Kevin Shon
Guide & Instructor
Born and raised in the D.C area, Kevin spent his childhood running around the woodlands of mid-Atlantic Appalachia, where he eventually cultivated a lifelong enjoyment of climbing on the sandstone cliffs of the New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks. After college Kevin immersed himself in a career of outdoor education, instructing courses that focused on both interpersonal development and technical skill acquisition all along the East Coast and abroad, working first for the North Carolina Outward Bound School (domestically and in Patagonia) teaching all types of skills from backpacking, sea kayaking, expedition mountaineering and white water canoeing.
His experience includes stints as a course director, senior staff instructor, and lead climbing instructor at the North Carolina Outward Bound School, a program coordinator for Princeton University’s Outdoor Action program, and other University outdoor programs. He eventually moved west, first to Bellingham, WA where he still instructs and guides for the American Alpine Institute.
He currently resides in Helena, MT and enjoys exploring the the Continental Divide’s front range on foot, skis, and ropes. He's had the humbling privilege to climb around the world, including trips to Argentina, Chile, and Canada, but the combination of wild spaces and community keeps him grounded in beautiful Montana.
In addition to his work with MMA and the JMT, Kevin is also honored to serve the greater Southwest Montana region as a clinical therapist at a regional Behavioral Health Unit through his MSW degree and is currently seeking advanced licensure to become an LCSW. Kevin guides rock, ice, and other trips for MMA. Send him an email to plan an adventure!
Kevin’s Guiding Credentials
Apprentice Rock Guide
AMGA Advanced Rock Guide Course
Apprentice Alpine Guide
Ice Instructor Course
Avy 1 and 2 certifications
Wilderness First Responder
Leave No Trace Trainer
B.S. in Natural Resource Management
AMGA Board Member