Bryce DeMers - President/ Accountant
Bryce is a Senior studying Biology with a concentration in Botany at NMU. He enjoys working on house projects, Rock climbing, and strenuous hikes up Sugarloaf. Residing from the ocean state of Massachusetts he is still very skeptical about the salinity of Lake Superior and refuses to drink it. You can find Bryce studying on weekends at his favorite brewery in town, The Vierling, and "breaking it down" at the Vera almost every night.
Bryce is a Senior studying Biology with a concentration in Botany at NMU. He enjoys working on house projects, Rock climbing, and strenuous hikes up Sugarloaf. Residing from the ocean state of Massachusetts he is still very skeptical about the salinity of Lake Superior and refuses to drink it. You can find Bryce studying on weekends at his favorite brewery in town, The Vierling, and "breaking it down" at the Vera almost every night.
Roxanne "Rox" Korpela - Secretary/Blog Dawg
Rox is from Northern Wisco but now resides in the co-op as of August 2018. She currently studies Bio and Ecology and has studied many other things during her time at NMU (and in Colorado before that) and will amaze you with her secret art and yoga talents. Rox can be caught surfing the waves of Mama Superior during the school year, and working as a Forestry Technician, bartender, and construction crew member during her summers in Hyder, AK. She has the kindest soul around, and always wears a smile and super cute double braids.
Rox is from Northern Wisco but now resides in the co-op as of August 2018. She currently studies Bio and Ecology and has studied many other things during her time at NMU (and in Colorado before that) and will amaze you with her secret art and yoga talents. Rox can be caught surfing the waves of Mama Superior during the school year, and working as a Forestry Technician, bartender, and construction crew member during her summers in Hyder, AK. She has the kindest soul around, and always wears a smile and super cute double braids.
Stephanie "Steph" Berezecky - Vice President (responsibilities of former title Project Manager), Chore Queen
Steph is the first ever co-op member to move into the house without having visited prior. She hails from Grand Rapids area, MI. She loves adventure and travel. She attended school at Grand Valley and Michigan Tech before making her way to Marquette. On a whim she traveled to Europe by herself to explore and wander around. Steph is a transfer student in her first semester of NMU's nursing program, previously studying environmental engineering. She's hard-werkin and brings the house used climbing shoes from the bouldering gym she works at in Grand Rapids, Terrafirma. Her side hustle is photography, check out her work!
Steph is the first ever co-op member to move into the house without having visited prior. She hails from Grand Rapids area, MI. She loves adventure and travel. She attended school at Grand Valley and Michigan Tech before making her way to Marquette. On a whim she traveled to Europe by herself to explore and wander around. Steph is a transfer student in her first semester of NMU's nursing program, previously studying environmental engineering. She's hard-werkin and brings the house used climbing shoes from the bouldering gym she works at in Grand Rapids, Terrafirma. Her side hustle is photography, check out her work!
Sarah Head - Grounds/Treasurer/Workshop Elf
Sarah grew up in Clarkston, MI. Sarah studies Economic and Political Science at Northern. She'll be graduating in May. She works at NMU's Volunteer Center and primarily works with the nonprofit Cat Packs. In her free time, Sarah can be found at concert or fest, or hanging with her kitty gal pal Pepper.
Sarah grew up in Clarkston, MI. Sarah studies Economic and Political Science at Northern. She'll be graduating in May. She works at NMU's Volunteer Center and primarily works with the nonprofit Cat Packs. In her free time, Sarah can be found at concert or fest, or hanging with her kitty gal pal Pepper.
Taylor Culbert - Community Outreach/Maintenence
Taylor hails from Grand Rapids, MI. She currently studies Art and Design with a concentration in Illustration at Northern. She moved to Marquette after visiting her brother, Scott, who also lived at the co op! You can often find her working in the studio during the week and having dance parties in the living room with Sarah on the weekends.
