Veteran and Military Program Private Guiding

Our Mission: To provide veterans, military members, and their families with sustainable long term strategies for physical and mental health by engaging in outdoor activities.

Crux Wilderness Therapy is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit. We were built from experience and want to share in this experience with other veterans, military members, and families. Time spent outdoors, is time well spent in our opinions and we’re guessing you probably agree. We know schedules can be tough; there’s your work schedule, family schedule, and then all the maintenance and errands in between. Our calendar will have you in mind always, so check in with us here, and check us out often to keep up our monthly clinics!

+ We focus on education and instruction in rock and alpine climbing so that veterans and military members can feel prepared to engage in a wilderness environment independently and share in this process with their friends and families.

+ New to climbing or an experienced climber our veteran guides will meet you where you’re at, with gear if you need it.

+ Come out for to gain more experience, knowledge, confidence, mentorship, and community.

Promoting a Balance

 
 

Crux

Crux is used in rock climbing to identify the most difficult point in a climb. You have to climb passed the crux to finish out the route which can take practice, perseverance, training, and grit. We started Crux Wilderness with that very mindset. In life we encounter challenges that we have to get through sometimes on the daily, but moving through challenges isn’t always easy. 

It is our hope for the veterans that come to Crux Wilderness, to use this program to get through whatever crux they are facing; to build community and to learn long term sustainable strategies for mental and physical health by engaging in outdoor activities. 

Ground Team

 

LUKE STRICEVIC, AMGA Rock Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, and Co-Founder. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

After serving four years in the Marine Corps, like many others, I struggled with transitioning from military life. I desperately looked for something to give my life meaning and purpose outside my military service. I wanted to continue to challenge myself mentally and physically.

I was introduced to rock climbing while living in Mammoth Lakes, California, by an old salty ski instructor that I worked with on the mountain. He brought me to a small crag in Mammoth, showed me a few knots, tied me in and I was on my first rock climb. From that moment I was hooked. I had found what I was looking for.

Climbing became an activity that I could wrap my identity around, to live out the adventures I so desperately sought after. A platform that I could use for expression and become more aware of myself. Climbing doesn’t pretend to be anything important, in the “real world.” However, the ones that partake in the endeavor are rewarded with a feeling of self awareness and accomplishment like nothing else.

I truly believe in the healing power of the outdoors and I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Crux team and introduce people to the mountains that I hold so dear.

ALEX JOHNSON, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide. U.S. Navy Veteran

As much as the Military has given me knowledge and life experience it took its toll on my mental wellbeing. Most of my career I struggled to find a balance with my work and personal life. I felt that I wasn't getting the necessary recharge needed to handle the job. I started learning how to climb from an old friend and fell in love with it immediately. It started giving me that passion outside of the job that I craved, and it helped relieve that daily grind many of us experience while serving.

Going to Crux’s first event was huge for me. I found people who were like-minded but also very accepting of anyone who was interested in the stoke of climbing. The clinics alone bridged a gap in knowledge that would have taken me years to get too. Having the ability to ask questions while having hands-on learning with experienced guides is invaluable. Working for Crux now as one of their guides is everything I could have hoped for, and I am excited to pass this on to more people. 

As a Military member I can say that nothing has brought the same joy and sense of purpose as climbing. The experience of hanging from a rope a few hundred feet off the ground with a good friend, in a place that most people won't ever see is life changing!

 

BEN RADEMACHER, AMGA Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide. U.S. Navy Veteran

The mountains were not introduced to me until I was nineteen, a young man getting stationed away from home for the first time. The military was an eye opening experience for me and I needed it. Coming from Wisconsin, the mountains of the West were nothing I had seen before. I was stationed in San Diego and Washington which led me to explore their vast landscapes. I started going back to school but I was still left not knowing what I really wanted to do next.  That’s where climbing and the mountains came in. 

Right before getting out, I bought a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag and I’ve been climbing ever since. It was a way for me to relieve stress and to be completely in the moment.  It was like meditation.  It helped with school and the rest of my daily life.   

I love the feeling you get when you’re submerged in nature in its purest form and you’re attempting to somehow connect with it in such a way that you become a part of it.  Every hold, every step you take, you are connected. I’ve found such a passion for this and I want to share it with others. Crux has opened an incredible gateway to allow Veterans to find a deeper connection and find focus in their lives.   

Board of Directors

Dana Stricevic
Co-Founder and CEO

With a background in Social Work and Social Entrepreneurship, Dana Co-Founded Crux Wilderness Therapy to offer accessible rock climbing and community support, inspired by her husband’s experience in the mountains as a Marine Corps veteran.

Tanner Wanish
U.S. Navy Veteran
Vice President

A U.S. Navy veteran and professional rock climber, Tanner leverages his experience and leadership to advance Crux's mission of promoting sustainable physical and mental health for veterans and their families.

Kyle Warden
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer

With over a decade of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, Kyle ensures Crux’s financial health and sustainability, bringing expertise in strategic planning and budgeting to support Crux.

Terrence Knock
U.S. Air Force Veteran
Secretary

A reserve Air Force officer with over a decade of leadership and logistics experience, Terrence is a passionate advocate for Crux’s mission.

Team Members

Olivia Morrell
U.S. Navy Veteran
Skillbridge Coordinator

Joan Jennings
U.S. Navy Veteran
Outreach Coordinator

Talon Uptain
U.S. Navy Veteran
Fundraising Team Member

 

Connect with the Team

Socials

Event Bulletin

We wanted a create a space to talk with veterans and military personnel about life, work, and transitions and invite the community along - join us for a free virtual chat.

Speaker Series

A collective of veterans, military members, their families, and organizations focused on getting veterans outdoors to support their physical and mental health. Join us for The Outdoor Muster - learn more here.

The Outdoor Muster

Reporting

Annual Report 2025
 

Videos