Our current team.
Dan Ashe
Founder and Chief Learning Officer. Dan brings leadership and energy to Challenge Applications, drawing from his experience as a U.S. Army officer and as an educator in K-12 schools and colleges. He is passionate about building capacity through experiential learning, having led adventure-based programs for corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations nationwide. Most recently, he served as associate director of Washington State GEAR UP, overseeing a federally funded program that supported 30 schools across the state.
When not working, Dan enjoys playing his Taylor guitar and singing with family and friends on the weekends. He loves living in the Pacific Northwest, spending his free time hiking on Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, or the slopes of Mt. St. Helens. Dan and his wife Ann frequently visit San Diego, where their son Noah is pursuing a career as a U.S. Navy officer.
Linda Saarela
Senior Consultant and Coach. 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 designs hybrid and online learning programs as well as 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.
Phil Suek
Master Trainer and Senior Consultant. 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. He loves incorporating great food, fun drinks, and exceptional music into his gatherings, ensuring each event is both enjoyable and unforgettable.
Mario Villanueva
Senior Consultant. 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.
Augie Lankford
Master Facilitator and Trainer. 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 using the challenge course and outdoor settings as a framework for group process. 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.
Daryl Pollard
Master Facilitator and Trainer. 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 using the challenge course and outdoor settings as a framework for group process. 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.
Ann Ashe
Administrator and Client Relations. With a heart for supporting people and helping them succeed, Ann stands alongside all of the team as chief checklist officer. She has served in public and private schools, elementary and high school, as teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Ann understands the importance of planning, people and purpose-driven focus as an executive leader. While she prefers behind-the-scenes work, she excels at presenting and facilitating.
When not working, Ann is puzzling, reading, or leading small groups with our closest friends. Ann and Dan enjoy chasing their son Noah around the country as he takes another step toward commissioning as an officer in the US Navy.