OUR TEAM

FOUNDER

Dan founded Challenge Applications in Tacoma in 1994 and has led it ever since. He began his career as a U.S. Army officer and has taught in public and faith-based K-12 schools and colleges. From 2022 to 2024 he served as associate director of Washington State GEAR UP, leading professional development for coordinators at 30 schools statewide.

When he is not working, Dan plays guitar and sings with family and friends, or hikes the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Ann.

COACH / TRAINER

Phil has over 30 years teaching and leading in Washington state schools, (public and private) both as a high school teacher and principal. His expertise stretches across all facets of Challenge Applications: coaching, facilitating, leading professional learning communities, guiding student programs, and providing strategic insight as a senior consultant.

Phil, an avid reader and life-long learner, has a passion for creating memorable experiences for friends and family. Alongside his wife, they love incorporating great food, fun drinks, and exceptional music into all their gatherings.  Their backyard, a vibrant oasis filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, often serves as the perfect setting for these special moments.

COACH / ADVISOR

Linda was a full professor at Pierce College in Puyallup, WA in the Business, Management, and Marketing Departments. She has served as a senior consultant and corporate trainer for over 25 years, specializing in leadership development. Linda is one of our master coaches; she also facilitates training, workshops, and retreats for Common Ground Learning and Challenge Applications.

Linda loves reading, listening to educational podcasts and walking with her dear husband. She lives in Puyallup, WA and spends free time with family and friends along the shores of Hood Canal.

PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Darryl began working with Challenge Applications after facilitating with Dan during an Outward Bound Professional Program. Darryl shares Dan's passion for Outward Bound as both have common interests in mountaineering, hiking, high ropes adventure and small group processing. Darryl and Dan can be found talking about football and music long after the group departs for the day.

You might see Darryl riding his motorcycle to the challenge course, or driving his Mustang across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Darryl lives with his wife in the Baltimore-Metro area.

ADVISOR / COACH

Mario advises and assists with special projects. He leverages his previous employment experience as the Director of Washington USDA Rural Development Program, an appointment by President Barrack Obama. Mario served in the administration for eight years, then launched his own business to support rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. He was also the executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference. He is a master at networking and dialing in on what matters most.

Mario plays guitar professionally in his spare time, enjoys traveling with his beloved wife and visiting his wonderful grandchildren.

PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Augie has 25 years leading, facilitating and managing challenge courses in Maryland and Pennsylvania with extensive experience working with corporate, non-profit agencies, colleges, K-12 schools, military and sports teams. Augie is the lead for our east coast facilitation team, as he currently serves as the executive director of Pecometh Camp and Retreat Center in Centreville, MD. Our high challenge course program is based there and is supported by the beautiful Riverview Retreat Center to create a perfect experience.

In his spare time Augie coaches his sons’ sports teams and serves as a scout leader. He lives with his wife and two boys in Wilmington, DE.