Theresa Silveyra

Theresa grew up in Southwest Washington with the Cascade volcanoes in her backyard, but it wasn’t until finishing grad school that she started climbing and fell in love with being in the mountains. She had the incredible privilege of starting her guiding career in 2021 with Climbers of Color, a Seattle based nonprofit providing climbing education and leadership affinity course opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Prior to guiding, Theresa worked as a music educator for 15+ years and enjoys bringing her extensive teaching experience into her work as a mountain guide, helping clients and students develop the skills to pursue their alpine climbing goals. Outside of guiding and personal climbing, she also volunteers as a member of Portland Mountain Rescue.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mount St. Helens

What’s always in your snack bag?
Uncrustables

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My husband, Mack!

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Personal climbing! Especially long alpine ice and rock routes. Especially Mount Hood. I also enjoy playing piano and taking my dog, Cassie, to the beach.

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Enter into the space with a firm belief that you belong. Take the time to learn and practice the necessary skills to be safe and smart, then climb your own climbs for your own personal fulfillment/love of the sport and no one else’s.