Amber’s curiosity, compassion, and global experience make her an exceptional leader who inspires transformative student growth and meaningful adventure.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Program Instructor | Amber
Amber was born and raised in Wisconsin, where time at her grandparents’ tree farm in the Northwoods sparked an early love for play, exploration, and the outdoors. While studying Psychology, Education, and Studio Art, Amber discovered a passion for travel. She also fell in love with experiential learning and connecting with people from different walks of life. After college, Amber spent several years living and working abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. These international experiences shaped her curiosity and deepened her belief in the power of stepping outside the familiar.
Amber’s work has taken her from therapeutic wilderness environments and international gap programs to higher education. She has supported students in settings ranging from Spiritual and Religious Life at a Midwest liberal arts college to Colorado School of Mines, an engineering university. Amber is also a certified Women’s Guidance Facilitator and facilitates women’s circles, creating spaces for connection, reflection, and self-discovery.
Amber believes some of life’s most transformative moments happen when we step into the unknown and create space to explore. She is passionate about helping young women build confidence, cultivate curiosity, and discover what they’re capable of. In her spare time, Amber loves yoga, cozy coffee shops, wandering to new places, and spending time outside. She is especially excited to return to Australia as part of the Rooted Life Adventures team and looks forward to helping students create a meaningful, joyful, and adventurous home-away-from-home.
Welcome to the Rooted Life Adventures team, Amber!
Jo brings deep clinical expertise, global perspective, and a passion for adventure – empowering students to grow through challenge, connection, and transformative experiences.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Program Instructor | Jo Young
Jo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with seven years of experience supporting young adults in mental health and wellness settings, including two years in wilderness therapy. Jo is passionate about helping people grow through new experiences, challenges, and time spent outdoors, and she believes the world is vast and full of opportunities for connection and discovery.
Travel and cultural exchange have played a significant role in her life. A love for travel began in Australia while studying abroad during undergrad. This joy deepened during her Peace Corps service in Eswatini, and has continued as she has explored more than 32 countries. Jo is currently traveling across the United States by road before departing for New Zealand.
Outside of work, our newest team member at RLA enjoys yoga, hot springs, watercolor painting, spending time with her aussiedoodle, Harlow. As well as pack rafting with her kayak whenever she can! Jo is also training for her first triathlon.
Jo is excited to support students during their time in New Zealand and to help create an experience rooted in adventure, connection, and personal growth.
Trainings & skills:
BA in Social Work
MA in Social Work
300hr Yoga Teacher Training
Qualified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Somatic/mindfulness practices
Welcome to the team, Jo. We’re so happy to have you join us! You can read more about the program here.
Chris embodies the spirit of adventure and purpose. His passion for the outdoors, education, and meaningful experiences elevates our entire organisation and inspires everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Program Instructor | Chris Davies
Born in Auckland, and now living in the South Island of NZ, Chris is always on the hunt for the next adventure. A background in Physical Education, Outdoor Adventure & Exercise Science has propelled Chris into many exciting jobs and experiences. Whether it be chasing waves & snow on a two year working holiday in B.C. Canada or driving 3000km across India in a 3-wheeled tuk-tuk. Chris also spent three summers kayaking in the fjords on New Zealand’s largest national park! There’s no doubt he has spent his adulthood creating experiences that are worth writing home about.
Whenever he gets the chance, Chris is off trying to have fun in the outdoors. His first loves of surfing and snowboarding have led to a plethora of other hobbies including tramping, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, ski touring and sailing. He’ll tell you his dream isn’t to be an expert at one thing, but to be mediocre at as many things as possible.
Wherever the great outdoors meet adventure, conservation and education, Chris is all about it. Personally, believing that the way for humans to protect the planet is to get out there, explore, and foster a connection with the earth and each other. Chris loves working this space where different passions collide. Having jobs as a park ranger, camp counsellor, sea kayak guide, gap year instructor, ski hill slope safety and tree planter have kept his cup full over the years.
