Our Team
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
Check Out Our Bios!
Austin Rogers
Founder, Owner
Austin is the creator of Rooted Life Adventures. After years of working with outdoor educational programs for young adults all over the world, she saw an increasing number of students navigating mental health challenges. The need for increased mental health support on program or an "in between program" was clear. Consequently, RLA was born.
Mechi Von Der Becke
Operations Director
Mechi ensures every Rooted Life Adventures program runs seamlessly. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mechi offers a warm, global perspective and a meticulous eye for detail. With years of experience guiding students and teams, Mechi understands the complexities of traveling safely and respectfully.
Molly Mosenthal
Wellness Director
Molly is a clinical mental health counselor. She's an experienced global trip director. Molly has spent her professional career connecting people with the natural world through adventure. She's spent years working with young people in outdoor education, therapeutic rock climbing, and facilitating personal development through outdoor recreation.
Jo Young
LCSW
Jo is a Licenced Clinical Social Worker, supporting young adults through mental health work and wilderness therapy. Passionate about fostering growth, adventure, and connection, Jo brings both warmth and curiosity. She's traveled to 30+ countries solo & brings her love of yoga, movement, and the outdoors into every experience she helps create.
Mickey Myers, LPCC
Wellness Director
Mickey adores working with adolescents and young adults and has an impressive background in wilderness therapy guiding, yoga/somatic embodiment, and environmental justice. Mickey has committed her career to bridging the perceived separation between humans and the natural world in her role as an eco-therapist.
Jamilah Toure
Program Instructor
Jamilah Touré is a Colorado native with a degree in environmental studies & geography, and a master’s in regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. Her experience ranges from river guiding to agricultural research. Jamilah’s committed to the healing power of nature and teaches others to build personal and community resilience through lessons drawn from the natural world.
Amber Latimer
Program Instructor
Amber is a globally experienced educator and facilitator passionate about experiential learning and empowering young women. With a background spanning wilderness therapy, international programs, and higher education, she creates supportive, adventurous spaces for students to grow. She brings curiosity, compassion, and strong leadership to Rooted Life Adventures.
Liam Trevena
Program Instructor
Program Instructor, Liam, is an outdoor enthusiast and seasoned adventure guide! For Liam, the outdoors is more than just a playground. He's passionate about the resilience, mental strength and perspective it brings to people's lives. Liam has learnt a lot on his own journey of growth and exploration, making him a great mentor for others who are defining and working towards their own goals.
Chris Davies
Program Instructor
Born in Auckland and now based in the South Island of NZ, Chris brings a lifelong love of adventure to everything he does. With a background in Physical Education, Outdoor Adventure and Exercise Science, he’s built a career creating meaningful outdoor experiences. From sea‑kayaking in Fiordland to chasing surf and snow abroad, Chris thrives where adventure, conservation and education meet.
Peter Le
Program Instructor
A former outdoor science educator, raft guide, keen climber and passionate surfer. Team member Peter finds joy and inner peace when he's in nature and has a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. In fact, Peter is also a qualified horticulturist and has planted thousands of native plants in Queenstown, NZ.
Sarah Fillerup
Program Instructor
Program Instructor, Sarah, is an absolute spark of energy on our team. She's fun, full of passion, and hands-down our Games Captain. Sarah has a psychology major from Colorado Mesi University, is fluent in both english and spanish, and has years of team experience. What's more, Sarah has a heart full of empathy and kindness, bringing both high vibes and deep care to everything she does.
Sierra Derke
Program Instructor
Program Instructor, Sierra, has committed her life to outdoor adventures and education. Sierra's an Environmental Studies & Spanish grad and has spent her career working for Gap Year Programs - both out in the field and in the office. Sierra loves surfing, fishing, climbing and hiking, and of course - traveling with her backpack!
Founder Austin Rogers Wins the Innovation Award from the 2025 Wilderness Risk Management Conference - read more HERE.
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