Taylor hails from Grand Rapids, MI. She currently studies Art and Design with a concentration in Illustration at Northern. She moved to Marquette after visiting her brother, Scott, who also lived at the co op! You can often find her working in the studio during the week and having dance parties in the living room with Sarah on the weekends.
Laura Slavsky- Vice President/Accountant/Chore
Marquette native, Laura is a rock-conquering queen. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Science and Spanish and works as an aid and tutor for the Marquette School System. She spends her free time volunteering at the Marquette Women's Center, tutoring Spanish, walking her family's dogs, meditating, studying climbing technique, drinking mate, and climbing with her pals. Laura is well-traveled having spent time in Peru, Costa-Rica, Chile, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Norway, and Poland. Laura has also spent time working for both the Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy.
Marquette native, Laura is a rock-conquering queen. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Science and Spanish and works as an aid and tutor for the Marquette School System. She spends her free time volunteering at the Marquette Women's Center, tutoring Spanish, walking her family's dogs, meditating, studying climbing technique, drinking mate, and climbing with her pals. Laura is well-traveled having spent time in Peru, Costa-Rica, Chile, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Norway, and Poland. Laura has also spent time working for both the Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy.
Olivia Walcott - Vice President/Grounds
Olivia moved into the co-op in May of 2017 after many visits during her first two years at Northern Michigan where she is studying Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources. She can be spotted biking around Marquette and has completed bicycle tours through Montana and around Lake Superior. Although she has a slew of food allergies, she does not let that define her. Olivia also loves joining her friends at the crag, drinking coffee, dropping her belay device down unfortunately steep grades, talking about composting, sharing in Georgia’s large collection of multi-functional headwear (Buffs) and cross-stitching. She now cohabitates with the feline Roger, the geriatric and diabetic kitty she co-parents with her lovely partner in crime Dylan (Blog Dog). Olivia is currently the coordinator of EcoReps, the peer-to-peer educator program focused on sustainability at NMU that she and former coopian Georgia Harrison created in 2017.
Olivia moved into the co-op in May of 2017 after many visits during her first two years at Northern Michigan where she is studying Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources. She can be spotted biking around Marquette and has completed bicycle tours through Montana and around Lake Superior. Although she has a slew of food allergies, she does not let that define her. Olivia also loves joining her friends at the crag, drinking coffee, dropping her belay device down unfortunately steep grades, talking about composting, sharing in Georgia’s large collection of multi-functional headwear (Buffs) and cross-stitching. She now cohabitates with the feline Roger, the geriatric and diabetic kitty she co-parents with her lovely partner in crime Dylan (Blog Dog). Olivia is currently the coordinator of EcoReps, the peer-to-peer educator program focused on sustainability at NMU that she and former coopian Georgia Harrison created in 2017.
Scott Culbert - President/Chore Officer
Scott Culbert moved into the Co-op in the May of 2017. He enjoys travelling the world with his best friends, playing tournament paintball, listening to hip-hop music, and playing pool. Among other things, Scott is a Senior at NMU studying Environmental Science and hopes to join the Peace Corps after graduation. Some of his other passions and interests include anthropology, Red Wings hockey, a darn good board game, mountain biking, and spikeball.
Scott Culbert moved into the Co-op in the May of 2017. He enjoys travelling the world with his best friends, playing tournament paintball, listening to hip-hop music, and playing pool. Among other things, Scott is a Senior at NMU studying Environmental Science and hopes to join the Peace Corps after graduation. Some of his other passions and interests include anthropology, Red Wings hockey, a darn good board game, mountain biking, and spikeball.
Melissa Orzechowski
Melissa Orzechowski lived in the Marquette Climber's Co-op from August 2014 to May 2016 with summer gaps to explore new places. She returned to the house for a second stint in 2017. During her time in the house, she was the president and grounds keeper, among other roles. She currently is living in the mountains of Southern California where she is a middle school environmental education instructor. She spends every weekend enjoying the adventures the area has to offer from granite multi-pitch climbs to Joshua Tree crack climbs to surfing and mountain biking.
