United Rocks Story

United Rocks Story

How and Why

The inspiration for United Rocks came out of a need to create a legacy for Brian and Mariana Steelsmith’s son, Jake who has down syndrome, where he can excel in his life and be accepted, included, and respected.

Envisioning a world where individuals with disabilities are given all the opportunities individuals without disabilities are given, we turned to what they knew: rock climbing. From supporting Jake’s brother, Gabriel in the climbing community, they decided to pursue the idea of creating rock climbing teams for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, health challenges, and behavioral differences.

The first United Rocks Climbing Team was formed in November 2021 when five families believing in our mission came together to support their kids through rock climbing.

Thank you for joining our team and believing in our vision of a future of full inclusion to create a supportive community for people with disabilities to lead a healthy and successful life.

Unity with Community,
Brian and Mariana Steelsmith

— Helen Keller

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Together As One

Meet Our Stellar Team

Together as One

Meet Our Stellar Team

Mariana Steelsmith
Mariana Steelsmith
President & Founder
Yujia Ding & Griffey
Yujia Ding & Griffey
VP of Operations
Julia Moua
Julia Moua
Treasurer
Mary Gualtieri
Mary Gualtieri
Secretary
Abby Porter
Abby Porter
Project Manager
Payton Grantham
Payton Grantham
Marketing and Partnerships Director
Insiyaah Tinwala
Insiyaah Tinwala
Social Media Designer
Sami Bisht
Sami Bisht
Videographer
Jay Bachhuber
Jay Bachhuber
Training/Website Developer
Cliffy Shiner
Cliffy Shiner
Copywriter
Kristi Marquez
Kristi Marquez
Regional Gym Director
Pete Glaze
Pete Glaze
Regional Volunteer Director
Kaitlin O’Hara
Kaitlin O’Hara
Training Program Director
Sam Cavazos
Sam Cavazos
Regional Coach (OT coach)
Sadie Burt
Sadie Burt
Regional Coach (Climbing)
Danny Carson
Danny Carson
Gym Manager, Santa Ana, CA
Kevin Cuadrado
Kevin Cuadrado
Volunteer Coordinator (Grapevine)
Nora Marquez
Nora Marquez
Coach (Plano)
Marisa Romero
Marisa Romero
Gym & Vendor Liaison, Coach (Design District)
Maisie McGurn
Maisie McGurn
Volunteer Coordinator (Design District)
Felipe Gonzalez Gutierrez
Felipe Gonzalez Gutierrez
Volunteer Coordinator (Design District)