ABOUT
EXPLORING ROOTS
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, we provide adventure-based wellness programs and engage in conservation efforts to improve the quality of life in our community.
EFFECTIVE
Over 90% of our participants report increased self-efficacy, confidence and an improved sense of well-being. Research suggests these outcomes enhance mental health.
61 YOUTH SERVED
Last year, we served 61 youth from underserved urban areas, including kids transitioning out
of homelessness, under the care of the foster system and in our multi-year #ReWildKC
Explorers Program.
VOLUNTEERS
Last year, we had over 40 volunteers play a role in the delivery of our programs, engaging in everything from leading outdoor programs, fundraising, graphic design,
and more.
EFFICIENT
Because we are a volunteer run non-profit and benefit from a number of strong partnerships, we are able to provide one year’s worth of programs to each youth for just $600 or $50 per month.
#REWILDKC YOUTH EXPLORERS PROGRAM
#ReWildKC is a long-term, multi-year program mentoring youth who live in under-resourced urban neighborhoods through nature-based wellness programming. The curriculum focuses on cultivating mental and physical health, community engagement and education, and building a reciprocal relationship with nature through conservation initiatives and environmental stewardship.
PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLIC
Since we're located in the concrete jungle of Kansas City, Missouri where most citizens rarely encounter wild places, or even adequate green space, we serve the community with nature-based programming. Our public programs range widely from the types of outdoor activities we provide to themed events relating to Ecopsychology and Depth Psychology, family-friendly events and more.
MEET THE EXPLORING ROOTS TEAM
DAN ALLENBAUGH
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Dan has decades of experience as an outdoor guide, serving with the Division of Youth Services as an Outdoor Rehabilitation Counselor.
JAMIE BEARD
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BOARD MEMBER
Jamie is a marketing manager at VMLY&R and has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri.
TEE MASON
WATER SKILLS SPECIALIST
Tee has over a decade of experience as an Outdoor Rehabilitation Counselor and is an American Canoe Association certified Canoe and Flat Water Instructor.
JON FEDER
CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR & GUIDE
Jon is an experienced outdoorsman and wilderness guide. He is certified as an American Mountain Guide Association’s Single Pitch Instructor.
AMBER REED
BOARD MEMBER
Amber is the co-owner of Resolve KC and is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) in Kansas and Missouri.
DALE DUNCAN
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
Dale is the managing partner at McLennan Design and the president of the Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count Foundation.
MICHAEL HEMPHILL
BOARD MEMBER
Mike is the owner of High Definition Drywall. He is also an angler, hunter, climber, and mountaineer.
ADAM MAGERS
FOUNDER & HEAD OF THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
Adam is Jungian-oriented psychotherapy intern with two master's degrees: one in depth psychology, a second in global studies, and a certificate in ecopsychology.
ANTONEY PEREZ
#REWILDKC PROGRAM FACILITATOR & BOARD MEMBER
Antoney is a KCPD officer who facilitates Police Athletic League programs for youth. Since 2016, he has served as the head of the ReWild KC Program.
KELLY PULLEN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kelly is an associate art director at VMLY&R. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Iowa State University.
DAVID RODZEIWICZ
BOARD CHAIR
David served in the NOAA's Commissioned Officer Corps and has an applied master's degree in natural resource economics.
ANDREW POTTER
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
Andrew served in the US Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment as an Infantry Officer. He is the owner of ROKC Climbing Gym in Kansas City.
ALEX BUIE
BOARD MEMBER
Alex is the owner of Life Adapted Fitness and Buiefitt. He has a Master's Degree in Nutrition and Human Performance from Logan University.