Melissa Orzechowski lived in the Marquette Climber's Co-op from August 2014 to May 2016 with summer gaps to explore new places. She returned to the house for a second stint in 2017. During her time in the house, she was the president and grounds keeper, among other roles. She currently is living in the mountains of Southern California where she is a middle school environmental education instructor. She spends every weekend enjoying the adventures the area has to offer from granite multi-pitch climbs to Joshua Tree crack climbs to surfing and mountain biking.
Ivan Swart
Ivan Swart is a student at NMU with a zoology major and a philosophy minor. He lived in the Marquette Climber’s Coop since May 2015, after he first discovered the Co-op while crashing in Marquette during the summer of 2014. Most of his life is consumed with rock climbing, or at least the vast majority of it, and has been climbing since high school. Ivan’s favorite cereal is Wheat-a-pix. During his time in the house, Ivan served many roles and can be largely accredited with the completion of the Rocket Mass Heater in the summer of 2017. You can frequently catch current members of the Co-op having "dress up like Ivan" days. Ivan is making the pilgrimage out to Utah, where he can rock climb to his heart's content.
Ivan Swart is a student at NMU with a zoology major and a philosophy minor. He lived in the Marquette Climber’s Coop since May 2015, after he first discovered the Co-op while crashing in Marquette during the summer of 2014. Most of his life is consumed with rock climbing, or at least the vast majority of it, and has been climbing since high school. Ivan’s favorite cereal is Wheat-a-pix. During his time in the house, Ivan served many roles and can be largely accredited with the completion of the Rocket Mass Heater in the summer of 2017. You can frequently catch current members of the Co-op having "dress up like Ivan" days. Ivan is making the pilgrimage out to Utah, where he can rock climb to his heart's content.
Mika Benton
This human! Is one Mika Benton. Usually noticeable by her bare feet and crazy hair, she and her flawless cat Ponyo moved into the co-op May 2015 and they have fallen in love with their home and new family. The Climbing Co-op caught her attention only a month or two before she moved in but the passion for sustainability and community pulled her right in. Mika studied zoology, which matched with her passion for animals and the natural world. She is most recently from Traverse City, but growing up as a Coast Guard brat she has lived all over the country. She always wants to be outside, hiking, camping, swimming, gardening, biking all those common outdoor activities that Marquette so graciously supplies. She absolutely loves cooking, especially for housemates and friends, who have given her the nickname “Lion Chef” because of it. It’s not uncommon to see her singing and dancing around the kitchen while trying to create a meal to win the love of her favorite humans. Besides cooking and adventuring, her other passions include art (painting, drawing, music), trying to join her roommates as a climber, and obviously making sure Ponyo is treated like the king he is. Mika lives in Marquette, where you can catch her mixin' drinks at Zaphyr, prepping plates at Steinhaus, or learning to surf.
This human! Is one Mika Benton. Usually noticeable by her bare feet and crazy hair, she and her flawless cat Ponyo moved into the co-op May 2015 and they have fallen in love with their home and new family. The Climbing Co-op caught her attention only a month or two before she moved in but the passion for sustainability and community pulled her right in. Mika studied zoology, which matched with her passion for animals and the natural world. She is most recently from Traverse City, but growing up as a Coast Guard brat she has lived all over the country. She always wants to be outside, hiking, camping, swimming, gardening, biking all those common outdoor activities that Marquette so graciously supplies. She absolutely loves cooking, especially for housemates and friends, who have given her the nickname “Lion Chef” because of it. It’s not uncommon to see her singing and dancing around the kitchen while trying to create a meal to win the love of her favorite humans. Besides cooking and adventuring, her other passions include art (painting, drawing, music), trying to join her roommates as a climber, and obviously making sure Ponyo is treated like the king he is. Mika lives in Marquette, where you can catch her mixin' drinks at Zaphyr, prepping plates at Steinhaus, or learning to surf.
