Matt has worked with teens and parents since 1997. His experience encompasses working through a large local church, Young Life Ministries, and as a Senior Life Coach at a residential treatment children’s home called Promise Village. He has received extensive ongoing training from 2005-2018, with a focus on his Life Coaching of troubled and struggling teens/families. He has a B.A. in Youth Ministry from William Tyndale College and his expertise as a climber has grown over many years, leading him to becoming a Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guide Association. Matt also maintains a certification of Wilderness First Responder to make sure that safety is prominent in all that he does. He was a mountain guide for teens for several years, a spring outdoor educator, and has been guiding interns with Jen, leading expeditions for them on ice and rock climbing trips for many years. He practices the disciplines of traditional and sport climbing as well as leading on ice.

Topher Started helping with Project Forty in 2020, he adopted his childhood nickname Topher to avoid confusion with our other Chris. Topher has a passion for working with youth to strengthen their relationship with God and his creation. He was a licensed Journeyman Electrician with the Detroit union IBEW 58 before joining Project Forty full-time. He is currently working towards becoming and AMGA single pitch and wilderness first responder certification. Topher is driven by adventure and new experiences; he finds passion in most things related to being outside and telling stories through photography. When he’s not climbing, he can be found mountain biking trails, fly fishing, or trying something new.

Chris has been working with Project Forty since 2020 and his passion for climbing rock, ice and adventuring is evident! He has spent countless hours honing his skillset and is certified as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and a Wilderness First Responder. Chris also works as a rep for climbing and loves to travel in his custom van. We would be remiss to neglect that he loves to surf in his free time and spend time and spend time with friends and family.

Jen started climbing in 2005 and her love for and expertise in climbing has grown immensely. She has also guided interns on ice and rock climbing trips. Jen has been doing social work professionally for over ten years since graduating with her BSW from the University of Michigan. As a full time mother of three boys now, Jen continues to support not only her family full time, but has a heart for the lost and hurting. She never misses an opportunity to write a quick message, text or even write a song of encouragement to continue to build community outside of the professional work force.