Walking Mountains is excited to welcome the new 2025-2027 cohort of Foley Graduate Fellows! The fellows will begin pursuing their Master of Arts in Science Education this summer, while stepping into their full-time educator roles teaching summer camps and school programs with our current cohort of graduate fellows. The Foley Graduate Fellowship offers students the unique opportunity to live, teach, and grow alongside each other during their tenure in the program. This dedicated group will bring a deep passion for lifelong learning and a vibrant energy to our community over the next two years and three months. To learn more about the 2027 cohort, check out their full bios on the Walking Mountains website.

	Mitchell Smith has a pet snail named Shelldon. Shelldon has probably traveled more than any other snail, joining Mitchell on numerous adventures to national parks around the country! In his free time, Mitchell enjoys playing soccer, board games, and hiking!!
	Alli Menendez (she/her) is originally from Western New York, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors through hiking and playing outside. Her favorite outdoor places are beaches and waterfalls. She is very excited to learn more about nature at Walking Mountains with some amazing students!
	Maggie Roszko is excited to pursue a Master’s in Science Education to further develop her skills in teaching science-based lessons and in developing curriculum that inspires others to care for the environment. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with friends.

To ensure a smooth transition into the fellowship, the incoming cohort will have the unique experience of learning from our current graduate fellows through a dynamic mentorship program that the fellows themselves have created and refined over the past six years. The mentorship program allows fellows who have completed their first year to offer guidance and support to the newest members of the cohort. The mentorship program has truly enriched the Graduate Fellowship experience, and our 2024-2026 team is thrilled to pass on their knowledge and insights to the incoming group. Here’s what the current fellows have to say about stepping into the role of mentor after having been a mentee.

"Wow, this past year flew by in the blink of an eye! It feels like I just started myself. But now, I’m pumped to take on the role of mentor and help the new cohort tackle this wild, wonderful, and totally rewarding adventure of being a Fellow!"

"I can’t wait to pour my energy into supporting an incoming Fellow, just like my mentor did for me. It’s my time to pay it forward and help them dive into this amazing journey with the same enthusiasm and care I received."

"I’m so excited to welcome fresh faces to our crew! Watching them grow and find their place as educators will be such a joy, and I can’t wait to build new friendships and connections along the way!"

Though each of the 2025-2027 Foley Graduates have different life paths that have led them to the fellowship, they share a deep commitment to connect youth to nature by inspiring stewardship and awakening a sense of wonder! We are so thrilled to welcome these folks to Walking Mountains, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impacts they will have in our local community. 

Written by Genevieve (GG) Giarrusso 2024-2026 Walking Mountains Foley Graduate Fellow.