Austin Rogers Biography
executive director, rooted life adventures
Austin Rogers, Executive Director of Rooted Life Adventures, brings extensive experience and passion to her role. A Baylor University graduate with a degree in International Studies, Austin’s career has been dedicated to enriching the lives of young adults. She does this through global adventure and experiential learning.
Austin is driven by a fascination with the world’s diverse cultures, values, and languages. Leaving her hometown of Dallas, Texas, to seek global experiences, Austin found her passion in New Zealand. It is here she became immersed in the international gap year community. Over five years, Austin managed transformative 70-day programs for hundreds of U.S. students, guiding them through multi-country adventures. Locations include Nepal, Tibet, Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.
Despite spending the majority of her adult life overseas, Austin’s now a New Zealand permanent resident, Texas will always be home. No matter how far she travels or how long she’s gone. According to Austin, there’s nothing quite like eating some queso and catching up with her family.
‘Texas will always be my anchor, and it’s where I recharge before my next adventure.’
Finding Purpose
Through these international journeys, Austin developed a profound sense of self, belonging, and purpose. However, she also observed an increasing number of adolescents grappling with mental health challenges. There was a growing need for enhanced mental health support. Gen Z, in particular, showed a strong desire to learn about emotional intelligence, social justice, identity, and empathy. All while focusing on their mental and emotional well-being.
Addressing the “Gap” in Gap Year
Realizing the absence of programs bridging traditional gap years and intensive adventure therapy, Austin’s mission became clear. It was to create a therapeutic gap year program. This program would combine the best elements of gap year adventures, volunteer service learning, cultural immersion, and mental health support. All while ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Rooted Life Adventures
Rooted Life Adventures was born out of this vision. The program uniquely integrates small group adventure travel with comprehensive mental health support. It stands out as the first program to feature a therapeutic coach on-site 24/7, facilitating group cohesion and delivering psychoeducational core curriculum and wellness workshops. Participants also have protected time to meet weekly with their at-home therapists, ensuring seamless continuity of care and supported transitions.
Rooted Life Adventures offers structured program dates, allowing participants to start and end their adventure together. Fostering a sense of community and long-lasting friendships over 6 or 10 weeks. The diverse weekly experiences include cultural immersion, internships, volunteer service learning, home stewardship, and adventure activities.
The RLA Experience
RLA students become part of something greater than themselves. They learn responsibility, accountability, and transparency, which foster authentic connections. Through immersive cultural experiences and collaborative volunteer work, students gain a deeper understanding of humanity and their potential to benefit the global community.
By challenging their limits through activities like rock climbing, hiking, surfing, canyoning, kayaking, backpacking, and white water rafting, students discover their true capabilities. The program’s emphasis on emotional well-being empowers them to understand themselves deeply. To connect meaningfully with others.
In New Zealand, Austin’s favorite activity is hiking all the accessible trails. The crisp mountain air, the challenge of the ascent, and the reward of panoramic vistas make every hike a memorable experience for her. Austin finds it’s a perfect way to connect with nature and find clarity amidst the beauty of Queenstown. It’s this personal connection to the land and the relaxed way of life that makes it a perfect program location.
When in Costa Rica, Austin seeks to hunt down every waterfall she can find! She thinks there’s something magical about the energy and beauty of waterfalls in particular. The feeling of the cool water cascading down with such strength, and the rush of adrenaline as she immerses herself in the pools. Austin feels like she was just made for the jungle and finds a sense of belonging here.
Austin’s personal journey, professional expertise, and passion for purposeful work culminate in Rooted Life Adventures. Her leadership ensures that each participant not only embarks on thrilling adventures but also receives the mental and emotional support needed to thrive, rediscovering their vibrancy and joy.
Follow our adventures Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin. Check out our Costa Rica 6-week Summer Program for Teen Girls and our New Zealand 12-week Fall or Spring Program for Young Adults.
Austin Rogers wins the 2025 Recipient of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference Innovation Award – read more here!
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