Our Team
Dan Ashe: Founder, Principal, Lead Trainer, Driver
I started Challenge Applications shortly after departing active duty as a US Army officer in 1993. After earning a Master in Teaching degree from The Evergreen State College, I became immersed in experiential learning. From teaching in schools to instructing at the college level, infusing “action, reflection, and application” was central to my teaching and leadership philosophy.
Living in the Pacific Northwest offers a wide variety of adventure opportunities, from challenge courses to mountain excursions, and it is here where I enjoy facilitating workshops to help people become a better version of themselves. I am fully opposed to mediocrity, so I strive to move from “good to great” in all I do.
I am "mind-numbingly" passionate about working with people in small teams. The capability of a small group is extraordinary, whether a squad of soldiers, high school student body leaders or an executive team from a local agency… the power of 6-12 people gathered with a laser beam focus is where the tide of change and influence begins.
Working with people is complex, layered, time-intensive and yet, so rewarding. I’m enthused about finally offering one-on-one personal and professional coaching as the pandemic threw a wrench into so many things. I hope you and I have a chance to talk about ways to move to the next level. Send me a message.
Our Trainers, Facilitators and Consultants
I have assembled a diverse community of facilitators, subject matter experts, designers and consultants to provide a deep well of knowledge and experience. This team stretches from coast-to-coast, and I am honored to have such talented people on-board.
Linda Saarela, Master Trainer. 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.
Mario Villanueva, Senior Consultant. Mario handles sales, marketing and assists with coordinating 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 is a master at networking and getting things done.
Mario plays guitar professionally in his spare time, enjoys traveling with his beloved wife and visiting his wonderful grandchildren. He lives outside of Olympia, WA.
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.
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.
Darryl Oliver Pollard, Master Facilitator and Trainer. Darryl joined Challenge Applications in 2006 after working on a Leadership Maryland project with Dan in Baltimore. He has worked for Outward Bound Professional and multiple challenge course programs around the country for over 20 years. Darryl can lead a group of 12, 120 or 1200. His presence is noticeable, along with his technical skills while operating at height.
When not facilitating, Darryl can be found vertical ice-climbing, summiting mountains or riding his Harley along the backroads of Maryland.