Trainings & skills:
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Exercise & Sports Science
Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Education (Level 4)
Wilderness First Responder
Marine VHF Operator’s Certificate
Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate & American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
So, kia ora, Chris! We’re delighted to welcome you to the Rooted Life Adventures whanau and look forward to having you as a Program Instructor on our New Zealand program! You can read more about the program here.
Jamilah brings a rare combination of environmental expertise, practical field experience, and a deep commitment to community resilience that elevates our entire team.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Program Instructor | Jamilah Touré
Jamilah Touré grew up in Colorado, shaped by her parents and the landscape of the Rocky Mountains. Spending her childhood outdoors sparked an early interest in protecting the environment and sharing its value with others. She went on to earn a bachelor degree in environmental studies and geography, followed by a master’s degree focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Between her studies, Jamilah worked as a whitewater river guide, a regenerative agriculture fellow, and a lift operator in Winter Park, Colorado. She believes strongly in nature’s ability to support healing and in our capacity to grow alongside it. Through her work, she has developed skills to help people draw lessons from the natural world, strengthen their sense of self, and build resilience within their communities.
Trainings:
Wilderness First Responder
Swift Water Rescue
200 hr Yoga Teacher Training
We’re thrilled to welcome Jamilah as a Program Instructor on our Costa Rica Summer Program. We know she will bring fun and upbeat energy to the team! You can read more about the program here.
This short interview features Molly, one of Rooted Life Adventures’ Wellness Directors, as she reflects on her role supporting students throughout the New Zealand Fall Gap Year program. She shares meaningful insights into daily life on the program, the personal growth students experience, and the key lessons young adults gain by stepping outside their comfort zones. Molly’s perspective gives students, parents, and educators a clear understanding of how Rooted Life Adventures prioritizes wellbeing, intentional mentorship, and transformative learning during every New Zealand gap year journey.
Interested to find out more about our All-Genders New Zealand Gap Year Program? You can read more about the program here.
Sierra brings a rare combination of warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for both people and place. Her ability to connect with students, lead with empathy, and thoughtfully design meaningful experiences makes her an incredible addition to our team. We’re beyond excited to have her join the team at Rooted Life Adventures.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Field Wellness Director | Sierra Derke
Sierra was born and raised just outside of Seattle, Washington, where she grew up exploring temperate forests, saltwater coastlines, and the Cascade Mountains. Craving sunshine and big peaks, she headed south to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. While studying Environmental Studies and Spanish, Sierra discovered her passion for outdoor recreation and conservation. A semester abroad in Costa Rica sparked her love for international travel, broadened her worldview, and set her on a path toward a career in education and travel.
After graduation, Sierra bounced between small towns working in the environmental education field. From the mountains of Southern California to rural Appalachia and eventually the Rockies, she continued to cultivate a deep sense of wonder for the natural world. This journey led her to work as an international instructor for a gap year program. Sierra guided students throughout Central and South America, before transitioning into an office role directing programs worldwide.
Over the past two years, Sierra has been traveling through New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Australia on a grand adventure. She’s been surfing, climbing, fishing, hiking, and learning at every opportunity. She is thrilled to join the Rooted Life Adventures team and continue creating transformative experiences for students.
Trainings:
Wilderness First Responder – NOLS
Fair Trade Learning: Theory to Practice – Community-Based Global Learning Collaborative
Collaborative Problem Solving – Think: Kids
Structural Assessment for Wildfires – NFPA
Fluent in Spanish
We’re delighted to have Sierra join our Rooted Life Adventures program for Spring 2026 as our Field Wellness Director in Byron Bay, Australia. Interested to find out more about our All-Women Australian Program? You can read more about the program here.
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. Mentorship is a driving force for him”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About NZ Program Instructor | Liam Trevena
Liam grew up in Perth, Western Australia, where his childhood was shaped by camping, fishing, and endless days exploring the outdoors. Adventure has always been a part of his life. Over the years he has travelled extensively across and around Australia, Europe, Asia and North America, and spent time discovering New Zealand’s South Island.
