OUR TEAM

FOUNDER

Dan brings leadership and energy to Challenge Applications, drawing from his experience as a U.S. Army officer and as an educator in K-12 schools and colleges. He is passionate about building capacity through experiential learning, having led adventure-based programs for corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations nationwide. Most recently, he served as associate director of Washington State GEAR UP, overseeing a federally funded program that supported 30 schools across the state.

When not working, Dan enjoys playing his Taylor guitar and singing with family and friends on the weekends. He and his wife, Ann, frequently visit San Diego, where their son Noah is pursuing a career as a U.S. Navy officer.

COACH / TRAINER

Phil has over 30 years teaching and leading in Washington state schools, (public and private) both as a high school teacher and principal. His expertise stretches across all facets of Challenge Applications: coaching, facilitating, leading professional learning communities, guiding student programs, and providing strategic insight as a senior consultant.

Phil, an avid reader and life-long learner, has a passion for creating memorable experiences for friends and family. Alongside his wife, they love incorporating great food, fun drinks, and exceptional music into all their gatherings.  Their backyard, a vibrant oasis filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, often serves as the perfect setting for these special moments.

COACH / ADVISOR

Linda was a full professor at Pierce College in Puyallup, WA in the Business, Management, and Marketing Departments. She has served as a senior consultant and corporate trainer for over 25 years, specializing in leadership development. Linda is one of our master coaches; she also facilitates training, workshops, and retreats for Common Ground Learning and Challenge Applications.

Linda loves reading, listening to educational podcasts and walking with her dear husband. She lives in Puyallup, WA and spends free time with family and friends along the shores of Hood Canal.

PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Darryl began working with Challenge Applications after facilitating with Dan during an Outward Bound Professional Program. Darryl shares Dan's passion for Outward Bound as both have common interests in mountaineering, hiking, high ropes adventure and small group processing. Darryl and Dan can be found talking about football and music long after the group departs for the day.

You might see Darryl riding his motorcycle to the challenge course, or driving his Mustang across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Darryl lives with his wife in the Baltimore-Metro area.

ADVISOR / COACH

Mario advises and assists with special projects. He leverages his previous employment experience as the Director of Washington USDA Rural Development Program, an appointment by President Barrack Obama. Mario served in the administration for eight years, then launched his own business to support rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. He was also the executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference. He is a master at networking and dialing in on what matters most.

Mario plays guitar professionally in his spare time, enjoys traveling with his beloved wife and visiting his wonderful grandchildren.

PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Augie has 25 years leading, facilitating and managing challenge courses in Maryland and Pennsylvania with extensive experience working with corporate, non-profit agencies, colleges, K-12 schools, military and sports teams. Augie is the lead for our east coast facilitation team, as he currently serves as the executive director of Pecometh Camp and Retreat Center in Centreville, MD. Our high challenge course program is based there and is supported by the beautiful Riverview Retreat Center to create a perfect experience.

In his spare time Augie coaches his sons’ sports teams and serves as a scout leader. He lives with his wife and two boys in Wilmington, DE.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Aaron is one of our Swiss Army knife associates. His contributions to the team are primarily in marketing and video creation along with his partner. His career in Washington State Patrol and local fire/EMS is distinguished. Aaron lives out adventure and is a master communicator.

He is currently traveling throughout the country gathering video, stories and lessons learned as he continues to make the world a better place.

FACILITATOR / CLIENT RELATIONS

With a heart for supporting people and helping them succeed, Ann stands alongside all of the team as chief checklist officer. She has served in public and private schools, elementary and high school, as teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Ann understands the importance of planning, people and purpose-driven focus as an executive leader. While she prefers behind-the-scenes work, she excels at presenting and facilitating.

When not working, Ann is puzzling, reading, or leading small groups with our closest friends. Ann and Dan enjoy chasing their son Noah around the country as he takes another step toward commissioning as an officer in the US Navy.

FACILITATOR/LOGISITICS/MARKETING

No matter where we are providing services, Caiti can be found in the background smiling and taking pictures of our work. She also leverages her coaching and leadership to facilitate groups during our programs. Caiti's super power is her loyalty to our staff and crew. She calls us in and keeps us connected as we all work to help other teams and organizations build better relationships.

Caiti loves music, hiking on the trails throughout the Pacific Northwest, and exploring new adventures along with our crew.