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.

Jacob Garrison 

(Front Desk/Wall setter)

My name is Jacob, and I was born and raised in Troy, MT, surrounded by the woods, which sparked my love for the outdoors. At work, I split my time between the front desk and setting and changing routes on the climbing wall. When I’m not climbing, I enjoy making music, working on cars, and playing guitar—a hidden talent of mine. My favorite snack is chips and salsa, and if I could have any superpower, I’d choose to be rich. One day, I hope to travel to Vietnam and explore all it has to offer.

Baylie Ames

(Front Desk)

Hey, I’m Baylie! You’ll usually find me at the front desk, chatting with customers and making sure everything runs smoothly—especially when it comes to equipment safety. I’ve been here for almost a year, and I love the energy, the people, and all the chances to learn something new. I grew up in Libby but can’t wait to travel—anywhere outside of town sounds like an adventure! I’m super passionate about biology, a pretty talented artist, and in my free time, you’ll catch me lost in a horror book or sketching up something cool. My go-to snack is salt and vinegar Kettle chips, and if I could have any superpower, it’d be telekinesis—because who wouldn’t want to move things with their mind?

Madison Brush

(Front Desk)

Hey, I’m Maddie! If you stop by the front desk, you’ll probably hear me greet you with a big “Howdy!” I’ve lived here for a while now, and this job has been the perfect way to meet new people and have great conversations in a chill, friendly environment. My biggest passion? Drawing and writing—I could do it all day! If I had a superpower, I’d totally choose the ability to bring my drawings to life (imagine how cool that would be!). When I’m not sketching, I’m probably snacking on a Payday candy bar or some chips. One day, I’d love to travel to Norway or Ireland, but honestly, as long as I’m visiting good friends, I’m happy anywhere! 

Harmon Evens

(Front Desk)

Hey, I’m Harmon! I’m all about riding my bike, hanging out with friends, and getting creative with custom LEGO builds. I’m a junior in high school, and on weekend evenings, you’ll find me at the front desk, closing up and catching up with familiar faces—which is honestly the best part of the job. If I could have any superpower, I’d go for super agility (because why not be the fastest and smoothest person around?). My snack of choice is chips and raisins, and one day, I’d love to take a trip to the East Coast. Lately, I’ve been into designing cool LEGO kits, researching aircraft, and vibing to Twenty Øne Piløts!

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!

Devi McCully

(Yoga & Pilates Instructor)