members of climb20
Each member of the Climb20 team is committed to raising $10,000 as they prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! If you want to support a climber just click here !
Climb20 Team Leadership
Team Leader--Dr. Cheryl Wolfinger--CEO of International Sports Federation
Cheryl is a native Oklahoman and takes great pride in her rural roots which is probably part of the reason for her great love for the outdoors. For the past 20 years she has been serving as the CEO of International Sports Federation. Climb20 represents a tremendous milestone in Cheryl's life because her desire is to finish strong and make the next 20 years of ISF even better than the last. Admittedly, Cheryl has become an adrenalin junkie after beating cancer and can't wait to take on the mountain and all its challenges.
Cheryl is a native Oklahoman and takes great pride in her rural roots which is probably part of the reason for her great love for the outdoors. For the past 20 years she has been serving as the CEO of International Sports Federation. Climb20 represents a tremendous milestone in Cheryl's life because her desire is to finish strong and make the next 20 years of ISF even better than the last. Admittedly, Cheryl has become an adrenalin junkie after beating cancer and can't wait to take on the mountain and all its challenges.
Team Chaplain--Daniel Tuttle--Outdoor Leadership Team Leader
Daniel is at home in the mountains and knows that God has given him an appreciation for climbing and a love for people. As the team chaplain, he will be leading the team in daily devotions and utilizing teachable moments along the journey to help each team member grow in spirit and faith. His training has prepared him to help each individual reach their full potential and have the best chance to summit the mountain.
Daniel is at home in the mountains and knows that God has given him an appreciation for climbing and a love for people. As the team chaplain, he will be leading the team in daily devotions and utilizing teachable moments along the journey to help each team member grow in spirit and faith. His training has prepared him to help each individual reach their full potential and have the best chance to summit the mountain.
Team Athletic Trainer--Jessica Lenderman--Director of Mobilization at ISF
Jessica has been on staff with ISF for nearly three years and has become an invaluable part of the team. Her attention to detail and work ethic make her an excellent mobilizer of people. She is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and will use her skills to address the teams blisters, strains and sprains as they make their way up the mountain.
Jessica has been on staff with ISF for nearly three years and has become an invaluable part of the team. Her attention to detail and work ethic make her an excellent mobilizer of people. She is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and will use her skills to address the teams blisters, strains and sprains as they make their way up the mountain.
Team EMT--Valina Ramsey--EMT-I at Puckett Emergency Medical Services, Inc.
Valina grew up in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains in east Tennessee and is excited to take her mountain experience to a whole new level! She will serve as the emergency medical expert on Climb20 to insure team safety, particularly during the high altitude portions of the climb. As you might imagine, team safety is a primary concern of ISF during this challenging adventure.
Valina grew up in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains in east Tennessee and is excited to take her mountain experience to a whole new level! She will serve as the emergency medical expert on Climb20 to insure team safety, particularly during the high altitude portions of the climb. As you might imagine, team safety is a primary concern of ISF during this challenging adventure.
Team Physician--Dr. Mark McLaughlin--Radiation Oncology, Kennestone Hospital
Dr. McLaughlin serves on the ISF Board of Directors and has been with us on several medical mission projects during the past five years. He is excited to take this opportunity to climb with the team and will be monitoring each member of Climb20 as the 8-day journey takes its toll. Climbing Kilimanjaro has its own special set of challenges because of the drastic changes in elevation and Dr. McLaughlin will be watching team members closely for signs of altitude sickness and other serious issues that are common to high altitude climbing.
Dr. McLaughlin serves on the ISF Board of Directors and has been with us on several medical mission projects during the past five years. He is excited to take this opportunity to climb with the team and will be monitoring each member of Climb20 as the 8-day journey takes its toll. Climbing Kilimanjaro has its own special set of challenges because of the drastic changes in elevation and Dr. McLaughlin will be watching team members closely for signs of altitude sickness and other serious issues that are common to high altitude climbing.
Team Photographer--Tim Glover--Director of Photography, Bang Productions
Tim has been taking pictures and making movies since he was a young boy. He is always looking for a story to tell through his camera lense. The thought of 20+ people making the "life changing" decision to train and climb a mountain was an instant draw for him. Though the eight-day trek up the mountain will be tremendously challenging for this award winning producer and his equipment, Tim is hoping that his running background will help him reach the summit. He will be not only producing a documentary of the climb itself but he is also following the climber's journeys as they prepare for this incredible feat so stay tuned!
