Rhiannon Kunesh

I grew up in rural Minnesota, as a descendant from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, where my only exposure to climbing was at summer camps and the occasional birthday party. I spent my childhood canoeing on the river through my hometown, camping and hiking at the local state park, and cross-country skiing through our woods in the winter. It wasn't until I moved to Minneapolis after undergrad that I had consistent access to a climbing gym for the first time. I was hooked. 

I moved to Madison for graduate school and knew that my best chance for meeting cool folks in the area was to get involved at the local climbing gym, and I found myself climbing outside the very next weekend- the rest is history! I try to say yes to every outdoor trip I can; to The Red River Gorge, The Boundary Waters, Puerto Rico, Spain, and am continually surprised by the local climbing that Wisconsin has to offer. 

I finished my graduate program in 2023 and am now working full-time as a psychotherapist, while continuing to find or make connections between the outdoors, mental health, and BIPOC community. My favorite guiding days have been women+ or POC focused, especially when I get to fit in conversation about wellness and mental strength.

If I'm not working, I'm probably reading the latest popular fantasy series or training to get my cat, Maple, into a canoe.

CERTIFICATIONS

Wilderness First Responder
ACA Community Paddle Sports Leader