Cincinnati, Ohio Project

“10 out of 10. Do it!”

Mentee, 2025

Project Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Year Project Founded

2020

Project Lead Mentor

Aaron Booth

Mentors on this team

17

Children mentored to date

45

Children to be mentored in 2026

10

Local foster care partners

We collaborate with local court appointed special advocates (CASA’s) and the Changing Lives Youth Services.

Local companies that support this project

Currently searching for local partners and community support!

Apply to Mentor

For more questions about this project,

contact Aaron Booth at:

themayflyproject.cincinnati@gmail.com

Mentor Application

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“I’ve been a mentor with The Mayfly Project since the Cincinnati project began, and over the years these kids have taught me far more than I ever expected. I’ve learned how much they need positive examples, new experiences, and the healing that comes from simply being outside. Their curiosity and courage remind me why The Mayfly Project matters so much. Each season reaffirms the impact mentorship and time in nature can have on their lives.”

Aaron Booth, Lead Mentor

Cincinnati, Ohio Project

Project Mentors

Aaron Booth, Lead Mentor

I come from four generations of fly anglers and still treasure my great-grandfather’s Orvis bamboo rod. After inheriting my dad’s fly-fishing books and gear, my passion for the sport deepened, and a trip to the Yampa River brought me fully back. Today, my favorite moments are fishing with my adult son and with my son-in-law when visiting my daughter in central Pennsylvania’s incredible trout country. My wife and I live outside Cincinnati and will soon be first-time grandparents. As a mentor since the Cincinnati Mayfly Project began, I’ve seen how much foster kids need connection, encouragement, and time outdoors. Watching them gain confidence and joy on the water has been one of the most meaningful experiences of this opportunity.

Erin Schwartz, Co-Lead Mentor

”I grew up spincasting with my dad on Lake Erie. About 20 years ago I saw a photo of a flyfisherman fishing the flats in the Bahamas and decided I wanted to learn how to do that. I arranged for a guide to teach myself and a couple of friends how to cast and I’ve been flyfishing ever since. I especially enjoy trout fishing, which usually involves travel, since there aren’t many places to fish for trout nearby. When I heard about The Mayfly Project I decided I wanted to start a project in Ohio and work towards making a difference in the lives of foster kids.

Rob Westaway, Mentor

When I learned about the Mayfly Project, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I came in with little experience in fly fishing but quickly realized that this was something special. We are all supposed to help those around us whenever we can, especially those most vulnerable. This organization does just that by getting these kids outdoors and doing things in nature that they may have never experienced before. More importantly, showing up each time to show these kids they do matter and to have a meaningful impact on their futures.

Julian Keelan, Mentor

New to fly fishing and heard about the organization thru a friend. I love working with children. I have been working the past 15yrs. with children with Autism from preschool to 1st. grade. I’m married with three adult children and three grandchildren.

AJ Hahn, Mentor

I have been fly fishing since 2016 and I have been to every Indianapolis 500 since 1982. I enjoy fishing small streams for panfish and bass.