ABOUT JACQUE

Jacque is a suicide survivor, educator, coach, photographer, and advocate for getting kids outdoors.

From about the time that I was around 10 years old I dreamed of climbing Mount Everest. I never quite thought it was possible until I summited my first Colorado 14er at 13 years old while attending Cheley Colorado Camps.

Camp really helped shape my love for the mountains. It was my sanctuary each summer and my home away from home. However, things changed a bit as I got older. I was suffering from untreated major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder that completely consumed me. I was struggling to navigate who I thought I was supposed to be vs who I truly am. I was miserable. I suffered trauma that I didn’t know how to heal or cope with at the time. At my lowest point in my mental illness, I attempted suicide, twice… Somewhere along the way I had forgotten how to live life to the fullest and enjoy the things I used to.

Through a very long and hard recovery I learned how to love myself, accept my true self for who I am, as well as find joy again though movement and art. I enjoy just about everything outdoors but particularly enjoy skiing and mountaineering. I fell in love with aerial acrobatics during my eating disorder recovery as a creative and emotional outlet, and it helped immensely in finding body confidence. Most recently, I have also really enjoyed competing in the Scottish Highland Games and Strongman Competitions for fun!

Through art, my main medium is photography. I have used this as a creative outlet to showcase my love for the outdoors for nearly 15 years. (I even majored in photography for a time) You can support my climbs by purchasing fine art prints here!

During this journey of self re-discovery, I eventually found a passion for teaching and coaching. I taught a variety of extracurriculars through ought my career as a certified ski instructor, climbing instructor, swim instructor and coach, aerial instructor and coach, and yoga instructor. I also fell in love with personal training and coaching as my passion for helping others really comes from helping and encouraging my clients in succeeding in their goals.

On December 31, 2021 my childhood best friend from camp passed away. It brought up a lot of memories but it also made me realize how truly special that place was to us and how much it saved me in some of my darkest moments. I wish everyone could have an opportunity to attend a summer camp as a kid to allow them to have a safe sanctuary where they are free to be themselves and help them grow confidence in their abilities to reach for their dreams.

I would not be persuing my dream of Everest if it weren’t for the things I learned and confidence I gained from camp. I am Climbing for Campers. Through the John Austin Cheley Foundation I hope to raise money through my climbing to send kids to camp who otherwise could not afford it.

“In these mountains we share smiles, swapping tales for miles, and when we’re through, what am I without you?” -Shelby Newly

Follow my journey to the top of the world and check out which summits have been completed so far!

Credentials/Experience:

BS Health Education from Utah Valley University
Physical Education Endorsement- USBE
Certified Personal Trainer- NASM
200HR Yoga Teacher Certification
Certified in Sport Psychology
15+ years teaching/coaching as an experienced and certified swim coach and instructor, aerial instructor, tumbling coach, ski instructor, climbing instructor, and fitness instructor.
First Aid/CPR Certified
A variety of personal mountaineering, racing, and competition experience