About Us

Ken Miller 

(Owner)

Meet Ken, the heart and soul behind 1st Ascent Climbing & Fitness! Originally from Everett, WA, Ken fell in love with climbing at a young age and never looked back. For nearly 40 years, he’s traveled far and wide chasing epic outdoor climbs, and now he’s turned his lifelong passion into reality by building his very own gym! Not only has he spent the last 20 years developing climbing routes in the Libby area, but as the owner of KRM Builders, he even built 1st Ascent himself—talk about dedication! Ken’s love for climbing shines through in everything he does, from creating a top-notch gym to welcoming new climbers with open arms. His goal? To keep building an awesome, supportive community where everyone can send their next project and have a blast doing it!

Ruth Miller 

(Coordinator)

Meet Ruth, the powerhouse behind 1st Ascent Climbing & Fitness! Hailing from Pierre, SD, she grew up on a farm and has been an outdoor enthusiast ever since. Whether she’s hiking, swimming, or even hunting, she’s always up for an adventure. She’s also got a serious green thumb and loves spending time in her garden. At home, Ruth and her hubby Ken share their space with a lively crew—three dogs, two cats, and a dozen chickens, all of whom hold a special place in her heart. With her love for fitness and the outdoors, she’s the perfect fit for our community, bringing energy, inclusivity, and a passion for helping others crush their goals at 1st Ascent!

Alana Rodgers

(Manager)

Alana Rodgers is a passionate manager dedicated to building a strong, supportive gym community. She loves fitness, rock climbing, and creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can empower each other and reach their goals. Overseeing a small team of talented staff, she enjoys connecting with members who have become like family. Outside the gym, Alana has a love for the outdoors, from hiking and fishing to gardening and baking. A hidden talent of hers? Playing the Japanese shakuhachi meditation flute. She dreams of seeing the Seven Wonders of the World and, if given a superpower, would choose the ability to make things grow or harness light. Currently, she’s enjoying The Art of Racing in the Rain, watching Renegade Nell, and listening to the Inklings podcast—always finding inspiration in fresh stories and new adventures.

Raven

(Mascot and Quality Control)

Meet Raven, the four-legged boss of 1st Ascent Climbing & Fitness! This fun-loving black lab takes her role as gym mascot and quality control expert very seriously—whether that means greeting members with a wagging tail, supervising climbing sessions, or making sure every post-workout snack is up to standard (especially if treats are involved). Owned by the gym’s humans, Raven has claimed 1st Ascent as her second home, patrolling the floors, soaking up belly rubs, and keeping morale high. When she’s not “working,” you’ll find her snoozing in the sun, chasing after tennis balls, or hoping someone drops their protein bar. With her boundless energy and friendly spirit, Raven makes sure 1st Ascent is always a paws-itively great place to be!