Kaiumati Roche, Founder

Outdoor Consultant | Experiential Systems Strategist | Leadership Development Specialist

With over 15 years of experience spanning fieldwork, program design, and organizational development, I’ve built my career at the intersection of experiential education, adventure-based healing, and strategic consulting. I’ve created a breadth of experience as a client, guide, trainer, program manager, and consultant in Tourism, Outdoor Leadership, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, and Therapeutic fields — and each role has deepened my belief that transformational change begins with relational leadership and lived experience.

My work is driven by a commitment to improving the systems that shape how people grow—in wilderness therapy, youth programs, and experiential education settings. I specialize in supporting organizations through transitions, helping teams clarify their values, strengthen risk management protocols, and build environments where staff and clients alike can thrive. My approach is collaborative, curious, and grounded in practice: I listen closely, ask hard questions, and design solutions that work in the real world.

I earned my degree in Tourism and Outdoor Leadership from Oregon State University – Cascades, with a focus on Adventure Leadership and Education. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Montana, deepening my clinical and systemic understanding of trauma-informed care, organizational equity, and community healing. This ongoing study sharpens my consulting lens—bridging therapeutic insight with strategic planning to meet the evolving needs of both staff and clients.

My academic work—and continued field application—has centered on topics such as:

• Experiential engagement and program outcomes

• Risk management through organizational culture and systems approach

• The relationship between compensation, burnout, and turnover in the outdoor and mental health fields

• Accreditation, certification, and alternative pathways for guide development

• Sustainable hiring, onboarding, and leadership practices in mission-driven organizations

Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized keeping my hands in the dirt. I believe the best consultants never lose touch with the field. Whether facilitating team development, evaluating safety systems, or building frameworks for staff retention, I show up as both a practitioner and a partner. At my core, I’m a learner—committed to evolving with the work and helping others do the same.

Organizations Kai has worked for and with.