Our Managers

Sarah Bucknam

I grew up on a youth climbing team, but I also enjoy beach volleyball, golf, swimming, and I rowed varsity crew while at WPI for my biomedical engineering degree. I am now working full time in the climbing industry as a USA Climbing L3 National Routesetter, private coach and AMGA SPI certified outdoor climbing guide. With all my free time, I also enjoy live music, cooking, and baking bread!

General Manager, Routesetter + Coach

Valentina Mars

I started climbing in college and I’m currently working towards getting my AMGA SPI Certification. Outside of climbing, I’m passionate about environmental sustainability and enjoy upcycling and using second hand materials for jewelry and sewing projects.

Assistant Manager

Sydney McNair

Head Routesetter, Head Coach

I started climbing at the age of 5 and have competed up to an international level. I am currently one of two women in the US who have achieved their USA Climbing Level 5 National Chief Routesetter certification. My passion project is learning how to make consistently good sourdough croissants.

I found my passion for climbing while attending Plymouth State University, where I earned a degree in Adventure Education. Since then, I have built my career guiding, combining my love for the outdoors with my dedication to teaching and supporting others. I meet my clients where they’re at and foster a supportive environment that encourages individuals to expand their comfort zone, leading to personal growth and empowerment. When I'm not guiding, I enjoy fly fishing, gardening, and anything outside.

Youth Programs Coordinator, Front Desk

Ava O’Brien

I have been working at NHCF since October of 2024 and climbing here for several years prior.  My favorite part of being here is instructing and seeing new climbers fall in love with this sport.  Outside of climbing, I am a professional artist with my bachelor’s degree in Game Art and Development, and own a kennel of 12 incredible sled dogs.  You will rarely find me without a mug of hot chocolate within arms reach.

Operations Supervisor, Climbing Instructor

Lara Renner

Meet the Team

  • Jonah

    FRONT DESK LEAD, INSTRUCTOR, ROUTESETTER SUPPORT

    I have been climbing for 5 years and been working within climbing gyms for 4 years. I have worked at NHCF since December 2025. I've always been drawn to climbing and love bouldering and board climbing the most. Outside of climbing I love snowboarding, weightlifting and golfing. 

    My favorite part of working here so far is meeting the regulars and learning all about the NHCF community.

  • Quinn

    ROUTESETTER, COACH

    I started climbing in 2021 and immediately got hooked. I loved it so much that I went to the gym five days a week in my first year. I lost all semblance of a social life and many a dollar to the gas tank, but I didn’t care. I started setting at Vertical Dreams in 2023 where I set many sandbagged routes, and have been at NH Climbing and fitness since July, where I set less sandbagged routes. While I enjoy the side of climbing that requires thinking and technique, the side that requires you to try really physically hard makes me the happiest. Brain off, just campus. As long as you’re pulling really hard with your arms, I’m happy. I spend a lot of time board climbing, and even got so into it that I bought a Moonboard, where I can now destroy my skin on a daily basis as opposed to a weekly basis.

    Outside of climbing I work at a haunted house during the Halloween season, where I get paid to threaten to kill people. In addition to loving all things horror, I listen to a lot of old school metal, and watch a lot of climbing videos on my phone.

  • Ava

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS

    I’ve been working at the gym since June 2025, and climbing for about 10 years. I’m a big fan of sport climbing, especially when it's outside. My favorite place I’ve ever climbed is Poudre Canyon in CO! At the gym, I find working with kids the most rewarding. Outside of work and school, I snowboard competitively and downhill mountain bike!

  • Matthew

    FRONT DESK

    I have climbed casually on and off since 2016 so I was stoked when the opportunity to work at NHCF popped up in December 2025! My favorite thing about working here is getting to know the community and becoming friends with the staff and our lovely members. When I’m not at the gym you can find me hiking through the mountains, xc skiing, riding my bike, planning my next big adventure, and contemplating the finer aspects of the hiker trash lifestyle (like resupplying from gas stations, sink laundry, and drinking from questionable water sources). I like listening to and making weird music, and am on an unending quest to make a synthesizer sound like songbirds. Ask me what tunes I’ve been spinning lately, I’ll make you a playlist!

  • Sabrina

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS

    I have been working at NH Climbing for almost seven years (started when it was still Evo!) on and off. My favorite part about working at the gym is seeing people surprise themselves, whether they’re new climbers with no expectations, or those with more experience who achieve a new personal best. Outside of work I am also employed as a legal assistant, and like to read, do trivia, and learn new things. If you ever notice that we are playing mid-2000s pop punk in the gym, that’s probably me on the aux.

  • Nico

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS

    I started climbing right after the pandemic and began working here in fall of 2025. I work the front desk and help with youth programs. I love climbing because of the local community and consistent challenge. Other than climbing I ski, bike, make music, thrift, and travel as much as I can. My favorite part about working here is catching up with the regulars and seeing the community grow.

  • Cali

    YOUTH PROGRAMS

    I have been climbing for 5 years and have been working at NHCF since December of 2025. Before I started working here I participated in our school league competitions, serving as team captain for Concord High school during my senior year. Outside of climbing I enjoy hiking, painting, surfing, and live music. I mostly teach youth programs and my favorite part of that is watching my students grow confidence within themselves as climbers!

  • Collin

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS

    I have worked at NHCF since 2022. My favorite part of working here is sharing my passion for climbing though youth programs and summer camps! I started rock climbing through the School League Program and later joined Comp Team. Outside of climbing, I enjoy skiing, hiking, and cooking.