PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION

Savannah has been climbing for four years, with a preference for top roping over bouldering. She works as a Fitness Coach and Climbing School Assistant and is a certified personal trainer with CPR/AED certification.

Savannah enjoys working with beginner adults in fitness but is open to all levels. Outside of climbing, she loves running, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Jacar has been climbing for just under three years, drawn to slightly overhanging routes that demand power and precision. His favorite climbing spots include the backside of the Hummingbird at SST and Stone Fort in Chattanooga, TN.

Starting at the front desk shortly after beginning his climbing journey, Jacar quickly moved up to Head Coach for both the Advanced Base Club and Advanced Youth Club. He’s also a key part of Climb School through personal instruction and the Adult Climbing Club, which he established last year.

Jacar develops programming for youth climbers, creating an environment that emphasizes comp climbing fundamentals, and he’s always evolving new training approaches with each season. Jacar enjoys working with motivated individuals looking to elevate their climbing, whether through technical skills like footwork and power or foundational strength training. Outside of climbing, he’s passionate about photography, coffee, and music.

Kaylen is a seasoned climbing coach with over 10 years of experience, specializing in climbers of all styles, with a unique focus on short climbers and women. Standing at 5'1", Kaylen has a deep understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in climbing for those with a smaller frame. She excels at helping climbers develop the technique, confidence, and mental toughness needed to push beyond their perceived limits.A passionate boulderer, Kaylen is especially drawn to small holds and deadpoints, with a special connection to the bouldering mecca of Leavenworth, Washington. Her coaching philosophy centers on the belief that climbing is for everyone, and she loves showing clients that they can tackle harder problems than they ever imagined. When she’s not coaching or climbing, Kaylen enjoys skateboarding with her dog, Nola, and embracing the outdoors in all its forms.

Marcello has been climbing for five years, primarily enjoying bouldering on moderate overhangs. His favorite climbing spot is Momentum Silver Street in Houston.

At Silver Street, he serves as a Shift Leader, Climbing School Instructor (coaching various classes from learn-to-climb to V5), and manages donations for non-profit organizations. He is certified in CPR/First Aid and holds a CWI Level 1 certification.

Marcello excels at coaching beginner and intermediate climbers (up to V5/6) and enjoys working with youth (ages 8+) and young adults in small groups.

Outside of climbing, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and traveling with his wife.

Tyler began climbing in 2015 after attending a birthday party at a local gym and quickly joined the team, which helped shape him into the climber he is today. His favorite crag is Hueco Tanks, TX, and he loves long, pumpy climbs and big king lines. Tyler is a climbing instructor, team coach, and OPS shift lead, with a Level 1 CWA certification and 7 years of competition experience in youth and national circuits.

He enjoys working with people who are ready to push their limits and trust the process. Outside of climbing, Tyler likes cooking and watching movies.

Jo started climbing two years ago, inspired by his older brother, and quickly found a passion for the sport. His favorite styles include overhung routes and slab, and he loves climbing anywhere he can with his brother and friends.

At Momentum, Jo is a dedicated Youth Program Coach, leading the Mo Mini 2 and Youth Club 1 classes. He’s certified in top-rope and lead belaying and primarily sport climbs and boulders outside of coaching. Josiah particularly enjoys working with young climbers who are just beginning or looking to build on foundational skills.

Outside of climbing, Jo is a line cook at March, a restaurant in Montrose. His coaching philosophy emphasizes helping kids develop both as climbers and individuals while keeping the joy and excitement of the sport alive. He believes it's crucial for young athletes to see climbing as a fun, lifelong pursuit, never something they feel forced into.

David Reid Jr. has been climbing since 2016, starting at the UTSA rec wall and continuing at Momentum in Houston. He enjoys sport climbing (60%) and bouldering (40%).

At Momentum, he serves as Shift Lead at the front desk and instructs various classes, including Learn to Climb and How to Lead. David holds a CWA Level 3 certification, covering essential gym activities.

While he has competed in collegiate and citizen competitions, he enjoys working with all types of clients through his group classes. Outside of climbing, David likes playing pickup soccer, hiking, and traveling beyond Texas.

David Blade began climbing when Katy opened its doors in 2017 and has since developed a preference for rope climbing, both top rope and lead. His favorite climbing destination is Red Rock National Park. As the Head Coach for Youth Club 1 and a Climbing School instructor, David enjoys working with beginners and intermediate climbers, including youth, adults, individuals, families, and groups. Outside of climbing, David enjoys woodworking and is currently working on a crochet temperature blanket—a significant project!

Jessie Zelnik has been climbing since 2017 and developed a deep passion for the sport while climbing with her family. She loves all types of climbing, but her specialty is ropes, including both top rope and lead climbing. Jessie is passionate about teaching and belaying, especially at Momentum Katy, where she guides others on their climbing journey. She has honed her skills through years of official training and volunteering at Youth competitive events.

Outside of climbing, Jessie enjoys focusing on food, nutrition, natural health, and sustainable living.

Abigail began climbing in August 2022 and gravitates toward crimpy climbs and technical movements. Her favorite climbing spot so far is the Red River Gorge in Kentucky.

At Momentum, Abigail works in Operations, hosts parties, offers private coaching, and supports youth programs. Lead certified, she has competed in open categories for both ropes and bouldering competitions and enjoys coaching beginners, especially kids and families.

Outside of climbing, Abigail enjoys listening to music, cooking, spending time with animals, hiking, and climbing outdoors. Family is very important to her, and she prioritizes setting time aside for them. She currently lead climbs at 12b and boulders at V7.

Brian Villalba has been climbing for nearly 9 years, discovering the sport in college and quickly becoming hooked. While his friends leaned toward bouldering, Brian found his passion in top rope, where climbing helped him focus and calm his mind. Horse Shoe Canyon holds a special place for him due to the connections and memories made there.

Currently, Brian is a Shift Lead and Climb School Instructor with a CWI Lead Focus certification. He enjoys working with beginner to advanced adults and youth over 12, including adaptive climbers.

Outside of climbing, Brian enjoys video games, painting, gardening, and traveling.

Evan Gerrie has been climbing for five years and has developed a passion for speed climbing. As one of the competition team coaches and the speed club coach at Momentum, he focuses on helping athletes excel through private lessons and team training.

Evan is a certified USAC Level 2 coach and has competed at the national level in the youth circuit for three to four years. He has also successfully coached youth athletes who have qualified for the World Championship.

Evan enjoys working with intermediate and above climbers, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for the sport. In addition to his coaching, Evan is known as Momentum’s tallest coach, bringing a unique perspective to climbing and training. Outside of climbing, he enjoys lifting, further complementing his athletic pursuits.

Samuel McKurtis has been climbing for over seven years, with a personal passion for dynamic climbing and a love for Yosemite, his all-time favorite climbing destination. At Momentum, he coaches large classes and offers one-on-one instruction, focusing on the fundamentals of climbing.

Additionally, Samuel has worked our gear shop and has been a member of our front desk team for the past three years. He is well-qualified, holding certifications as a Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI), Top Rope/Lead Climbing (TR/LC), CPR, First Aid, and SafeSport. Although he has trained athletes who have entered the competitive climbing scene, he has not personally competed. Samuel enjoys working with both adults and children, finding fulfillment in coaching climbers of all ages. Outside of climbing, he has a variety of interests, including collecting collectibles, camping, and playing soccer.