Our team

United in our passion for delivering unforgettable, life-changing experiences

Each member of the Discover Term team brings unique value to our programs. What we all have in common is an unwavering belief in our core values:

Greatness lies within every teen.

Nature inspires, nurtures, and pushes us to reach our potential.

The outdoors is for everyone.

Our Founders

Three dads on a mission

Jamie Matthews

Jamie Matthews

Jamie and his wife of over 20 years, Mary Clare, have three awesome kids, two of whom attended a study abroad program called “The Winter Term” in Switzerland. This program — and the life-changing experiences it imparted — became the inspiration for Discover Term.

Jamie has a long history of creating organizations dedicated to helping kids thrive. He co-founded Explore Austin, a six-year mentoring and outdoor leadership program for 6th-12th graders, as well as The Pond Hockey Club, which employs USA Hockey’s American Development Model for kids ages 5-15.
Jamie also taught at the Acton School of Business from 2005 to 2020 and is a volunteer Pilot for The Angel Flight South Central and Pilots N Paws.

Garrett Weber-Gale

Garrett is a dedicated father of two utterly delightful children. He’s spent much of his life as an elite, competitive swimmer, earning two Olympic Gold medals, four world records, eight American records, and an ESPY award for Best Moment in 2008.
Garrett has spoken about physical fitness and nutrition at The White House and TEDxYouth, and he’s helped thousands of kids at swim clinics across the country learn how to develop the habits and mindset needed to realize their dreams.
Garrett started his first business at the age of 12 and is a former CEO of the Acton School of Business — rated #1 Best Administered MBA Program and #1 Most Competitive MBA in the USA by Princeton Review.
Garrett Weber-Gale
Justin Moss

Justin Moss

Justin and his wife feel exceptionally lucky to have their three energetic kids. As our Director of Education, Justin believes learning should be hyper-contextual, application-based, and fun!

Justin led teams in creating over 10,000 pages of project-based school curriculum while leading learning design initiatives for Acton Academy. He also led learning and technology platform design teams at Prenda (a microschool platform) and was a founding member of Hallcraft School Studio, which works to launch new, innovative schools.
Prior to work in education Justin led change management initiatives focused on customer experience and design at Fortune 500 companies.

Our Team

Morgan Schwab
Morgan Schwab
Operations
Prior to joining Discover Term, Morgan worked in both the education and corporate sectors, specializing in operations, systems, and strategy. Outside of work, she can often be found on the golf course, improving her game or participating in friendly local tournaments.
Patricia Sotolongo
Patricia Sotolongo
Marketing
Patricia grew up in Florida and Costa Rica as an avid swimmer and diver. She enjoys sharing outdoor adventures, such as skiing, rafting, hiking, and horseback riding, with her two teenage daughters, teaching them the value of unplugging from devices and being fully present in nature.
Chris Moehringer
Chris Moehringer
Program Director
Chris is an educator, wilderness guide, and musician based near Durango, CO. He has guided multi-day trips on many rivers, including the Grand Canyon, Rogue, and Main Salmon Rivers. Chris was also a high school band director and instrumental coordinator for community music program, Sonido Musica.
Rachel Fair
Rachel Fair
Chef
Rachel (she/her) is inspired by the natural world and guided by a passion for adventure and meaningful connection. Her career has focused on fostering shared experiences that strengthen communities. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys live music, long walks, and floating in alpine lakes.
Christine Lee
Christine Lee
Admissions
Christine is a wife and mom of two, but feels like she has raised many as a former teacher and foster parent. She loves creating smoother systems, but knows that caring relationships are the key to success. Outside of work, you’ll find Christine planning her family’s next adventure or trying out new recipes.
Jen Dineen
Jen Dineen
Finance
Jennifer has spent 28 fulfilling years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, raising four children and homeschooling her two youngest daughters. Alongside Jason, her husband of over 30 years, Jennifer found passions in hiking, biking, and the serene “salt life” of the coast.
Annika Nygren
Annika Nygren
Program Director
A former classroom educator, Annika embraced a nomadic lifestyle over four years ago. Her passion lies at the intersection of growth through discomfort, mindfulness, nature, and cultural immersion — especially for teens navigating their most formative years.
Melissa Ruder
Melissa Ruder
Program Director
Melissa and her husband Tim are the proud parents of four adventurous kids. For 20+ years, she has worked with youth as a Spanish teacher and coach for mountain biking, cross country, track, and triathlon teams. She also serves on the Board for groups that bring active opportunities to all youth.
The biggest thing I’ve noticed is how much independence Elaia got and how good it is to watch her new lessons play out just by observation. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often and I think it will forever have given Elaia something valuable. For parents willing to dare, Discover Term is a great opportunity for their kids.”

Brooke W., Discover Term Parent

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Morgan Schwab

Morgan Schwab

Operations

Prior to joining Discover Term, Morgan worked in both the education and corporate sectors, specializing in operations, systems, and strategy. Outside of work, she can often be found on the golf course, improving her game or participating in friendly local tournaments.