Tim has been taking pictures and making movies since he was a young boy. He is always looking for a story to tell through his camera lense. The thought of 20+ people making the "life changing" decision to train and climb a mountain was an instant draw for him. Though the eight-day trek up the mountain will be tremendously challenging for this award winning producer and his equipment, Tim is hoping that his running background will help him reach the summit. He will be not only producing a documentary of the climb itself but he is also following the climber's journeys as they prepare for this incredible feat so stay tuned!
Climb20 team members
Climber--Shannon Balthaser--Teacher, Atlanta, Georgia
Shannon loves anything outdoors and enjoys playing most any sport. She is a physical education teacher and coaches softball and lacrosse. Missions has always been one of her passions, and international missions recently became one of her passions when she served with ISF to Tumaini Miles of Smiles orphanage in Kenya. Shannon is looking forward to seeing what God will reveal through this experience and how He will use ISF in the future! She is also excited to be climbing along side her husband, Spencer
Shannon loves anything outdoors and enjoys playing most any sport. She is a physical education teacher and coaches softball and lacrosse. Missions has always been one of her passions, and international missions recently became one of her passions when she served with ISF to Tumaini Miles of Smiles orphanage in Kenya. Shannon is looking forward to seeing what God will reveal through this experience and how He will use ISF in the future! She is also excited to be climbing along side her husband, Spencer
Climber--Spencer Balthaser--Aircraft Mechanic, Atlanta, Georgia
Spencer has always enjoyed the outdoors and being physically active with anything from playing sports to skiing to spelunking. Just being a part of God's creation and seeing His handiwork is one of his passions. Most of the time, he is involved serving behind the scenes, but has served on several mission trips with his local church where he leads 9th grade Bible study with his wife, Shannon. Lately God has been convicting Spencer that he has spent too much time limiting God to the practical and logical. Spencer is looking forward to serving on his first ISF trip and seeing God work as only He can.
Spencer has always enjoyed the outdoors and being physically active with anything from playing sports to skiing to spelunking. Just being a part of God's creation and seeing His handiwork is one of his passions. Most of the time, he is involved serving behind the scenes, but has served on several mission trips with his local church where he leads 9th grade Bible study with his wife, Shannon. Lately God has been convicting Spencer that he has spent too much time limiting God to the practical and logical. Spencer is looking forward to serving on his first ISF trip and seeing God work as only He can.
Climber--Cindy Bennett--Ministry Assistant, Kennesaw, Georgia
Cindy is currently working in the ISF office as a ministry assistant. She has served on a women's ministry project with ISF in Alaska. She has also served the past two years with ISF training camps. She teaches a ladies class at her church and has a great passion for missions and evangelism. She is very excited to be a part of this team, excited about the adventure of the trip along with raising money to support for this awesome ministry.
Cindy is currently working in the ISF office as a ministry assistant. She has served on a women's ministry project with ISF in Alaska. She has also served the past two years with ISF training camps. She teaches a ladies class at her church and has a great passion for missions and evangelism. She is very excited to be a part of this team, excited about the adventure of the trip along with raising money to support for this awesome ministry.
Climber--Mary Bugg--Hairdresser, LaPorte, Indiana
Mary lives with her husband Ron, and three little dogs. She has been a hairdresser for 20 years and has served on two trips with ISF to Greece. She is currently finishing her masters in theological studies at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, graduating in the spring of 2014.
Mary leads a women’s Bible study at her church where she is ever amazed at the way God knits people together. Her husband and friends say they get a little nervous whenever she says, “I was thinking…….” It is usually followed by something like, “hey, let’s go climb a mountain, what do you think?” One of her favorite things about God is His ability to see what I cannot, and to always be faithful to lead her beyond herself so that she come to experience Him in a new way.
Mary lives with her husband Ron, and three little dogs. She has been a hairdresser for 20 years and has served on two trips with ISF to Greece. She is currently finishing her masters in theological studies at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, graduating in the spring of 2014.
Mary leads a women’s Bible study at her church where she is ever amazed at the way God knits people together. Her husband and friends say they get a little nervous whenever she says, “I was thinking…….” It is usually followed by something like, “hey, let’s go climb a mountain, what do you think?” One of her favorite things about God is His ability to see what I cannot, and to always be faithful to lead her beyond herself so that she come to experience Him in a new way.
