SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
Connect:
Email: sandiegochapter@americanalpineclub.org
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Meet your chapter leaders
Megan Rooney -
Chapter Chair
Megan first found climbing via a Groupon to a local climbing gym in 2016 while in search for a more cohesive outdoor community. Like many of us in our first couple years of climbing, she was instantly hooked. A lifelong hiking and backpacking enthusiast, Megan fell in love with not only the challenge climbing often provides us, but also the vibrant and welcoming community. She is passionate about connecting climbers of all backgrounds and skill levels to the community and education resources they need and is honored to serve the San Diego climbing community through her involvement with the AAC. When she isn't climbing, Megan can usually be found on her mountain bike, at the beach, or cooking with friends.
Ariel Santa Maria -
Media and Communications Chair
Ariel has been in love with the outdoors since she was a child. Camping, fishing, biking, hiking, studying wildlife, photography, archery, and free diving are just a few of her passions. In 2009, Rock climbing was added to that list. She’s been climbing in gyms since 2003 but it wasn’t until she began climbing outdoors when her true love for it began. She enjoys multi-pitch trad routes most and believes there is no freer feeling than spending the day on the side of a rock formation.
Ariel is the founder and trainer of Canine Coach, a dog training and behavioral company in San Diego. She has a degree in psychology and has been dedicated to her career for well over a decade. Ariel joined the AAC to meet likeminded folks and volunteer for the community. With her she brings passion, leadership skills and creativity to the table. She enjoys connecting others, encouraging communication, fostering growth and keeping the stoke alive.
Tyler Dandurand -
Education Chair
In August 2015 Tyler reluctantly went to a climbing gym for the first time, and never looked back. Since that day he has fervently worked on developing his skills as a climber and fine-tuning his systems to be a proficient partner and guide.
His favorite place to climb is Red Rock Canyon National Park in Nevada where he’s spent countless hours on some of the best sandstone around. When he isn’t climbing, he’s spending time with his daughter, Jordan, working full time at a hearing aid clinic in San Diego, or thinking about climbing. Tyler loves introducing people to the world of climbing and is eager to share his knowledge and passion for it with others.
Daniel Johnson -
Events Chair
Daniel is a rock climber and guide. Leaving the Navy for a career in the mountains, he’s excited for alpine rock, just normal rock, and sharing those experiences with like-minded folks.
Jeff Zettel - Outreach Chair
Jeff began technical rock climbing only a few years ago, but spends virtually all his available time on mountain pursuits. Life for Jeff begins at 10,000 feet. The return to sea level, and servitude, is always difficult. What started as a dream to climb California’s 14,000 foot peaks, has now taken him across the US, Alaska, and the Alps. After a lifetime of careers including an EMT for Orange County Fire Authority, CPR instructor, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Dog Walker, Valet, etc.,
Jeff is grateful for his career as a Realtor and Commercial Property Broker/Manager. Jeff joined the American Alpine Club for the discounts, but began volunteering after he realized how closely his personal values aligned with the club, specifically: environmental stewardship, promoting education and safe climbing practices, and including all members of our diverse California communities.
Damon Yeh - Policy Chair
Damon is originally from the DC area, and learned to climb and backpack all throughout the Mid Atlantic Region. He is a dedicated advocate for public lands and environmental conservation, and served as the Director of Stewardship of the Mid Atlantic Climbers LCO. Upon moving to San Diego, he looked to the American Alpine Club to continue his advocacy of increasing access to climbing and protecting natural spaces.
As the Policy Chair he will work to provide a voice to the climbing community in order to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for our favorite crags.