Pearisburg, Virginia Project

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Pearisburg, Virginia Project

Project Mentors

ZACHARY SMITH, LEAD MENTOR

Pearisburg, Virginia

I live in Southwestern, VA and have lived here most of my life. Fishing and outdoors has been a passion of mine since I was little. I have fished for most of my life. I started fly fishing over five years ago and fly tying over a year ago. I love being outdoors and fishing is just one of the many activities that I love and have a passion for in the outdoors. It is a way for me to get out and relax at the end of day and be in nature. I am currently an Attorney because I have to pay for all of my hobbies including being an avid fisherman. I have worked with many foster children in the Court systems and look forward to sharing the love of fishing with them.

RANDY JEWELL, CO-LEAD MENTOR

Peterstown, West Virginia

Growing up in Southern West Virginia Randy spent most of his days outside fishing, hunting, and enjoying the mountains. Spending most of his early years learning to fish for bass with his father off the back of a bass boat solidified his love for chasing fish of any species. Fly fishing came later as a teenager, and fly tying came soon after. Fishing for trout proved to be a much more challenging thrill. Being in the water with the fish, not to mention the discriminating palette of the trout made seeking a bite that much more exciting. Experiencing fly fishing for trout in cold mountain streams with a hand-tied fly connects your soul with nature in a way few things ever could. After marrying his wife Jessica who taught public school for ten years he began to see how important it was to be a light in the lives of children. With a brother also being involved in caring for foster children which ultimately led to adoption Randy also saw how love, consistency, and patience could change a life. Randy and his wife have three children and enjoy being outdoors with them whenever possible.

KEVIN BELCHER, CONSERVATION MENTOR

Pearisburg, Virginia

Growing up in the Appalachian mountains Kevin began fly fishing at age 14 when he worked for the Youth Conservation Corps. Since that time he has gained a deep love of wild trout in wild places. He firmly believes everyone needs an escape from a world filled with electronics and stressful environments. He said “Providing these kids with the skills that will aid them in appreciating and utilizing the great outdoors is important to me. I hope they, in turn, introduce others to the natural world. Balance is important to everyone regardless of where they live.” Kevin currently serves as the Director of the Giles County Public Service Authority, and prior was Vice-President of XYZ Solutions of Alpharetta, Georgia. He is married to the former Jennifer Caperton and they have three adult children, Victoria, Chase and Whitney who all enjoy outdoor activities.

ZACHARY WILLIAMSON MENTOR

Pearisburg, Virginia

I have lived in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia all my life, and have a passion for the outdoors. Fishing is a hobby that I have been involved in for many hears, with fly fishing in particular a little over a year. I currently work for Newport News Shipbuilding, but have worked with children in many settings during my time as a Recreation, Parks, and Tourism major at Radford University. I hope to instill a love of nature, and a knowledge of fish for future generations.

PAM BERNARDO, MENTOR

As a retired nurse originally from Roanoke and Bent Mountain, Virginia, I had a career caring for others. Fifteen years ago, I discovered an interest in fly fishing and is now a central part of my life. After moving to Richmond, Virginia, ten years ago, I continued to explore this interest, frequently returning to Southwest Virginia to visit family/friends to fish and engage in outdoor activities. In retirement, I have embraced the opportunity to delve deeper into fly fishing and give back to the community by volunteering with the Department of Wildlife (DWR) and to participate with Mayfly activities. This combination of personal passion and community service, especially with youth, has made my retirement years both fulfilling and impactful

MIKE SMITH, MENTOR

Mike Smith is a retired college professor who lives in Floyd, VA. He began guiding on the New River more than twenty-five years ago and still remains passionate about sharing his experience with clients and others both on and off the water. Over the years, Mike has been a featured speaker at numerous fly fishing events and has introduced hundreds of novice anglers to the sport he loves through his popular on-the-water beginner fly fishing classes.

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