Climber--Brian Cates--Firefighter/EMT IV, Jackson, Tennessee
Brian has been serving as a firefighter for the past 14 years in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee where he is active at Highland Park Church and owns Shivers Shaved Ice. He has served on two ISF projects in Kenya and will be going to Haiti with his church in July. Brian has a passion for helping people and loves to travel. He is looking forward to the challenge to raise support and physically prepare for climbing at such high altitude and he is certain that God will teach him many things about himself along the way.
Brian has been serving as a firefighter for the past 14 years in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee where he is active at Highland Park Church and owns Shivers Shaved Ice. He has served on two ISF projects in Kenya and will be going to Haiti with his church in July. Brian has a passion for helping people and loves to travel. He is looking forward to the challenge to raise support and physically prepare for climbing at such high altitude and he is certain that God will teach him many things about himself along the way.
Climber--Mindy Clark--Clinical Diagnostic Manager, Biodesix, Atlanta Georgia
Mindy currently serves as the Chairman of the ISF Board of Directors and has a heart for missions. She is excited to take on this incredible physical challenge and raise money for ISF at the same time. She believes in the importance of the mission of ISF and feels that this is the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of incredible ministry!
Mindy currently serves as the Chairman of the ISF Board of Directors and has a heart for missions. She is excited to take on this incredible physical challenge and raise money for ISF at the same time. She believes in the importance of the mission of ISF and feels that this is the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of incredible ministry!
Climber--Tammy Cobb--Woodstock, Georgia
After surviving a pregnancy related heart attack at age 36, Tammy is committed to staying healthy and fit for herself and her family. The challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro is far outside her comfort zone but she knows that facing the adventures and difficulties of the mountain will help her become stronger in all areas of her life. She is looking forward to climbing with her brother Jeff McCall and sister Jackie Loudin.
After surviving a pregnancy related heart attack at age 36, Tammy is committed to staying healthy and fit for herself and her family. The challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro is far outside her comfort zone but she knows that facing the adventures and difficulties of the mountain will help her become stronger in all areas of her life. She is looking forward to climbing with her brother Jeff McCall and sister Jackie Loudin.
Climber--Bertha "Bert" De La Garza--Athletic Trainer/Adjunct Instructor, Abilene, Texas
Bert has been an athletic trainer for 13 years. Currently, she works at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. After asking God for a chance to use her athletic training skills in a missions’ project, she discovered ISF. In July 2007, she traveled with Team ISF to Poland for a recreational outreach opportunity. Bert says she has never forgotten the staff and the mission of ISF and is looking forward to being pushed physically and spiritually. She enjoys working with young people and values how God uses them in her life. Bert feels that climbing this mountain will be beyond anything she could do by herself and hopes to use it to encourage her students to seek Him endlessly.
Bert has been an athletic trainer for 13 years. Currently, she works at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. After asking God for a chance to use her athletic training skills in a missions’ project, she discovered ISF. In July 2007, she traveled with Team ISF to Poland for a recreational outreach opportunity. Bert says she has never forgotten the staff and the mission of ISF and is looking forward to being pushed physically and spiritually. She enjoys working with young people and values how God uses them in her life. Bert feels that climbing this mountain will be beyond anything she could do by herself and hopes to use it to encourage her students to seek Him endlessly.
Climber--Dr. Ken Kilgore--Chiropractor, Woodstock, Georgia
Dr. Ken, is a Chiropractor in Woodstock, GA. Growing up on the waters of Tampa Bay, FL and playing baseball from little league through college, Ken has always enjoyed an active lifestyle. His love of the outdoors now has him spending his free time mountain biking and kayaking with his family. Dr. Ken has been a supporter of ISF for many years, generously providing chiropractic care to several ISF staff members. This will be his first trip with ISF and he is excited to share it with his son, Weston.
Dr. Ken, is a Chiropractor in Woodstock, GA. Growing up on the waters of Tampa Bay, FL and playing baseball from little league through college, Ken has always enjoyed an active lifestyle. His love of the outdoors now has him spending his free time mountain biking and kayaking with his family. Dr. Ken has been a supporter of ISF for many years, generously providing chiropractic care to several ISF staff members. This will be his first trip with ISF and he is excited to share it with his son, Weston.
