Meet The Team:

Sonja Thomas (As Administrator and Director)

Sonja’s journey into the realm of outdoor adventure and education ignited during her formative years, where she discovered a profound connection with nature through countless hiking expeditions, especially in the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg mountains. Her early experiences included serving as a youth leader during organized camps, sparking a passion that would shape her future endeavors.

Driven by this passion, Sonja pursued various certifications to enhance her skills and expertise. She achieved ARA Level II facilitator certification, becoming a recognized DEAT registered mountain guide and a SAQA accredited facilitator, assessor, and moderator. Additionally, she obtained several qualifications from SAMDT (SA Mountaineering Development and Training Trust), enriching her knowledge and capabilities in outdoor leadership and safety.

Dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of others in the wilderness, Sonja volunteered with Mountain Search and Rescue for over a decade, demonstrating her commitment to serving her community. Her dedication to safety is further underscored by her current certification in advanced Wilderness First Aid.

Since 2004, Sonja has been at the helm of recreational, developmental, and educational programs catering to diverse groups, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events with hundreds of participants. Her expertise extends across age groups, from children as young as 4 to adults, reflecting her versatility and inclusive approach to outdoor education.

Sonja firmly believes that effective facilitation, combined with technical proficiency in outdoor disciplines, yields superior outcomes. This philosophy drives her work at RE-Develop, where she ensures that each program adheres to the highest standards of excellence. Sonja’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evidenced by her extensive qualifications and unwavering dedication to her craft.

David Parnell (As Operational Supervisor and Director)

Bio:

David’s journey into the world of recreational educational development has been a natural evolution, rooted in his upbringing and early experiences. From his school days filled with outdoor excursions to his formative years spent immersed in outdoor environments alongside seasoned mentors, the industry beckoned to him with a compelling allure.

Embarking on his professional path in 2017 as a junior facilitator, David embarked on a transformative journey under the guidance of esteemed pioneers in the field. His dedication to learning and his hunger for knowledge propelled him forward, culminating in his current role as one of the Directors and Operational Supervisors at Re-Develop.

Throughout his tenure, David has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless clients spanning diverse age groups and backgrounds. A beacon of innovation in the industry, he continually strives to set a higher standard in safety, operations, and educational outcomes for all participants.

David’s commitment to excellence is evident in his diverse skill set and qualifications. As a Trauma-informed first responder, a soft skills group facilitator, an advanced wilderness first aider, and a meticulous Climbing Wall Supervisor, he ensures that every safety protocol is meticulously followed, guaranteeing the well-being of each of Re-Develop’s clients.

Omolemo Thlabane (As Operational Supervisor and Camp Director)

As a teenager Omolemo spent her school holidays volunteering for Hillbrow Kidsweek, a holiday program for children between the ages of 7 and 13 years old, it was this experience that birthed her passion for child and youth development. In her pursuit to combine youth development with her love of the outdoors, 2016 was the beginning of her journey in Outdoor Education.

In 2018 she took up training as an ARA (Adventure Recreation Association) Level 2 facilitator and Dr. Roger Greenaway Development Training Programme facilitator (from Experienced Based Training Associates). In 2022 she enrolled with the Adventure Institute where she attended courses that have equipped and sharpened her skills in areas such as but not limited to: being Trauma Informed; Facilitating Adventurous Experiential Learning; Mountain Walking Guiding; Wilderness First Aid; and Stop The Bleed. She is also a member of the South African Adventure Industry Association, advocating for the professionalisation and standardisation of the Adventure Tourism industry as well as the Outdoor Education industry.

Over the years as an Outdoor Experiential Learning Facilitator across the country and in the United States, Omolemo has had the pleasure of working with clientele of varying ages, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and objectives.

Omolemo believes in the value of Outdoor Experiential learning, using it as a powerful tool to help shape and mould the lives of today’s youth who are the future of our country.