Rita Strauss

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, NYS Licensed Rock and Ice Guide, PSIA Alpine Ski Instructor, AIARE Avalanche Level I, and Wilderness First Responder.

Rita grew up in New York City, and now calls the Hudson Valley home. After a career as a workers’ rights attorney, and later as a judge, she shifted gears and began guiding rock climbing. 

Rita has traveled, adventured and climbed extensively, including in Spain, Italy, France, Peru, Thailand, and throughout North and South America.

When not climbing, she spends time with her kids, gardens, cooks and enjoys tinkering and problem-solving. She volunteers with several organizations to expand access to rock and ice climbing for LGBTQ+ communities. Rita is conversant in Spanish.