Climber--Weston Kilgore-- Student, Woodstock, Georgia
Weston will be joining his dad, Ken, on this memorable trip. At 14 years old, he is one of our youngest climbers. Wes is an outgoing eighth grader at Woodstock Middle School and is proud to play football for the junior Wolverines. He also enjoys mountain biking and kayaking with his family. His sister and brother are a little envious of this opportunity, but are so proud of him for accepting this challenge. Along with their mom, Cari, they will be forming a virtual climb team to support their dad and Weston during this once in a lifetime adventure.
Weston will be joining his dad, Ken, on this memorable trip. At 14 years old, he is one of our youngest climbers. Wes is an outgoing eighth grader at Woodstock Middle School and is proud to play football for the junior Wolverines. He also enjoys mountain biking and kayaking with his family. His sister and brother are a little envious of this opportunity, but are so proud of him for accepting this challenge. Along with their mom, Cari, they will be forming a virtual climb team to support their dad and Weston during this once in a lifetime adventure.
Climber--Jackie Loudin--Director of Communication, Acworth, Georgia
Jackie is a member of ISF’s Board of Directors and the Communications Director at the church that she and her family have attended for the past 17 years. She has been married to the man she still has a crush on, Dave, for 23 years and they have three sons ages 21, 18 and 14. Jackie returned to college after a 30 year hiatus and graduated in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She is sharing this trip with her sister and brother, Tammy Cobb and Jeff McCall, and is looking forward to standing on top of the mountain with them.
Jackie is a member of ISF’s Board of Directors and the Communications Director at the church that she and her family have attended for the past 17 years. She has been married to the man she still has a crush on, Dave, for 23 years and they have three sons ages 21, 18 and 14. Jackie returned to college after a 30 year hiatus and graduated in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She is sharing this trip with her sister and brother, Tammy Cobb and Jeff McCall, and is looking forward to standing on top of the mountain with them.
Climber--Jeff McCall--Construction Contractor, Woodstock, Georgia
Jeff has always loved adventure and enjoys pushing himself to his limits and beyond. He enjoys obstacle course racing, hiking, mountain biking, competitive single sports, anything fast and extreme, and likes it even more when his wife and two sons get to play along with him. He is very active in his home church in many service areas and he has a heart for missions and spreading the Gospel both at home and abroad. Jeff also has a passion for training and teaching people to eat clean and live a healthy, active lifestyle and so is currently pursuing a career change to personal training and fitness. He truly loves encouraging people and hopes that they will see that we CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Knowing the ministry that ISF does, wanting to see his two older sisters stand at the top of the mountain, and the fact that Kilimanjaro has always been on his “things to do” list….well, he just had to say yes!
Jeff has always loved adventure and enjoys pushing himself to his limits and beyond. He enjoys obstacle course racing, hiking, mountain biking, competitive single sports, anything fast and extreme, and likes it even more when his wife and two sons get to play along with him. He is very active in his home church in many service areas and he has a heart for missions and spreading the Gospel both at home and abroad. Jeff also has a passion for training and teaching people to eat clean and live a healthy, active lifestyle and so is currently pursuing a career change to personal training and fitness. He truly loves encouraging people and hopes that they will see that we CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Knowing the ministry that ISF does, wanting to see his two older sisters stand at the top of the mountain, and the fact that Kilimanjaro has always been on his “things to do” list….well, he just had to say yes!
Climber--Thomas Morrison--Student, Tallahassee, Florida
Thomas has served with ISF on a project in Alaska and is looking forward to taking on the incredible challenge of climbing the world's largest freestanding mountain. While serving as a leader in his Boy Scout Troop, he is gaining valuable experience in backpacking, outdoor leadership and first aid that will serve him well on this adventure. Thomas also has a heart for helping others and thinks this climb is a great way to support the organization of ISF while challenging himself mentally, physically and spiritually.
Thomas has served with ISF on a project in Alaska and is looking forward to taking on the incredible challenge of climbing the world's largest freestanding mountain. While serving as a leader in his Boy Scout Troop, he is gaining valuable experience in backpacking, outdoor leadership and first aid that will serve him well on this adventure. Thomas also has a heart for helping others and thinks this climb is a great way to support the organization of ISF while challenging himself mentally, physically and spiritually.
Climber--Brian Shedd--Canton Georgia
Brian has always loved the outdoors and has found any excuse to be there. He's always looking for way to challenge himself and has set bucket list goals like through hiking the Appalachian Trail. When he came across the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro while helping out ISF, he jumped at the chance. He’s always been one to help out friends and family and is really looking forward to being able to support the Climb20 team on the Kilimanjaro trek!
