Mike Haugen
 Coming from the Midwest, an area not exactly known for its peaks, Mike has ascended in his field pretty quickly. Starting out at age 17, Mike embodied the determination of a true, dedicated climber by making his own equipment, pinching pennies, and working extra shifts in order to afford to do what he loves. He has been rock climbing and mountaineering for 15 years and has climbed mountains around the world.
Mike received his master’s degree from Ohio State in evolutionary physiology. In 2003, he began guiding for Rainier Mountaineering Inc. and now works exclusively for International Mountain Guides. For Mike, the outdoors is something to be shared with others, especially those who might not otherwise experience it. While he spends summers guiding, the rest of the year he teaches eighth-grade science in Denver.
Mike is a Wilderness First Responder, and Avalanche Level II and Leave No Trace certified. And he has been involved in state and federal endangered species programs. Coleman and Mike share a respect for the environment and both value advocacy for what the outdoors offers.
Mike is a member of the American Alpine Club, founded in 1902 and dedicated to promoting climbing knowledge, conserving mountain environments and serving the American climbing community. He also belongs to the Royal Geographical Society, established in 1830 to promote the advancement of geographical science - supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, as well as promoting public engagement and informed enjoyment of our world.
See Mike train
Casey Grom
 Start out living among the cornfields and cows of Ohio and you could end up on the roof of the world. Casey became captivated by climbing in 1993 and hasn't looked back since. He spent several years working on a square-rigged sailboat, learning the ropes literally and figuratively. He then honed his skills climbing rock and ice, and in 2000, began his guiding career at Rainier Mountaineering Inc., where he is now a senior guide.
Casey takes great pride in being a well-rounded climber, which has taken him from the ice routes in Canada to rock climbs in Yosemite and more than 100 summits of Mount Rainier. Not to mention guiding expeditions all over the world. In addition to being a respected guide, Casey has a great gift for teaching. In the winters he can be found guiding in Argentina, Ecuador and Mexico, as well as teaching ice climbing in Vermont and seminars on Mount Rainier.
Casey is Outdoor Emergency Care, Avalanche Level II and Leave No Trace certified, and is High Angle Rescue course certified. Like Coleman, Casey has great respect for the outdoors and an appreciation for the environment.
Zach Marion
An honorary member of the team, Zach was a courageous 11-year-old boy from Overland Park, Kan., who died from leukemia in December 2004. A Boy Scout, some of Zach's favorite activities during his short life were camping, canoeing, playing in the creek, skiing, playing in the snow, miniature golf and spending time with friends. Zach compared his struggle with cancer to an attempt on Mount Everest. His courage and determination led him through four rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries before his young body could not take any more.
Seeking to fulfill a wish from Zach's parents, Sara and Bill, the Dream Factory contacted Mike to ask if he would take some of Zach’s ashes to Everest with him, and Mike was happy to do this. Zach's spirit will be with Mike and Casey during their journey, and his bravery will guide them through tough times.
Zach's mom wrote about him in her online journal: "Zach never failed to amaze us with his bravery and courage during everything he went through. He maintained love of life and his sense of humor through the very end and was such an inspiration to us and to so many."
For more information about Zach, visit www.caringbridge.org/ks/zachzoo
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