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!

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 am our Youth Programs Coordinator, and I coach our Club Team. I’ve been working at the gym since June, 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!

Youth Programs Coordinator, Coach

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

  • Grant

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS, ROUTESETTER

    I’ve been working at NHCF for about 8 months, but I have been climbing here on and off since opening day in 2012 when I started climbing. Most of my time in high school was spent trying to climb everything I could around New England. My favorite part of working here is reconnecting with all the regulars I became friends with before I left for college. When I’m not climbing, I really enjoy skiing, taking my dog on new hikes and cooking new recipes with my fiance. My secret passion is making the perfect grilled cheese.

  • Cole

    FRONT DESK, YOUTH PROGRAMS, INSTRUCTION

    I have worked here since April of 2024, but grew up participating in the youth programs.  I was a competition climber on our NHCF Team and my hardest climbs are V7 and 5.12c.  Outside of climbing, I enjoy Kendama, cooking, love cats, and own my own thrifting company called Granite State Vintage.  My favorite part about working here is teaching the youth programs, and never vacuuming. 

  • 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.

  • Olin

    COACH

    I started out climbing here on our Club Team in 2019 and joined our Comp Team the following season. This is my fourth season as the assistant coach for our Comp Team!

    When I’m not coaching or climbing I like to make jewelry and spend time with my dogs, Olly and Milo!

  • Libby

    FRONT DESK

    Hi! My name's Libby and I've been working here for almost 3 months, although I've been climbing for close to 7 years (*cough cough* on and off). My favorite part of the job is probably getting to know and connect with everyone that comes into the gym. Outside of work I’m most likely in the mountains, skiing or skinning in the winter or by the beach surfing, or traveling any other time of the year.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.