Brian has always loved the outdoors and has found any excuse to be there. He's always looking for way to challenge himself and has set bucket list goals like through hiking the Appalachian Trail. When he came across the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro while helping out ISF, he jumped at the chance. He’s always been one to help out friends and family and is really looking forward to being able to support the Climb20 team on the Kilimanjaro trek!
Climber--Kathy Smith--Teacher, Knoxville, Tennessee
Teacher by school year and mission volunteer by summer, Kathy enjoys all kinds of sports and recreational experiences. She is constantly amazed at how God can use something that we love to open doors in building relationships and sharing the love of Christ. During the school year, her passion is building relationships with children in her school by attending their games/events. During the summer, her passions are working with a stateside sports ministry to help churches use camps to build relationships with their communities. Kathy is now serving on her third ISF adventure to help build relationships with internationals.
Teacher by school year and mission volunteer by summer, Kathy enjoys all kinds of sports and recreational experiences. She is constantly amazed at how God can use something that we love to open doors in building relationships and sharing the love of Christ. During the school year, her passion is building relationships with children in her school by attending their games/events. During the summer, her passions are working with a stateside sports ministry to help churches use camps to build relationships with their communities. Kathy is now serving on her third ISF adventure to help build relationships with internationals.
Climber--Andi Swan--Development Officer for the American Red Cross
Andi is a long-time ISF supporter and a former ISF staff member. She has participated in two trips with ISF: one to the Tumaini Miles of Smiles orphanage in Kenya and another medical mission trip to Senegal. Andi is a CPR and First Aid instructor/trainer for the American Red Cross and an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves running, biking, climbing and SCUBA diving. She is excited to combine her love of the outdoors and international missions to invest in the future of ISF!
Andi is a long-time ISF supporter and a former ISF staff member. She has participated in two trips with ISF: one to the Tumaini Miles of Smiles orphanage in Kenya and another medical mission trip to Senegal. Andi is a CPR and First Aid instructor/trainer for the American Red Cross and an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves running, biking, climbing and SCUBA diving. She is excited to combine her love of the outdoors and international missions to invest in the future of ISF!
Climber--Bryan Swan--Fire Fighter/Advanced EMT, Cobb County, Georgia
Bryan is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking and playing on his many motorized and incredibly fast toys; both on land and water! He has served with ISF on a medical trip as an EMT and is very excited to combine his love for the mountains with an opportunity to help ISF celebrate its 20th anniversary. He will be climbing alongside his lovely wife, Andi.
Bryan is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking and playing on his many motorized and incredibly fast toys; both on land and water! He has served with ISF on a medical trip as an EMT and is very excited to combine his love for the mountains with an opportunity to help ISF celebrate its 20th anniversary. He will be climbing alongside his lovely wife, Andi.
Climber- Amanda Walton-Admissions Counselor- Williamsburg, KY
Amanda, a former college athlete, has a heart to serve people and loves adventure. She became a member of the ISF family when she traveled to Greece during the 2004 Olympic Games. Since that time Amanda has served on several ISF trips, one of which led her to leave the comforts of home behind and move to Kenya. Since returning from the mission field in 2011, Amanda feels blessed to work at University of the Cumberlands where God allows her to speak into the lives of students everyday. She is a proud Tennessean and loves admiring God’s creation in nature. Her passions include cooking, entertaining, encouraging other people, and the occasional dirt track race with her dad. Amanda is so excited to join her ISF family in raising awareness and support on behalf of an organization that has made a significant impact on her life. And of course, the adventurous spirit in her can’t wait for the opportunity to SUMMIT a peak she’s only fantasized about from her airplane window.
Amanda, a former college athlete, has a heart to serve people and loves adventure. She became a member of the ISF family when she traveled to Greece during the 2004 Olympic Games. Since that time Amanda has served on several ISF trips, one of which led her to leave the comforts of home behind and move to Kenya. Since returning from the mission field in 2011, Amanda feels blessed to work at University of the Cumberlands where God allows her to speak into the lives of students everyday. She is a proud Tennessean and loves admiring God’s creation in nature. Her passions include cooking, entertaining, encouraging other people, and the occasional dirt track race with her dad. Amanda is so excited to join her ISF family in raising awareness and support on behalf of an organization that has made a significant impact on her life. And of course, the adventurous spirit in her can’t wait for the opportunity to SUMMIT a peak she’s only fantasized about from her airplane window.