Board of Directors

Marc unnasch | vice president

I got into climbing in 2018 with my kids. I'd have to say trad, ice, and drytooling are my favorite types of climbing. I love to volunteer in the climbing community whenever the opportunity presents itselfthe opportunity presents itself, whether it's at USAC youth comps or local community comps. We have such an inclusive climbing community here in Minnesota and ita amazing to be a part of. I'm super excited to help out the MCA in any way possible.

Elizabeth Lyons | Secretary

Elizabeth (she/her) started climbing rock in middle school and ice in 2019. She also enjoys climbing mountains, hiking, camping and trying pretty much anything that gets her outdoors. She first climbed in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma which is her home state. Climbing and outdoor adventuring has taken her to Arkansas, Colorado, Costa Rica, Germany, Liechtenstein, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington, and Utah so far and she is looking to add more adventures.

Elizabeth has a love for the close-knit climbing community in Minnesota and was excited to be elected to the Board of the MCA in spring of 2022. She is passionate about helping others discover all aspects of climbing and wanted to become more involved with the local climbing community in addition to “being on the ground” by helping carry out the mission of the MCA. Her newfound passion for ice climbing has led to opportunities to volunteer for the 2023 Sandstone Ice Climbers Festival. She is also looking forward to becoming a bigger part of the Sandstone Ice Park and being involved in MCA projects related to climbing access and improvement or expansion of current climbing areas.

When she is not climbing, she loves experiencing different cultures and foods, cooking with her partner, hanging out with her non-climbing friends and family, and spending time with her neurotic dog, Emre.

steve mccluskey | treasurer

Steve started rock climbing in 2016 and ice climbing that same season and was hooked. After a few years of borrowing ice gear, he finally had all of his own and gets up to Sandstone as often as he can during ice season. In the last few years he has helped out more and more with farming the ice at Sandstone and joined the MCA in 2023 to be more involved in the decision making process and help out with ice park functions. Steve is a CNC machinist/programmer by trade and enjoys many other hobbies including music, movies, gadgets, bikes, welding, house projects and hanging out with friends and family.

Peter Lenz | ice park manager

Peter has been climbing since 2007 and joined the Board in 2015. He never climbs as often he would like, but Peter takes advantage of all the climbing that Minnesota has to offer from rock to ice. He assists the MCA with its Internet presence as well as the ice farming effort at the Sandstone Ice Park. He reveres the community, personal challenge, exploration, and adventure intrinsic to the endeavor of climbing. When not tied in, Peter loves to immerse himself in Minneapolis’ bike culture, taking on alleycat races, group rides, or gravel road 100 milers. He also enjoys making vegan tacos.

Bryan ebert | board member

Bryan (he/him) started climbing seriously in 2010. He learned to climb here in Minnesota, and the climbing here holds a special place in his heart. He focuses on all forms of rock climbing, including: bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, and multi-pitch climbing. He is known to dabble in ice climbing as well. Bryan's favorite local crag is Red Wing/He Mni Can, and he is looking forward to coordinating a big rebolting effort in order to improve the safety and usability of that crag. One of his other favorite spots is Palisade Head, because who doesn't love climbing above the ocean? Bryan does some guiding at Taylor's Falls and Sandstone, and loves bringing out and teaching things to new and experienced climbers alike. Bryan really values community, and he is excited to give back to the community that has given him so much already. When not climbing, Bryan works as a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist at a small clinic near Northeast Minneapolis. Bryan also loves to spend time with his wife and dog, and go canoeing in the Boundary Waters.

Ed lysNe | board member

Edric has been rock, ice and alpine climbing since 1992, beginning in Minnesota. At the beginning of his career, he mostly toproped in Taylors Falls, the North Shore, and Sandstone MN before there was an Ice Park. Then he moved to Yosemite, where he cut his teeth on multi-pitch free routes for many years. Edric has since climbed all over the Intermountain West, Alaska, Nepal and Thailand and he also has served as a guide, instructor and trainer for Outward Bound programs. He seeks to help protect and fortify local climbing areas as well as pass on best practices for safe climbing. Edric also really enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and visiting the wilderness.

