Dr. Susan Tholen
Founder and Principal
Sue is a Ph.D. physicist from Cornell University whose career bridges the worlds of aerospace engineering, data science, and flight training. Before joining aviation education full-time, she worked as a process engineer, designing aircraft engine components, and as a data architect optimizing complex technical systems. A glider pilot and active flight instructor for over 20 years, Dr. Tholen now serves as Assistant Chief Instructor at a large flight school, where she blends deep technical insight with hands-on flight experience. At Climb TMS, she embodies the system’s mission: turning data, science, and skill into better pilots.
She lives in northern New England with her husband and a house full of cats. Her desire is to retire as a crazy cat lady.
Robert Montgomery
Founder and Principal
Rob is a Bates College graduate with nearly 30 years of experience as a technical trainer, systems engineer, and professional aviator. He has flown and instructed for a Part 91(k)/Part 135 air carrier, served in multiple aviation safety and leadership roles, and taught dozens of FAA safety seminars nationwide. A civilian test pilot school graduate and flight instructor for more than 25 years, Rob brings a rare blend of technical precision, operational insight, and flight-test curiosity to everything he does. At Climb TMS, he helps bridge the gap between technology, training, and real-world flying.
Rob lives in northern New England with his wife, three dogs and two cats. He wants to retire to a small cabin in the Maine woods.
Magneto Montgomery
Marketing Intern
Maggie is a proud graduate of the local pet store obedience school, where she majored in enthusiasm and minored in selective listening. After an illustrious graduate career at a local doggy daycare, she joined the Climb team as the marketing intern. Known for her boundless energy, creative inspiration, and expert tug-of-war technique, Maggie brings joy, focus, and the occasional squeaky toy to every project she touches. She’s also been known to inspire a logo or two.
Maggie lives in northern New England with her mother, her brother, two cats, and a pair of live-in servants.