AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide and Program Coordinator, Jessica Olson, known as “J.O,” is originally from Southern California. She began climbing in college at Mt. Lemmon near Tucson, Arizona, and in 2014 made the sport the center of her life. While working at Mesa Rim Climbing and Fitness as a coach and route setter, she expanded her outdoor climbing experience and entered the guiding field.
In 2016, she earned her SPI certification and later became an AMGA Assistant Guide. After years of living in different vehicles and traveling across the country in search of adventure and growth in the outdoor industry, she returned to California in 2020. Since then, she has continued developing as a Lead Guide and Program Coordinator.
J.O. is passionate about teaching self-sufficiency to climbers and encouraging responsible stewardship of outdoor spaces. When she is not guiding others, she can be found in the mountains, exploring, or working on a variety of handyperson projects.