We are committed to an active lifestyle. We realize that all around fitness is key to climbing well, which is why we nurture activities like yoga, cross-training, and cardio, and promote smart nutrition and ample rest within our gym and community.

Our business will not just be run to make a profit, but to also be a benefit to its employees, members, the immediate neighborhood, and the region. We will seek to create a sustainable business model, focused on longevity and capable of growing morally and responsibly.

We see ourselves as part of a larger climbing ecosystem within the communities of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, and America. We take our roles as climbing ambassadors very seriously, and we support causes that affect our sport such as land access, environmental stewardship, local legislation, and human-rights.

Partners

We understand that ASCEND isn’t able to provide everything for everyone. That’s not a problem though, because we have some pretty awesome friends.

Regional
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition
    Promoting responsible development and preservation of climbing and bouldering in southwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Explorers Club of Pittsburgh
    Members participate in activities as diverse as mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, caving, cycling, backpacking, environmental and community service projects, and a host of outdoor sports.
  • Venture Outdoors
    A member-supported local non-profit organization working to make it easy for you to get outside.
  • BikePGH
    With a focus on Advocacy, Education, and Community, Bike Pittsburgh is transforming our streets and communities into vibrant, healthy places by making them safe and accessible for people to bike and walk.
  • Fittsburgh
    Your guide to sweat spots, healthy eats, and upcoming races in Pittsburgh.
  • Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group
    Pittsburgh-based volunteer search and rescue team that specializes in lost and missing person searches, cave rescue, and high-angle rope rescue
  • NRAC
    Preserve and promotes access to climbing areas, and to conserve climbing resources in the New River Gorge and surrounding areas.
  • Steel City Slackers
    A passionate team of slackline enthusiasts who share a love for the Pittsburgh community.
(INTER)NATIONAL
Perks

We've made some really great friends along the way, and they want to pass some love your way!

  • NROCKS Outdoor Adventures
    ASCEND customers are eligible for a discount at Nelson Rocks. Use the coupon code "ASCEND" at checkout in order to receive a 10% discount on a guided climb of the Via Ferrata.