Raleigh, North Carolina Project
I’m going to be the best fly
fisher ever when I grow up!
Foster Child
The Mayfly Project Mentee
Project Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Project Founded
2021
Project Lead Mentor
Annie O’Leary
Mentors on this team
19
Children mentored to date
27
Children to mentor in 2025
10
Local foster care partners
Currently searching for partners for this project.
Local companies that support this project
Currently searching for local partners and community support!
Apply to Mentor
For more questions about this project,
contact Annie O’Leary at:
annietriflyfishers@gmail.com
Support the Raleigh, North Carolina Project
We mentors are always thrilled to watch these young anglers learn something new, get comfortable with the outdoors, and — best of all — grow in confidence, as they fly fish side-by-side with other kids who understand their special situations. We feel so lucky to work with them, and especially love their fish tales!
Annie O’Leary, Lead Mentor
Raleigh, North Carolina Project
Project Mentors
Annie O'Leary, Lead Mentors
Annie O’Leary has fly fished in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Colorado, mostly in trout streams, over the last ten years. The whole process is fun for her: planning the outing, preparing the gear, choosing (not always correctly) which fly to use, and catching fish! She also loves the serenity and confidence it gives her, the solitude for thinking, the silent competition with the fish, and the stunningly beautiful places where we go fishing. She can’t wait to share that with other people.
Outside of fishing, Annie raises funds for an international NGO. Hobbies outside of fishing include hiking, camping and gardening—anything that keeps her outdoors.
Andrew Litchford, Mentor
A Florida native and lifelong angler, Andrew grew up fishing with his father for warm water, fresh and saltwater species. He spent 12 years in Colorado, and while there, developed a passion fly-fishing for trout. He currently works as an engineer for a local biopharmaceutical manufacturer and recently joined the board of Triangle Fly Fishers, the Triangle chapter of Trout Unlimited. He looks forward to continuing to share his passion for the outdoors and deepening connection to mother nature with the local community!
Dylan Kraus, Mentor
Born and raised in North Carolina, I grew up fly fishing with my grandfather and brothers. From a young age I developed a love of exploring the outdoors and have carried that passion with me throughout my life. After working in AgBiotech as an entomologist for almost 10 years, today I teach 8th grade science in Durham, NC. I’m super excited to be part of such an awesome program and can’t wait to share my knowledge with others while learning some new things myself!
Virginia Constantino, Mentor
Born in Detroit but spent her childhood in New Jersey, New York, and Texas, Virginia had to adjust to new towns and schools often. One constant is her enjoyment of the outdoors especially appreciating nature and all animals. In the last few years, Virginia left New York winters behind and moved to North Carolina with her husband, Joe. After spending 13 years working in the healthcare industry, she is now a full time carpenter with her husband in their home renovation business. Having been a volunteer EMT for 9 years with an ambulance corps in NY she knows the best way to embrace a community is to volunteer. You end up meeting nurturing people and hopefully make a difference. She also really enjoys fly fishing!
Madi Long, Mentor
Having grown up exploring the Idaho wilderness with her family, Madi gained a passion for all things outdoors. From camping, hiking, fishing and more, she learned how important it is to protect, preserve, and respect nature. She enjoys sharing her outdoor activities with her husband, dog, and friends in North Carolina. New to the Triangle Area, she is excited to be joining the Raleigh project to help educate and support others. Her background in youth programs and non profit work led her to the Mayfly Project, and she looks forward to working with the participants and their families!
Michael Greene, Mentor
By accident, Michael fell into fly fishing almost 5 years ago. Not realizing what he was getting into, the sport quickly captured his interest in all areas—the outdoors, endless learning, conservation, and the zen of being near water. He is mostly a self-taught angler, developing his skills through trial and error. He spends as much time as possible fishing, whether that’s sneaking away to trout streams or grabbing a few minutes at his local bass pond. Michael’s passion extends beyond personal enjoyment of fly fishing. He has been an active mentor in the legal community for years and served as a board member for a local chapter of Communities in Schools. He is now combining his multiple passions and skills as a mentor for The Mayfly Project!
