Climb Your Everest

Pamela is a mom of three boys and a military spouse. Born and raised in Moncton, Canada, Pamela is an entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, skincare developer, magazine and event creator, podcaster, cleft lip warrior, and athlete. Pamela is an ambassador for Smile Train. Transitioning and pivoting is no feat for Pamela, before marrying her US Air Force pilot, she resided in Kuwait for a decade. As one of the few Canadians who remained in Kuwait after the evacuation amidst operation Iraqi Freedom, Pamela built shelter in home where she would seek refuge with her then one-year-old baby. Pamela has the ability to handle tough situations and uses her strength to empower women. Pamela began her quest for empowering women in 2018.  It has since branched into a global effort to shine a bright light on the extraordinary women of the world! 

As the visionary founder of Heart Mind Tuning, Kathy champions heart-centered leadership, positivity, and mindfulness. With 15 years of leadership experience as a Tech Executive for Fortune 100 & 500 companies, she brings profound insights into corporate dynamics that can help leaders level up quickly and joyfully.

Monisha Patel, a dedicated dental hygienist with 24 years of experience who has discovered the true potential of helping others beyond the clinical setting. Monisha is passionate about empowering individuals and always strives to see the best in everyone she meets. In 2024, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene while working full-time and taking online courses, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning. Monisha's adventurous spirit led her to climb to Everest Base Camp in 2021, where she empowered Nepali girls, and she has been actively involved in various mountain climbs since 2016. She participated in a dental mission with the Smiles For Life foundation in 2013, aiding villages in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As a single mom from 2009 to 2020, she has successfully raised an 18-year-old daughter who will be studying psychology at Cal Poly Pomona in the fall. Monisha's journey, which began with a traditional arranged marriage at 17, has fueled her passion for education, and she plans to obtain a Master's in Public Health to transform dental hygiene education for a more culturally competent future. Currently, she enjoys solo camping trips and shares the healing power of nature with her daughter. Monisha's inspiring story and dedication to making a difference make her a remarkable individual.

Alyssa Theis serves as the Secretary of Climb Your Everest. Born and raised in Southern California, she holds a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Alyssa works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and is the Clinical Director of a group practice in San Diego. Alyssa enjoys supporting the perinatal population in therapy, assisting those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or in the postpartum period with balancing parenthood and the management of their own mental health needs.  Her journey towards working with Climb Your Everest began in 2015 when she volunteered with Empower Nepali Girls, traveling to Nepal to support Nepali women and girls in their pursuit of education. It was there that she met Dr. Sara Safari. Since then, Alyssa has been an integral part of Climb Your Everest's mission, contributing her skills and compassion to the cause. Beyond her professional life, Alyssa finds joy in staying active and spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. Whether it's playing soccer on the weekends, hiking, climbing, or camping, she cherishes the opportunity to connect with nature and her family.

Mr. Grimes has more than 15 years of total legal experience and has been named to the Super Lawyers list for multiple years, both as a Rising Star and a top-rated entertainment and sports lawyer for Santa Monica. The Super Lawyers distinction is limited to less than 5% of all lawyers nationwide. Over the course of his practice, he has achieved significant success assisting his clients with matters in contract negotiation, drafting and enforcement, litigation, in both intellectual and real property disputes, and other legal matters.

Growing up the eldest of 8 children, Ginhee had planned to be a professional ballet dancer. Life took an unexpected turn of events when she became guardian of her younger brothers and sisters nearly overnight, and out of the need to care for them, Young Art was born. This humble growth journey of entrepreneurship has taught courage in the face of adversity, grit, anti-fragility, and resilience, through learning to bounce back from challenges faster. With her siblings nearly grown, Ginhee is dedicating her future in service to girls and young women in the developing world. Firstly, to provide financial self-sufficiency through meaningful employment that paves the way for their economically independent future. Secondly, to be an advocate for social justice, emboldening girls and women to use their voice to speak truth and stand in light as they take bold steps forward in pursuit of their brightest future.

As a licensed psychologist, Ph. D, and leader in the nonprofit  sector addressing mental health and wellness for children, youth and their families Dr. Lorry has been a driving force behind the implementation of various evidence-based practices and strategies for buffering the impact of trauma and the effects of the toxic stress response, as well as building resilience. Dr. Lorry was an early adopter of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework in her local community, which she continues to use as a context for understanding and addressing mental health needs. She has been recognized as a subject matter expert and is frequently sought out for speaking engagements and training on the topics of building resilience,  ACEs and trauma-informed care, as well as finding your purpose.

Dr. Kelly L. Cerialo is an Associate Professor in Business and Hospitality Management and Program Coordinator for the Communication and Hospitality Departments at Paul Smith’s College. She holds a PhD in Leadership and Change Program from Antioch University.  She is the former Director for Paul Smith’s College Global Center for Rural Communities and current Co-chair of the UNESCO Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve.  Kelly is a steering committee member for the U.S. UNESCO Biosphere Network and co-founder/focal point for the U.S. Biosphere Reserve Youth Network.  She also co-founded the Adirondack and Appeninno Sustainable Parks and Communities Project – an international study abroad partnership between the UNESCO Tuscan Emilian Apennine Biosphere Reserve, the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve (NY/VT) and the Ledro Alps and Judicaria Biosphere Reserve (Italy) that focuses on promoting sustainable development and sustainable tourism in protected landscapes.  Throughout her work, Kelly focuses on youth leadership development and empowering women through education and professional development opportunities.

Ryan Thomas Neace holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, and has a comprehensive background in mental health, entrepreneurialism, and education that spans several states and over 20 years. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Missouri, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the state of California. He also holds the most advanced credential offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). Ryan is the Founder of Change, Inc., a psychotherapy practice in St. Louis, Missouri, which he opened in August of 2013 with no employees, 3 empty offices, and the couch from his basement. True story! In the years which have passed since, Change, Inc. has around 20- staff and is now conducting over 1200 sessions per month. In July of 2019, Ryan announced his plans to take an indefinite sabbatical from his full counseling caseload to focus full-time on his role as CEO at Change, Inc., a move he executed upon fully by June of 2020. In that role, it’s his job to make major company decisions, manage overall operations and resources, and act as the organization’s main source of global vision and development.

Parisa is a maxillofacial surgeon in the UK. She was born and raised in Iran, later moving to the UK for education and work. As a young woman, she grew up in a society that limited development opportunities for women and she became passionate about pushing boundaries in every aspect of her life. She now mentors female surgeons in training, working with them in reaching their potential and having more confidence in the workplace and home. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and cycling and recently became a yoga instructor, a practice she has committed to for the past 14 years. Parisa is an advocate for providing women with opportunities to thrive and creating environments where they can be their authentic selves.