Kara Wilkinson
Hair wild and red
Stilted companion Harvey
Walk in the forest
Also Kara doesn't actually write many haikus. Kara studied biology and philosophy at Northern Michigan University. She moved into the coop in the spring of 2016. Her interests include gardening and playing the game 'name that tree' along with long walks with her dog Harvey and sharing a bowl of Chow mien after. When Kara lived in the house, she served many roles, including president, co-maintenance officer, and workshop fairy. She felt like to was able to grow a great deal during her time in the house, through her roles and just livin'. Kara lives in Marquette, where you can find her making flower crowns and bouquets at Garden Bouquet and loving on her pup, Harvey.
Hair wild and red
Stilted companion Harvey
Walk in the forest
Also Kara doesn't actually write many haikus. Kara studied biology and philosophy at Northern Michigan University. She moved into the coop in the spring of 2016. Her interests include gardening and playing the game 'name that tree' along with long walks with her dog Harvey and sharing a bowl of Chow mien after. When Kara lived in the house, she served many roles, including president, co-maintenance officer, and workshop fairy. She felt like to was able to grow a great deal during her time in the house, through her roles and just livin'. Kara lives in Marquette, where you can find her making flower crowns and bouquets at Garden Bouquet and loving on her pup, Harvey.
Heather Toman
Heather is from Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Marquette to get a Masters in biology at NMU. She studied molecular evolution and biogeography, which took her to some pretty cool places including many provinces in Canada and last year to Mongolia. She is interested in all things science and using this knowledge to educate people about how best to live in harmony with this world and each other. She learned about the co-op through biology friends and feels privileged to be accepted into such a loving community that is actively working towards the same goals she has. When Heather lived in the house, she served many roles, including accountant, treasurer, and project manager.
Heather is from Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Marquette to get a Masters in biology at NMU. She studied molecular evolution and biogeography, which took her to some pretty cool places including many provinces in Canada and last year to Mongolia. She is interested in all things science and using this knowledge to educate people about how best to live in harmony with this world and each other. She learned about the co-op through biology friends and feels privileged to be accepted into such a loving community that is actively working towards the same goals she has. When Heather lived in the house, she served many roles, including accountant, treasurer, and project manager.
Andrew Adamski
Andrew earned his undergraduate degree in biology and graduate degree from NMU, and is currently working on finishing his masters thesis. His master’s was focused on researching restorative agriculture in depleted urban lawns using indigenous farming practices such as the three sisters polycultural model and low-input organic fertilizers (worm castings, fish hydrolysate, bokashi tea, biochar). The wild energy endemic to Marquette is what brought him here and what captured his heart, causing him to continue his college experience. He grew up on a family farm in Northeast Wisconsin where his family raised milking cows on organic pasture, and also had chickens, pigs, goats, horses and turkeys. While living in the Co-op, Andrew was able to meet new people, hear stories, and share valuable experiences. He served as Groundskeeper (AKA Hagrid) and Secretary.
Andrew earned his undergraduate degree in biology and graduate degree from NMU, and is currently working on finishing his masters thesis. His master’s was focused on researching restorative agriculture in depleted urban lawns using indigenous farming practices such as the three sisters polycultural model and low-input organic fertilizers (worm castings, fish hydrolysate, bokashi tea, biochar). The wild energy endemic to Marquette is what brought him here and what captured his heart, causing him to continue his college experience. He grew up on a family farm in Northeast Wisconsin where his family raised milking cows on organic pasture, and also had chickens, pigs, goats, horses and turkeys. While living in the Co-op, Andrew was able to meet new people, hear stories, and share valuable experiences. He served as Groundskeeper (AKA Hagrid) and Secretary.