Moving to New Zealand in 2024 was a chance for Liam to grow and take on new challenges. Since arriving, he has trained to be an outdoor guide through Pure Exploration NZ and also worked with AJ Hackett Bungy NZ and at Coronet Peak Ski Fields. He has immersed himself in the adventure culture of Queenstown. On weekends you’ll find him out climbing, tramping, skiing, or paragliding — chasing the mountains in every season.
Mentorship is a driving force for Liam, and when he isn’t on program with Rooted Life Adventures or outdoor guiding elsewhere, he is working towards joining Land Search and Rescue (LANDSAR) where he can support the wider community. Liam has learnt a lot on his own journey of growth, making him a great mentor for others who are defining and working towards their own goals.
Trainings:
NZOIA Rock Leader
NZOIA Bush Leader
Outdoor First Aid Qualified
We’re thrilled to welcome Liam as a Program Instructor. We know he will bring his passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit to the team. You can read more about the program here.
Molly loves outdoor pursuits and is an expert at facilitating structured adventure! Molly has over a decade of experience in outdoor-based therapeutic programming with children and teens and has so much to share with our students! Molly brings a beautiful energy to everything that she does, and we’re so excited for her to join to RLA family.”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Field Wellness Director | Molly Mosenthal
Molly brings together a breadth of skills and experiences into her role as Wellness Director. As a clinical mental health counselor, alpine ski coach, and global trip director, Molly centers her work around her passion for connecting (and reconnecting) people with the natural world and a sense of adventure. After many years working with youth and young people in outdoor education, therapeutic rock climbing, and personal development through outdoor recreation, Molly brings these learnings into her counselling practice and beyond with an experiential and somatic approach to therapeutic healing.
Trainings:
Adventure-Based Therapy
Ecotherapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (+ACT in Nature)
Internal Family Systems & Parts Work
Trauma-Informed Yoga
AIARE Avalanche Level 1
PSIA Ski Instructor Level 1
First Aid & CPR
Mountaineering First Aid
Single Pitch Climbing Wall
We’re thrilled to have Molly join our Rooted Life Adventures program for Fall 2025 as our Field Wellness Director. She will be joining our Executive Director, Operations Director and Program Instructor in Queenstown, New Zealand. Interested to find out more? You can read more about the program here.
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.
Program Leader, Sarah, is an absolute spark of energy on our team. She’s fun, full of passion, and hands-down our Games Captain. She has a background in psychology and 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. Sarah’s here to make sure our girls feel seen, supported, and have the best summer ever. From spontaneous dance parties to quiet one-on-one moments. We’re so lucky to have her!”
– Austin Rogers, Founder of Rooted Life Adventures
About Program Leader Sarah Fillerup
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Program Leader Sarah is a curious traveler. She’s a psychology graduate with a minor in philosophy from Colorado Mesa University. Grounded, people-focused, and fluent in both Spanish and English, she brings a thoughtful and adventurous spirit to everything she does.
Sarah’s deep connection to the outdoors has been a guiding force in her life. Whether camping under the stars, mountain biking in the desert, canyoneering through Moab, or rafting down winding rivers, she has always found nature to be her greatest teacher. These experiences have shaped her approach to challenges. Sarah meets them with curiosity and a touch of grit. It was in these moments with nature that she realised she was destined to be a Program Leader.
While at Colorado Mesa University, Sarah competed as a collegiate swimmer for five years. Her time as an athlete instilled in her a strong sense of consistency, mental resilience, and the value of showing up fully, even when it’s tough. These lessons continue to influence her personal and professional life.
Sarah has traveled to over 15 countries and spent a month in Cairo, Egypt, where she gained a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of life beyond familiar surroundings. For her, adventure and growth have always gone hand-in-hand.
Sarah is thrilled to be part of Rooted Life Adventures, where she helps facilitate experiences that challenge individuals, foster meaningful connections, and inspire people to rediscover who they are at their core.
We’re thrilled to have Sarah as part of our core team here at Rooted Life Adventures as Program Leader. Find out more about the rest of our team here.
