Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Project
It is my sincere hope that the mindful art of fly fishing, coupled with the grounding beauty of the outdoors and a commitment to conservation, can offer that same unlocking potential for more remarkable young people navigating the challenges of foster care in Philadelphia.
Carter Satterfield
Lead Mentor, Philadelphia, PA Project
Project Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Year Project Founded
2026
Project Lead Mentor
Carter Satterfield
Co-Lead Mentor
Nick Petryszyn
Mentors on this team
Looking for mentors!
Children mentored to date
TBD
Children to be mentored in 2026
6
Local foster care partners
Bethanna – Bethanna provides adoption, child welfare services and behavioral health care in Philadelphia, Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Bethanna strengthens families, promotes resilience and offers hope in times of need. Currently searching for additional local foster care connections and programs.
Local companies that support this project
TCO Fly Shop – local fly shop in Eastern PA
Bethanna – Bethanna provides adoption, child welfare services and behavioral health care in Philadelphia, Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Bethanna strengthens families, promotes resilience and offers hope in times of need.
Apply to Mentor
For more questions about this project,
contact Carter Satterfield at:
cartersatterfield@gmail.com
Support the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Project
At the end of our program, I received a thank you note from my mentee. He enjoyed the time we spent together on the water and mentioned that ‘he didn’t know fishing could be so fun’! It was his first-time fishing and admitted that he considered fishing ‘boring’ and that he didn’t want to do it. His perspective changed after our time together on the water. We talked conservation and he jumped right in to help keep the lake clean. His favorite part, of course, was his ‘First catch’! The note included pictures of us and it filled me with happiness and a few of those ‘happy tears’!
Mentor from Denver, CO Project
Project Mentors
Carter Satterfield LEAD MENTOR
| A Northeast native who now proudly calls Philadelphia home alongside my wife and 6-year-old son, the rhythm of life here is a vibrant mix of work, coaching youth sports, and cheering on our beloved Philly sports teams. Threaded through it all has been a lifelong passion of fly fishing. From the legendary brown trout of Arkansas’ White River to the shimmering goldens of California’s streams, the wild cutthroats of Colorado, the powerful Tarpon of Florida, the iconic Stripers of New England, and the elusive Bonefish of the Bahamas, the pursuit of fish has taken me to incredible places. Now, I’m eager to cast a new line and share these experiences and my deep passion for the outdoors with the foster care community right here in Philadelphia. |
Mark Best, Mentor
Mark grew up in West Chester PA fishing with bobbers and lures on golf course and neighborhood ponds. After traveling around the world with the U.S. Navy for a few years, he settled back in West Chester and was introduced to fly fishing for trout among the many creeks, streams and rivers in Pennsylvania. He has fished for trout in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and loves to share his passion for fly fishing, and the gifts that this hobby provides, with others.
Chris Nosal, Mentor
Chris is an educator, college administrator, and avid angler based in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He’s fished since second or third grade and first picked up a fly rod as a tween. He started catching bass and sunfish at the local pond before the trout in Northcentral PA really hooked him. He still pursues fish from the surf, rivers, and creeks in the region on a regular basis. He hasn’t eclipsed his record of 130 days on the water in a year, all while having a job and a family, not yet at least. One can dream or retire in good health…. He’s has been a writer, poet, and blogger and enjoys taking photos of his fishing outings. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with newer anglers.
Rolland DiSante, Mentor
I am a Pennsylvania native, and have resided in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia since 2007. Living very close to the Wissahickon Park, I regularly enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and fishing there with my wife and teenage daughter. I am a mechanical engineer and have been working in fishing reel development for 20+ years at Penn Fishing Tackle in Philadelphia. I have been fly fishing for the past few years, and am excited to share what I know with children in the Philadelphia Mayfly Project, as well as learn from other mentors.
Ken Brzozowski, Mentor
A fly fishing angler devoted to exploring beautiful places and finding the next adventure, whether its flying to a “lifetime destination” or sitting on the tailgate near the local creek. Came into fly fishing on a mission trip in Bozeman, MT, and found my wife and myself casting a “flyless” fly line into the Gallatin River and learning what it means to have peace with the water. Philadelphia, PA, is home and the passion burns strong to share the over 15 years of lessons learned and the messaging of conservation and stewardship of the outdoors. As a volunteer with iFishiBelong, specifically leading events for All Kids Fish in Philadelphia, Ken is looking forward to bringing that passion to the Mayfly Project.
Catherine Brzozowski, Mentor
My fly fishing journey didn’t begin in childhood—it began about 15 years ago during a family service trip to Bozeman, Montana. Our campsite sat on the banks of the Gallatin River, and what started as curiosity quickly became a passion. Since then, fly fishing has taken us to rivers across the U.S. and beyond, each one deepening my appreciation for the water and the quiet lessons it offers.
Over time, fishing became more than a hobby—it became a way to connect with others. I’ve volunteered teaching beginner anglers through Orvis 101 programs and helped lead an All Kids Fish event in Philadelphia, where 25 children learned about fly fishing and environmental stewardship.
Seeing kids light up when they cast their first line inspired me to do more. That passion led my husband and me to The Mayfly Project, where we hope to help young anglers build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
Nick Petryszyn, Mentor
| Nick was originally immersed in fishing as a child at his Grandpa’s elbow catching catfish on night crawlers. Since then the virtues of patience, curiosity, and determination have been polished by currents of both fresh and salt water. He enjoys fishing in all it’s forms and appreciates not just the catch but the people and places the sport has brought him in such close contact with. This gratitude leads to a desire to share these experiences with others so that through a communal appreciation, those same people, places, and fish can be continually rediscovered, cherished, and protected. |
Mike Turek, Mentor
Mike grew up in Pennsylvania and was taught to fish by his dad. Once he was introduced to fly fishing as a kid, he was hooked for life. Mike’s job allowed him to live in Illinois, Arizona, North Carolina, and Tennessee before he relocated back to Pennsylvania. His moves allowed him to fish across the country and in several countries. Mike and his wife have a son and daughter who share his love for the outdoors and have embraced the mental and physical benefits that fly fishing offers. Mike is excited to share his passion for fishing through Project Mayfly!
Carl Nelson, Mentor
Born and raised in the greater Philadelphia area. I grew up fishing ponds and lakes for largemouth bass on spin gear. I left home for the Marine Corps after high school and upon my return discovered fly fishing through a program for veterans. It served as an outlet for me and has become a full blown obsession. My wife and I have traveled far and wide chasing fish and these days I spend every minute I can on the Susquehanna river chasing smallmouth bass. Having felt the healing benefits of Fly Fishing myself I’m eager to pass it on.