In this episode you'll hear from Melissa Lipani who grew up as a competitive gymnast before discovering climbing in college. Melissa has climbed throughout the United States and really enjoys heard boulder problems. Melissa has a deep love for rescue dogs, especially those blocky-headed pups!
Melissa Lipani was born and raised in Rochester, New York. Her family owned Lipani's Bakery, which unfortunately burned and was never re-opened. Melissa participated in dance and gymnastics as a youth. Melissa moved during college to Fort Collins and feel in love with the mountains and being outside. She eventually found climbing and became obsessed. After a period of traveling and climbing throughout North America with her husband, Adam Holmes, they settled in Salt Lake City. Melissa worked at Black Diamond Equipment in various positions and then for several animal welfare organizations and now is a real estate agent. Melissa recounts memorable boulders in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Joe's Valley, along with volunteer work with HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundations' Climb for Life events in Salt Lake City. Melissa continues to foster dogs and does dog therapy for the third district courthouse.
View Melissa Lipani's Oral History in the Marriott Digital Library