The 2026 Strolling Faculty fellowship is underway! This yr’s cohort consists of 24 spectacular fellows representing a spectrum of geographies, experiences, {and professional} backgrounds, who’re properly on their approach to turning into extra expert at creating significant change of their communities.
The Nationwide Strolling Faculty is generously funded by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, in assist of its Energetic Folks, Wholesome Nation℠ initiative, which has a objective of serving to 27 million Individuals change into extra bodily lively by 2027.
Be taught extra about this yr’s fellows:
2026 Fellows
Debra ThompsonBowling Inexperienced, OH
A community-minded learner primarily based in Bowling Inexperienced, the place Bowling Inexperienced State College performs a central function in native life
Has lived with A number of Sclerosis for 26 years and has used an influence wheelchair for the previous six
Brings a considerate and lived perspective to the Strolling Faculty
Particularly fascinated by accessibility and bettering sidewalk infrastructure
Values dialog, commentary, and shared studying as instruments for change, and is keen to attach with others to assist create extra walkable areas for everybody
Zach HayesBowling Inexperienced, OH
Bowling Inexperienced State College Sustainability Coordinator, born and raised in Pinckney, Michigan
Graduated from the College of Michigan-Flint with Honors and a Bachelor of Science in Vitality & Sustainable Techniques and a Minor in Metropolis and Regional Planning
Throughout undergrad, served as a Newman Civic Engagement Fellow, based the UM-Flint chapter of the Meals Restoration Community and acted because the Future City and Environmental Leaders (FUEL) President, in whole serving greater than 1,000 volunteer hours
After commencement, carried out GIS and water high quality sampling analysis throughout the Flint Water Disaster
Served two years in AmeriCorps with the Metropolis of Flint, and later carried out analysis with Michigan State Extension utilizing the Neighborhood Stock for Environmental Typology (NIfETy) evaluation of environmental elements
Earned his M.S. in Utilized Geospatial Science at BGSU
Rodna BordnerBowling Inexperienced, OH
Taught for seven years earlier than incomes a masters of occupational remedy, and labored as a pediatric and particular wants therapist for greater than 25 years
Developed and carried out a “Neighborhood Journey” program for youngsters who may stroll, bike, or use a wheelchair or motorized vehicle targeted on secure strolling in Bowling Inexperienced and surrounding communities
At the moment a member of BG SONG’s Transportation and Mobility Motion Staff
An lively biker and leisure walker who believes that accessible secure journey, no matter skills, enhances bodily, psychological, and social well being for everybody
Mike BurdenColumbia, MO
CEO of Native Movement in Columbia, Missouri
Moved to Columbia after graduating from faculty in 2000
Spent most of his profession as a social research trainer and coach
A each day bike commuter for 25 years, and just lately joined the crew at Native Movement to assist information their mission of making cities constructed for folks, the place it’s straightforward to stroll, bike, and experience transit, and everybody can get the place they need to go
Believes communities are extra linked when of us use lively transportation
Heather MontenguiseMaryville, MO
Joined the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments as a Neighborhood Planner in June 2025, serving Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Value counties in Northwest Missouri
Has pursued a number of coaching alternatives and took part in a wide range of conferences to bolster planning experience
Contributed as a grant author on quite a few initiatives targeted on bettering security alongside regional roadways, together with initiatives for roadway security schooling and bike and pedestrian security
Is enthusiastic about studying, skilled development, and championing communities
McKenzie OrtizColumbia, MO
McKenzie Ortiz is a transportation champion and digital organizer working to construct extra walkable communities for all
By means of grassroots organizing, civic management, and digital storytelling, McKenzie focuses on bettering entry to transportation and public areas for individuals who don’t drive
McKenzie is the founding father of Pedestrian Pleasure, Regional Social Producer for Courier Newsroom, former Advocacy Director at Native Movement, and serves as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner in Columbia, Missouri
Christy PearceMaryville, MO
Neighborhood planner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments.
Targeted on bettering security and high quality of life by way of transportation and group improvement
Work facilities on pedestrian and roadway security, public engagement, and regional collaboration, with an emphasis on creating walkable communities for all
Excited to see how the Strolling Faculty will assist form planning targets into packages and partnerships that make strolling safer and extra accessible for all
Monica ClarkNew Orleans, LA
New Orleans is “an incredible metropolis,” says Monica Clark
Believes the Strolling Faculty will function a continuation of a lifetime of civic engagement and group service
An election commissioner, neighborhood affiliation board member, a former 2nd District Police Neighborhood Advisory Board member, a former Americorp*Vista volunteer, a graduate of the Civic Engagement Academy of New Orleans, and a Louisiana Meals Fellow
“Anybody may be nice as a result of anybody can serve,” Monica says. “Folks have the ability and have to be self-centered simply sufficient to consider they’ll change the world.”
Emily DunhamIndianapolis, IN
REACH program director on the Marion County Public Well being Division in Indianapolis. REACH, a CDC cooperative settlement, goals to scale back persistent illness by growing entry to nutritious meals and inspiring bodily exercise by making strolling the simple and secure selection.
