Whether you have a specific performance goal in mind, or are just looking for some guidance to improve your overall climbing ability, one of our expert Private Instructors will help get you there. Our Coaches work with climbers of all ages and abilities.
Ready to make some gains?
Kristin Hicks
Route Setter & Yoga Instructor
Since 2023 Kristin has supported her athletes with both mental and physical training. She received her personal training certification in 2014, her yoga teacher training in 2016, and began setting ropes at our gym in 2023. Her background in Early Childhood Education helps with coaching young people, but many of her clients are older adults. Their abilities have ranged from learning to climb their first walls ever, to sending their first 5.12 on lead.
What stands out in Kristin’s coaching is her focus on the mental aspects of climbing. Her dedication to meditation practice and managing fear while climbing has helped her teach others how to navigate their emotions. She can show you different ways of responding to stress, empowering you to investigate any self-limiting beliefs you may have. In turn, you will understand how your mind state can inform your growth, rather than sabotage your performance. This approach, combined with personalized exercises and drills on and off the wall, will allow you to have big aspirations and enjoy the process of whatever challenge you choose to pursue.
Rate: $65/hr for CRG members, $85/hr for non-members
Julia Silvestrone
Competition and Rec Team Coach, Climbing Progression Instructor & Desk Staff
If you’re finding yourself stuck at the dreaded V3 plateau or thinking of incorporating off-the-wall training into your routine but not sure where to start, consider private instruction with Julia. Julia started climbing in college 5 years ago, joining WPI’s competitive team in 2023. After being on the team for only one year, Julia was elected Team Captain due to her speciality in motivating others to push themselves while keeping practices fun.
Julia is the Head Coach of CRG Worcester’s Youth Competitive Team, and she teaches the weekly Climbing Progression Program, a four part beginner-targeted series on fundamental climbing techniques. Through these programs, Julia has fine-tuned her coaching tactics for a wide range of ages, skill levels, and goals – from kid crushers hoping to qualify for national championships to adults who have just discovered climbing and are looking to challenge themselves without causing an injury. Wherever you find yourself, Julia will work with you to identify room for improvement and create a routine that will make you excited to work hard.
Rate: $55/hr for CRG members, $75/hr for non-members
Jessie Taubert
Youth Coach, Climbing Progression Program Instructor & Desk Staff
Looking to understand movement and technique? Not sure how to structure a training plan? Consider working with Jessie! She’s been climbing for 12 years, first starting on the youth teams here at CRG Worcester! She’s been competing for 8 years and has coached at CRG for 5 years, helping with youth teams and adult technique.
Jessie focuses on the technical parts of climbing, and how to read the most efficient beta from the ground, before you even pull on. She also has valuable exposure to competition-style movement, where it is necessary to use momentum and timing to float into body positions on the wall. Focusing more on outdoor climbing? She can help you create a training plan specifically tailored to your projects to get you ready to send! Get psyched!
Rate: $60/hr for CRG members, $80/hr for non-members