FOUNDING TEAM

Meet our founding team,
and vital partners.

Sasha Yasinski

CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sasha is based out of Canmore, Alberta.  Originally from Ontario, her formative years in the mountains were spent dedicated to working as a wildland firefighter and crew leader in Banff National Park. She recently made a career-change to pursue the goal of becoming an alpine guide.  She currently works as an ACMG-certified apprentice rock guide out of the Canadian Rockies, making trips to Squamish and the Bugaboos throughout the summer.  Sasha appreciates hot showers, slow mornings and the loud purr of a chainsaw.

Sarah Steele Johnston

CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMMING

Sarah was raised between the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast. She is blessed to call Sḵwx̱wú7mesh home.  She dedicated her early working years to adventure and wilderness-based therapy (7 years). This naturally transitioned into her present work as a nature-based Registered Clinical Counsellor. Sarah focused her master's research on Therapeutic Climbing and is passionate about contributing to this young therapeutic field. Sarah is a dork for glitter, dancing and witnessing people and the land light up (smiles & sunrises).

Arc’teryx Alberta was our primary sponsor and has assisted in funding Dirtbabe Collective initiatives since 2020 when we were successful recipients of the Arc’teryx Outer Peace Grant program.  An opportunity provided to grassroots organizations working to remove barriers for people who have been traditionally excluded from accessing it.  We are grateful for the ongoing support Arc’teryx Alberta has given us both in the form of financial support and mentorship.

Partners

OPEN MOUNTAIN PROJECTS

Our partners have collaborated with us to enhance our programming and assist in generating reach to various communities. Open Mountains Project is a non-profit society based out of Revelstoke, BC dedicated to fostering inclusive mountain culture. Through mentorship, coaching and operational support from OMP, we were successful in running our first alpine climbing camp in 2022.

SOUL OF MIISTAKI

Soul of Miistaki is a grassroots organization based out of Canmore, Alberta with a mission to create connection with the traditional lands of indigenous people through movement, personal growth and inclusive access to outdoor activities. Our cultural climbing camp was the result of collaborative efforts and shared creativity in blending our values and organizational visions together.

Supporters

  • Onward Up

  • Valhalla Pure Outfitters

  • Canmore Climbing Gym

  • Wild Mountain Eats

  • Nahanni

  • Teeny Botanist

  • Beads and Babes

  • Written Topography

  • Lin Oosterhoff, Twin Studio

  • Creative Motion 

  • Lauren Moggach, Cream + Sugar Creative

Our supporters are local businesses that have donated products or services to our fundraising campaigns, programs and events. We would not be where we are today without the local support of our community.