The Metropolis of Indianapolis has just lately handed a Imaginative and prescient Zero coverage, and Emily goals to align her work with the Imaginative and prescient Zero motion plan
Holds an MPH and has labored in public well being for 12 years, primarily specializing in persistent illness prevention, however “ran away to work within the subject of emergency drugs throughout the pandemic, of all occasions”
When not working, Emily may be discovered studying, gardening, and taking part in along with her two younger kids, two outdated canines, and “not so younger, not so outdated” husband
Sydney GranlundIndianapolis, IN
Planning and Collaboration Coordinator on the Marion County Public Well being Division, working on the intersection of public well being, city planning, and sustainability, selling a “well being in all insurance policies” strategy to governance and metropolis programming
Strives to be a “servant chief” and enthusiastic about breaking down departmental silos to boost well being and environmental planning efforts
A lifelong Hoosier who can be engaged on a grasp’s in public affairs whereas planning a June 2026 wedding ceremony
Chynell FreemanSacramento, CA
A primary-generation faculty graduate, in addition to a Gilman Scholar and 2025 Younger Local weather Chief of Shade
A Resilient Neighborhood Affiliate Planner with the Strategic Progress Council, and helps programming that funds community-led improvement and infrastructure initiatives that obtain main environmental, well being, and financial advantages in California’s most deprived communities
Beforehand labored with the Feminist Analysis Institute at UC Davis, conducting community-engaged analysis, and supported a number of initiatives targeted on power-shifting actions to handle systemic boundaries in metropolis planning and increasing entry to sources for all communities
Background in reasonably priced housing
Captivated with working with communities to amplify and uplift voices which have traditionally been not noted of the decision-making course of
Samantha MartinCloquet, MN
Public Well being Educator and Tribal Statewide Well being Enchancment Partnership Coordinator working carefully with group companions to strengthen wellness packages, assist wholesome residing, and enhance long-term well being outcomes
Emily MorrisonCloquet, MN
Works for Carlton County Public Well being and Human Companies as a Public Well being Educator
Serves because the Statewide Well being Enchancment Partnership Coordinator for Carlton County, implementing methods inside lively transportation and wholesome consuming.
Works on implementation of the Neighborhood Well being Enchancment Plan, specializing in weight problems prevention and methods to include lively transportation into each day routines.
Amanda RosebrockCloquet, MN
A group improvement planner within the Planning Division for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northeastern Minnesota
Works on transportation, trails, housing, strategic vitality planning, tourism, and a big number of initiatives and initiatives to assist safe sources for the Band’s Tribal Authorities and enterprises. The Fond du Lac Band collaborates with Carlton County frequently.
Grasp of Public Affairs and has a B.S. in industrial know-how, with an emphasis in development administration
Additionally a busy mother and chauffeur, with three youngsters on method too many aggressive sports activities groups
Farid Peiravian, Ph.D.Chicago, IL
Holds a bachelor of science, masters of science, and Ph.D. in civil engineering, in addition to a certificates in Geographic Info Techniques
Has a number of years of sensible expertise, a powerful basis in evaluation and design, and proficiency in a spread of industry-relevant software program instruments
Deeply enthusiastic about civil engineering and brings intensive information throughout its numerous subfields, with specific emphasis on sustainability, resilience, security, and accessibility
Energetic transportation is a main space of curiosity; Farid is dedicated to designing infrastructure that helps and encourages folks to undertake lively transportation as a sustainable and wholesome way of life selection
Martha PfisterAlton, IL
Represents the 2nd Ward on Metropolis Council in Alton, Illinois, (outdoors of St. Louis, Missouri, with a inhabitants of about 25,000)
Targeted on constructing a extra linked, community-centered metropolis by working to enhance sidewalk accessibility, shut gaps in Alton’s pedestrian community, and create safer streets by slowing site visitors for secure walkability
Particularly fascinated by studying the best way to lead efficient stroll audits and collaborate with residents to establish and implement significant adjustments to enhance livability and strengthen Alton’s neighborhoods
Serves as Growth Director for the In a single day Warming Places, a program of the Higher Alton Neighborhood Growth Company
Camille RandolphSacramento, CA
An Fairness Analyst on the Caltrans Director’s Workplace of Fairness and Tribal Affairs
Grasp’s diploma in Race, Ethnicity, and Battle, and brings a background in racial and environmental justice
Beforehand labored as a Program Analyst on the California Racial Fairness Fee, specializing in group engagement and communications, and served as an Government Fellow on the California Strategic Progress Council, main efforts on Tribal inclusion in aggressive grant packages, growing capability in state housing and transportation companies, and supporting group companions in accessing thousands and thousands in federal funding
Holds a B.A. in Worldwide Relations from UC Davis, and a Certificates in Utilized Coverage and Authorities from CSU Sacramento
Nicole Retland, Ph.D.Washington, D.C.
