Founder and Managing Director:
Karla Roberts
Karla holds a number of professional qualifications and has extensive experience working with people with disabilities in outdoor education. Karla started Learn Active as an extension to the Duke of Edinburgh award she was running at a special education school and has developed Learn Active into a full-time, sustainable organisation.
Qualifications gained: Diploma in Recreational Leadership, Diploma in Adventure Guiding and Instructing, NZOIA Rock 1, NZOIA Bush 1, National Raft Guide Grade 2
Lead Instructor
Zara Palmer
Growing up in the Marlborough Sounds, Zara spent much of her upbringing kayaking and exploring the bush. Zara’s strong passion for the outdoors continued to grow as she delved into other pursuits such as rock climbing and sustainability practices. While developing her personal connection to nature, she reaps the positive impacts on her wellbeing. This drove her to share her passion for the outdoors with people of all ages and abilities. Zara enjoys facilitating positive experiences for everyone, using the outdoors as a medium.
After working in various instructing and guiding roles around New Zealand she has joined us at Learn Active.
Qualifications gained: Sustainability and Outdoor
Adventure Education (level 5 Diploma), NZOIA rock and abseil leader.
Lead Instructor
Simeon Langan
Simeon is a born and raised Cantabrian who has always loved being part of an uplifting team culture. From sports groups, cadets, jobs and study Simeon loves working with people and figuring out what makes them shine. He loves the outdoors and getting amongst, from bushcraft survival to water activities and hiking he loves giving all types of people the awesome opportunities that life has to offer. He has worked overseas at outdoor camps and has studied and completed his outdoor education degree right here in Ōtautahi. He always strives to bring a warm positive outlook to every situation and create a safe nurturing environment for people to learn and grow.
Qualifications gained: Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability and Outdoor Education, Diploma in Environmental Sustainability and Outdoor Leadership, NZOIA abseil leader, NZOIA rock leader, NZOIA bush leader
Instructor/Admin support
Amanda Miles
Amanda grew up in Auckland, where her love for swimming in the ocean and exploring the Waitākere ranges was born. She spent four years doing summer camp in America, which then inspired her to complete a Sport and Recreation degree majoring in Outdoor Education back in Auckland. As well as outdoor work, Amanda has experience in youth development and employment support within the disability sector. She is excited to be back in the outdoors sharing her love of facilitation and being in nature with the awesome Learn Active participants. Outside of this, she has a passion for playing and coaching football, table tennis, and watching movies.
Qualifications gained: Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (Outdoor Education Major), NZSL level 1D
Instructor
Jake Matsell
Jake grew up in the Norfolk countryside in the United Kingdom, but left to explore the world back in 2017. One of his first stops was New Zealand which is where he found his love for the outdoors and adventure tourism with a particular interest in hiking and snowboarding. These passions have allowed him to enjoy many enriching experiences which have largely shaped who he is today. 8 years later Jake has decided to settle here in Christchurch looking to expand into the world of outdoor education encouraging others to live their best lives.
Qualifications gained: Adventure guide program, NZOIA bush/rock leader
Lead Instructor/Instructor
Ala Coapman
Ala is an outgoing, friendly instructor with an enthusiasm for working with people in the outdoors, and assisting people to connect with themselves and Te Taiao. With a background in guiding, conservation and instructing, she is passionate about cultivating meaningful work in outdoor spaces, and helping to empower people in their hauora journey.
Qualifications gained: Bachelor’s of Sustainability and Outdoor Education, NZOIA Bush Leader Award, Te Ara Reo Māori language Level 1-4
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