Catherine Stenberg
Catherine is a marketing major and sustainability minor. She first realized her passion for sustainability in Guatemala on an off the grid farm while training for her yoga teacher certificate in January of 2015. She first realized her love for climbing a month before taking off to attend Northern Michigan University with her dad at a gym downstate. Realizing all of the beautiful rock formations in the Upper Peninsula, before departing for school she spent her last paycheck on gear and a PEIF pass to ensure she would be continuing the sport. Catherine enjoys kale, learning new things, trillium wildflowers, treasure hunting, and her cat. While living in the house, Cat served as Community Outreach officer. Cat lived in Marquette, where you can catch her instructing sunrise yoga classes.
Catherine is a marketing major and sustainability minor. She first realized her passion for sustainability in Guatemala on an off the grid farm while training for her yoga teacher certificate in January of 2015. She first realized her love for climbing a month before taking off to attend Northern Michigan University with her dad at a gym downstate. Realizing all of the beautiful rock formations in the Upper Peninsula, before departing for school she spent her last paycheck on gear and a PEIF pass to ensure she would be continuing the sport. Catherine enjoys kale, learning new things, trillium wildflowers, treasure hunting, and her cat. While living in the house, Cat served as Community Outreach officer. Cat lived in Marquette, where you can catch her instructing sunrise yoga classes.
Lydia Wade
A transfer student from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Lydia Wade was introduced to the Marquette Climbers' Cooperative by word of mouth from the incredible climbing community at Northern. Enticed by the intentional lifestyle, beautiful humans, and the ability to boulder 24/7, she is thoroughly elated to have such an amazing opportunity. Lydia is a Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Management major, and came to NMU for the program, life on Lake Superior, and to be just a bit closer to her home and family in Goshen, Indiana. Lydia still lives in Marquette, where you can find her doing homework or practicing with NMU's Ultimate Frisbee team, drinking massive amounts of French press coffee, going on camping adventures, spending her entire paycheck on books, writing detailed letters to friends around the country, trying to be a better climber, making art, blasting Lord of the Rings, or trying to find people to play chess with her. When Lydia lived in the Co-Op, she served as Project Manager.
A transfer student from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Lydia Wade was introduced to the Marquette Climbers' Cooperative by word of mouth from the incredible climbing community at Northern. Enticed by the intentional lifestyle, beautiful humans, and the ability to boulder 24/7, she is thoroughly elated to have such an amazing opportunity. Lydia is a Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Management major, and came to NMU for the program, life on Lake Superior, and to be just a bit closer to her home and family in Goshen, Indiana. Lydia still lives in Marquette, where you can find her doing homework or practicing with NMU's Ultimate Frisbee team, drinking massive amounts of French press coffee, going on camping adventures, spending her entire paycheck on books, writing detailed letters to friends around the country, trying to be a better climber, making art, blasting Lord of the Rings, or trying to find people to play chess with her. When Lydia lived in the Co-Op, she served as Project Manager.
Pepper - Co-op Cat/Mascot
Pepper is an energetic young cat who loves to play and snuggle. She can often be found perched on top of the couch taking cat naps all day. She will play with almost anything and loves attention, but remember to close the doors when you come and go because her favorite game is trying to escape.
Pepper is an energetic young cat who loves to play and snuggle. She can often be found perched on top of the couch taking cat naps all day. She will play with almost anything and loves attention, but remember to close the doors when you come and go because her favorite game is trying to escape.
Harvey is the ever vigilant hound of the Marquette Climber's Co-op. You can usually find him in his corner spot on the couch or upstairs in a bed that is not his own. He loves to run, making the chunky Chaga work to keep up with him. Harvey loves going to the beach and hiking wherever Kara or other house members take him. Harvey was extremely shy when he first arrived at the co-op (it is a busy place with lots of people), but since then, the trusting nature of his BF Chaga has taught him how to dog, along with the loving humans he is always surrounded by.
Chaga is the fearless pup of the Co-op. He is a loving mush dog that would love to lick you to death and awkwardly sit in your lap, or run around the house with you. Harvey is his best friend and big brother, always willing to play and teach him good habits. He loves staring out of the window and chasing waves on the beach. Wrestle or cuddle him, either way he will love you.
