Cincinnati, Ohio Project

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Cincinnati, Ohio Project

Project Mentors

ERIN SCHWARTZ, LEAD MENTOR

Maineville, Ohio

”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.

JIM LAKE, CO-LEAD MENTOR

Maineville, Ohio

The first time I talked to Erin Schwartz about the Mayfly Project I was all in, but it wasn’t just because I enjoy fly fishing. I have been a (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocate for 13 years and have  always searched for  life changing, outdoor experiences like this for my kids.  I’m excited to play a small role in introducing this wonderful opportunity to all the Foster kids we serve in southern Ohio.

AARON BOOTH, MENTOR

Goshen, Ohio

I grew up in central Indiana spending time on various bodies of water fishing for whatever might grab the live bait, jig or fly. I graduated from Purdue University in the late 90’s with a degree in Outdoor Recreation, and started a career working indoors. Currently, I live outside of Cincinnati, Ohio with my wife and two teenage kids. After a dry spell of not fly fishing for many years, a trip to Colorado and fishing on the Yampa River rekindled the passion of being on a stream and casting a fly. The best part now is that my son is with me and taking to fly fishing better than myself in both fishing skills and tying flies. We both are members of the local fly fishing club, Buckeye United Fly Fishers, here in Cincinnati.

During the day you can find me at a stand up desk posting web content, brainstorming, designing and finding content to help others succeed in life. The Web has been part of my career for the past 20 years. I have seen how “screen time” can steal away the desire to be outside and disconnect one from nature and it’s benefits.

I am excited to be part of the May Fly project and help kids discover the joy of being outside and learning a sport that will hopefully help them find a quiet spot in their life.

JULIAN KEELAN, MENTOR

Maineville, Ohio

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

Cincinatti, Ohio

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.

ROB WESTAWAY, MENTOR

Maineville, Ohio

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.

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