Our mission

Rocky Mountain Ascent (RMA) provides outdoor recreation opportunities to at-risk youth in the Colorado community. We encourage youth toward self-actualization through positive adult mentorship, life-skills development, and self-challenge. We are committed to nurturing a sense of value and purpose in each individual.

Background

Rocky Mountain Ascent (RMA) is a branch of the Knights of Heroes Foundation (KOH), a nonprofit organization that was started in 2007 in response to a growing need for positive adult mentorship for Gold Star Children. In 2018, KOH began hosting day and overnight trips for children from group homes in Colorado Springs. These visits sparked a passion in KOH volunteers, who have committed to expanding the program working with local youth in the foster care system. The summer of 2023 will be the first official operating season of Rocky Mountain Ascent with paid staff, and we plan to continue expanding the program as the mission of KOH naturally transitions toward serving at-risk youth.

Meet the rma team

Leadership team

  • jordan eshbaugh

    Communications and Development Director

    Jordan is a graduate of KOH and has been involved since 2015. She is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma and is currently pursuing a Master's of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Jordan has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. Her father, Sgt. Daniel Eshbaugh, was an active duty Oklahoma National Guardsman when he was killed in Iraq in 2008. 

  • tanner harrold

    Program Director

    Tanner has been working with KOH since its inception, and can't wait to begin this new chapter with RMA. Tanner is experienced in the field of outdoor programming and guiding. He received his BA in Psychology from Humboldt State University, where he coordinates and guides kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, backpacking, and surfing trips.

  • danny guy

    RMA Staff Advisor, KOH Board Member

    Danny has been volunteering with Knights of Heroes since 2015 as a mentor. He has also been very involved with the work KOH has done with the programs we have offered the foster children since 2018.

  • Katie Groves

    RMA Staff Advisor, KOH Board Member

    Katie's late husband, CW3 James Groves, was stationed in Afghanistan when he was killed in 2013.  She has been involved with Knights of Heroes since 2016 and both of her kids are graduates of the KOH program. Katie is a big supporter of the KOH mission and is excited for the new direction Knights is headed with Rock Mountain Ascent! 

  • steve harrold

    RMA Staff Advisor, KOH Board President

    Steve started KOH in 2006 and has been running the day-to-day operations of the Foundation ever since. 

Guide Team

  • Alaya Eveland

    Alaya is a dedicated recreation educator on her way to earning a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University. A former foster youth herself, Alaya works as a program coordinator for Elite Scholars at her University, supporting former foster youth in their transition into college.

  • Joey Aguilar

    Joey is experienced in youth programming and outdoor recreation, with a natural gift in connecting with kids and teens. He has coordinated and lead countless after-school programs, and has years of experience guiding youth and young adults on outdoor trips. He is an avid outdoorsperson, and received his bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University. Joey is also a talented musician, passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the art.

  • Journee Eib

    Journee has coordinated and lead many commercial backpacking and kayaking trips, and expanded her recreation knowledge with a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University. With expertise in Leave No Trace principles, risk management, group dynamics, and trip logistics, Journee is a perfect fit for our adventure programs.

  • Kellen Wilson

    Kellen, a dedicated board member of his local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, has a passion for empowering and mentoring youth by sharing his skills and knowledge. With a wealth of expertise in automotive work, fishing, hunting, and other practical skills, he is a valuable resource in guiding young individuals towards their desired paths.

  • Zoe DeVine

    With years of guiding outdoor trips under her belt, Zoe is a talented outdoor recreation professional. Zoe has professionally guided caving, canoeing, kayaking, and backpacking trips, and received a BA in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University. She is a skilled leader with a dedication to providing healing outdoor opportunities to the youth in our communities.

Interns

  • MIRANDA

    Miranda is the daughter of SSGT Brian Dranzo - she is a graduate of KOH. 

  • Tristan

    Tristan is the son of Major Shawn Campbell - He is a graduate of KOH.