In this episode, I’m bringing you an interview with Mariana Steelsmith, the founder of United Rocks—an organization created to offer climbing opportunities for special needs climbers of all abilities. United Rocks was born from Mariana’s heart and her lived experience with her son Jake, who has Down syndrome. What began as a desire to support her own child has grown into something that is impacting families and climbers far beyond her own.

I began volunteering at United Rocks last year, and watching people come together to support growth, confidence, and incredible experiences has been phenomenal. As I learned more about this adaptive rock climbing organization, I knew I had to bring Mariana here to share the mission.

This is a slightly different episode, but Mariana’s story so clearly reflects what this podcast is about. She took what life brought her, learned from it, grew with it, and then turned around to create something that impacts others in a meaningful way. Through climbing, the United Rocks community is helping people build strength and connection.

Life mastery means aligning with who we are, our gifts, and our purpose, and using those things to bring more goodness into the world. Mariana’s journey and the growth of United Rocks are a powerful example of that ongoing process. I’m excited to share this conversation, and I know you’ll be inspired by what’s possible when we create the opportunities we wish existed.

What you’ll learn:

1. How adaptive rock climbing supports confidence building while fostering a truly inclusive community
2. The physical and mental benefits climbing offers including strength, balance, and focus
3. How United Rocks helps climbers build skill and self-awareness regardless of the challenges they face
4. How climbers of all abilities prove to themselves they can do more than they thought possible
5. What it looks like to get involved with United Rocks as a climber volunteer or supporter

You can read the full show notes here.

About United Rocks

The inspiration for United Rocks began with Brian and Mariana Steelsmith’s desire to build a supportive, empowering community for their son, Jake, who has Down syndrome. They dreamed of creating a safe and inclusive community where he could thrive, be accepted, and be respected for who he is. Driven by a vision of a world where individuals with disabilities are offered the same opportunities as everyone else, they turned to what they knew best: rock climbing. Having supported Jake’s brother, Gabriel, in the climbing community, they saw firsthand how the sport builds confidence, strength, and connection. This inspired them to form climbing teams for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, health challenges, and behavioral differences. In November 2021, the first United Rocks Climbing Team was born, bringing together five families who believed in the power of our mission. Today, United Rocks proudly supports over 400 families across the U.S. Thank you for joining our team and believing in our vision. Together, we are building a future of inclusion—creating communities where individuals of all abilities can lead healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives.

Website: unitedrocks.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/unitedrocks2021

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitedrocks2021

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/united-rocks

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