Theresa Ptak | board member

Theresa has been climbing since 2012, having started in a small campus gym at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has lived and climbed in Wisconsin, Washington and Colorado, but Minnesota crags have felt the most like home. She is actively involved in the MCA’s community around the Sandstone Quarry and Ice Park, and is looking forward to learning more about Ice Farming in the coming years. As a professional designer & illustrator, she loves finding ways to be a creative resource to not only the climbing community, but local parks and land advocacy initiatives as well. She recently completed a stewardship-based art residency program in the Wrangell-St.Elias, Alaska, backpacking through Lakina Valley and Kennicott Glacier, using her field study to create pieces of art. Theresa has helped design and develop trail signage projects locally, and looks forward to applying this experience to the Ice Park this winter.

She’d love to hash out that brilliant climbing t-shirt design idea that's been sitting in the back of your head. Reach out!

riley yi | board member

Hello! I come from sunny California, where I've had quite the journey through different careers and adventures. I started in engineering, then moved into biotech, and finally found my calling in medicine, becoming an M.D. Along the way, I've done all sorts of things like working on COVID vaccinations, doing stuff at Meta, and even selling stickers online. But beyond work, I'm all about the outdoors. Backpacking introduced me to rock climbing, and I've had amazing experiences in places like Yosemite and Joshua Tree with some awesome people. In 2023, my partner Jess and I moved to Superior, Wisconsin, with our two pups. It's been a change of pace, but we're loving it—lots of biking, snowboarding, and hiking, plus I've gotten into DIY projects like 3D printing and sewing outdoor gear. Life here has been refreshing, with the beautiful landscapes and fresh air providing the perfect backdrop for our adventures. And speaking of adventures, I've got my eye on hiking the Superior Hiking Trail—it's been calling to me for a while now. Looking back, I'm grateful for the ups and downs that have brought me here. Each experience has taught me something new and shaped who I am today. So, here's to embracing the unknown and diving into whatever comes next!

Kathryn gilson | board member

I moved to Minnesota December 2021 and am on a journey of discovery for what all this state has to offer for outdoor climbing enthusiasts. My climbing journey started in the North Cascades with alpine climbing, which sparked my passion for exploring the mountains in a more technical style. When I lived in Alaska, I learned to ice climb and fell in love with that medium. I've since expanded to also embrace trad outdoor climbing. Combining ice, rock, and mountaineering skills has taken me to peaks all over the world, which continue to inspire me to learn more, practice and train to improve my skills, and chase aesthetic lines. Being new to MN I am looking for crags to hone my skills and also plug into a climbing community, to form friendships and bonds through a beautiful activity.

mindy wozniak | board member

Hi there, Mindy Wozniak here, a dedicated enthusiast of the vertical world. My love for rock climbing and ice climbing knows no bounds, as I find sheer joy in pushing my physical and mental limits against nature's most formidable obstacles. Rock climbing, with its rugged terrain and diverse challenges, has been a constant source of exhilaration for me. Whether it's bouldering, sport climbing, or traditional climbing, I thrive on the problem-solving aspect and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering a challenging route. On the other hand, ice climbing has captured my heart with its unique blend of tranquility and intensity. The sheer beauty of frozen waterfalls and the adrenaline rush of swinging ice tools into vertical ice formations create an experience unlike any other. The raw power of nature and the determination required in both rock and ice climbing resonate deeply with me. These pursuits have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trust – in both myself and my climbing partners. As I continue to explore new crags, cliffs, and frozen cascades, I'm constantly seeking to deepen my connection with the natural world and the climbing community. And I always try to volunteer at local climbing spots when I am able. I strive to share my passion and knowledge with fellow climbers, promoting safety, respect for the environment, and a love for the vertical life. Whether I'm scaling a rock face or navigating a frozen icefall, the thrill of the climb and the breathtaking views from the top keep me coming back for more. For me, rock climbing and ice climbing aren't just my hobbies – they're a way of life, a never-ending adventure that fuels my spirit and inspires my personal growth.