Tim Pitchman, Mentor
Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, Tim learned to fish in farm ponds, creeks, and rivers with cane poles, cork bobbers, and crickets. He graduated to spin casting with a beginner’s Zebco. But when Field & Stream offered a glimpse of a more interesting approach, Tim traded his spinner for a used fly-fishing outfit in his teens. He’s been trying to get better ever since and has just started tying flies. As a new mentor this year, The Mayfly Project was compelling because of its uncommon opportunity to help young people explore a hobby that could become a lifetime pursuit. Tim lives in north Durham—within walking distance of an Eno River access point—and escapes to the Eno regularly. He volunteers at the Eno River Festival.
Tim Wipperman, Mentor
Tim grew up in South Central Alaska and spent his summers spin fishing for trout, salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden (char) and anything else that swims in and around the Kenai Peninsula and Kachemak Bay. Thanks to a career with the U.S. Army and a few other careers, Tim has lived and fished around the world including Germany and upstate New York.Tim and his wife Jean moved to Durham in 1993, after dipping into other careers, he is the Fly-Fishing Manager at Great Outdoor Provision Company in Chapel Hill and instructs the GOPC’s fly-fishing courses.While he doesn’t turn up his nose at any kind of fishing, trout on a fly has a special place in his heart. When he’s not talking about fishing, Tim and Jean divide their energies between fishing, camping and spoiling two dogs, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Jessica Haynes, Mentor
Hi! My name is Jess. I’m from Monroe, NC and moved to Raleigh in 2006 to attend NC State, eventually graduated and after many different jobs working with children, I’ve started a sweet little play-based preschool. These days, I spend my weekdays teaching children through play and my weekends getting to know my 2 year old son’s fun-loving personality as it unfolds. As a child, I grew up knee deep in creeks, building forts and playing pretend until I was called in for dinner. As I’ve grown, I deeply understand that I NEED connection with nature and learning how to fly fish has become a playful endeavor for me. I look forward to inspiring curiosity and bright eyes toward nature and fishing in the children I am so lucky to meet.
Bill Berryman, Mentor
Bill grew up in Southeast Texas, along the Louisiana border where the Gulf Coast marsh meets the East Texas Piney Woods. As a kid, he used cane poles and bait-casting along cypress lined banks in the wild and scenic area, known affectionately as “Cajun Lapland.” Totally hooked on everything outdoors, Bill moved to Cary, NC in 1986, and has fished all over the country. He fly fishes to unwind and relax and “send stress downriver and not think about anything else while I’m out on the river.” He loves how the fly lays motionless for the split second before it suddenly explodes in a rush of water and green mischief, engulfed by a beautiful fish, totally fooled by the fly. “I quickly get the fish in as soon as I can, so as not to tire him too much. Then a quick release back into the water for someone else to catch another day, maybe me… maybe you.” He enjoys teaching others whom he hopes will find the joy in this life-long sport as he has.
Ryan Mitchell, Mentor
Ryan began fishing when he was 5 or 6 living on a horse and cattle farm in Iowa, and took up fly fishing when he moved to Colorado after graduating from Iowa State University. In the ensuing 30+ years, he’s had the good fortune to fish in several parts of the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of his favorite aspects of flyfishing is the focus on being in the moment, absorbing and appreciating nature. It is a great way to unplug and relax. Being able to mentor and help others to enjoy the sport is what drew him to the Mayfly Project. Ryan lives in Apex with his wife and their three boys. In addition to fishing, he enjoy woodworking and cooking. He has been a commercial banker in the Triangle since 2007.
Steve Foster, Mentor
Hey! I’m Steve. I was born in Transylvania County, North Carolina. I grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and remain a resident of the Triangle area. I am a graduate of Appalachian State University and currently work in Law Enforcement. I transitioned from conventional tackle to fly fishing about 11 years ago and haven’t looked back since. I went all in on the culture of fly fishing. I also found that it is a perfect form of healing for rough days at the office and other life stressors. I have been tying flies for about 10 years, as well. I never had much formal training here, but I found that catching a fish on something that I created gave me a strong sense of self-sufficiency. See you on the water, Raleigh!
Cole Ragsdale, Mentor
Cole Ragsdale grew up fishing the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters of the Southeast, developing a great appreciation for fisheries conservation. His passion for conservation led him to North Carolina State University where he is wrapping up his senior year studying Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Biology. His background in mentorship and leadership cultivated through his experiences with the National Outdoor Leadership School and the James Buzzard Leadership Program has strengthened his ability to connect with others out on the water. Now as a mentor for The Raleigh Mayfly Project, Cole is excited to combine his passion for fishing, conservation, and outdoor leadership out on the water.