Founding father of EcoGen City Options, LLC, and Sleek Inexperienced Areas, a nonprofit targeted on connecting environmental work with group voice and lived expertise
Washington, D.C., resident for greater than 20 years
Educated as a microbiologist, Dr. Retland blends science, public well being, and a ardour for creating more healthy city environments
Ph.D. in microbiology from Howard College and a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the College of Michigan
Work is grounded in a easy perception: the most effective environmental options are each scientifically sound and formed by the communities they’re meant to serve
Particularly enthusiastic about creating neighborhoods the place folks really feel secure strolling, connecting, and having fun with inexperienced area. By means of Sleek Inexperienced Areas, leads the D.C. Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River, working alongside residents and companions to assist path improvement, activate native inexperienced areas, and enhance circumstances throughout the Anacostia watershed.
Hannah Mae SchaefferBoise, ID
Bicyclist and Pedestrian Program Coordinator on the Ada County Freeway District (ACHD), and Employees Advisor to the Pedestrian Advisory Group, a group physique guiding districtwide investments in strolling infrastructure throughout Ada County
Helps form lively transportation planning and programming for the Treasure Valley area of Idaho, working to advance safer streets and higher connections for individuals who stroll, bike, and roll throughout one of many fastest-growing areas within the nation
Earlier than becoming a member of ACHD, constructed a cross-sector profession spanning nonprofit management, public schooling, and group occasions and organizing
By means of the Strolling Faculty, intends to strengthen expertise for advancing pedestrian security and walkability in a quickly rising area, and to develop auditing methods for lively transportation
Oliver SkimboWilburton, OK
Father to 2 boys, Mason and Milo, and lifelong southeast Oklahoma resident dedicated to service and group
A Wilburton native, Japanese Oklahoma State Faculty alum, and Southeastern Oklahoma State College graduate in schooling
Oliver’s profession has spanned schooling, teaching, oil and fuel development, environmental stewardship, inspection, entrepreneurship, and public service
Grew up engaged on the household cattle ranch, constructing a powerful work ethic and deep appreciation for rural communities
At present, helps regional development and group improvement by way of the Kiamichi Financial Growth District of Oklahoma and Southeastern Regional Transportation Planning Group as a regional transportation planner serving 17 counties
Weston Hamilton StroudMacon, GA
Site visitors Security Supervisor for Macon-Bibb County, Georgia
Leads Imaginative and prescient Zero and Full Streets initiatives to enhance pedestrian security and walkability
A former transit planner who superior ADA compliance and first/last-mile connections that improved entry to transit for underserved riders
Brings private-sector development administration expertise from Piedmont Building Group
Serves as Co-Chair of Reimagining Civic Commons Macon, supporting community-driven public area enhancements
Work bridges transportation planning, capital mission supply, and group engagement to construct safer, extra linked neighborhoods
By means of the Strolling Faculty, intends to develop methods to strengthen pedestrian networks and equitable mobility
Margaret PethMacon, GA
Holds an MPA and is an city planning and coverage skilled enthusiastic about bettering high quality of life by way of the constructed setting
Intensive expertise in transportation planning, coverage evaluation, and advocacy on the native, state, and federal stage
Began profession in planning, working in land use and transportation planning with Macon Bibb County Planning and Zoning earlier than transitioning to public realm planning with the Macon Bibb County City Growth Authority
Vice chair with Bike Stroll Macon and an lively member of GPA’s Coverage and Advocacy Committee
Captivated with bettering well being and wellbeing by strengthening and advocating for human-centered transportation infrastructure
Kaylee PruittMacon, GA
Training and Engagement Supervisor at Bike Stroll Macon
Faucets a background in occasion planning and outreach to create partaking, interactive programming that advances the group’s mission
Robust ardour for group engagement, and dedication to secure, accessible transportation choices for all
An authorized League Biking Teacher, represents bicycle and pedestrian pursuits on the Macon Space Transportation Research Residents Advisory Committee, and serves as Chair of the Downtown Macon Neighborhood Affiliation
Renaldo WilsonAtlanta, GA
Over 20 years of expertise in the private and non-private well being sectors
Educational background spans jazz efficiency, train physiology, vitamin, and comparative Close to Japanese religions and philosophies, complemented by certifications in practical vitamin, diabetes schooling, prenatal/postpartum train, and corrective train strategies, amongst others
Has held management roles together with Program Director for NUPAC at New Mexico’s Division of Well being, Nationwide Fairness Engagement Officer for the Tobacco Management Community, and Well being Training Supervisor for the Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being
Additionally served as a Well being Educator, Cessation Specialist, and Medical Train Physiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and as an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks Faculty, instructing vitamin, train physiology, and world music and tradition
When not working, Renaldo may be discovered on the fitness center, having fun with espresso, taking part in saxophone, or watching films with household
Lesley JonesAugusta, Maine
At the moment Director of Public Works in Augusta, Maine, and has been in public works, together with oversight of highways, for almost 40 years
Licensed skilled engineer with a M.A. in enterprise administration
Purpose of bettering pedestrian security for Augusta, which has 19,000 residents, a lot of whom stroll, bike, or use different people-powered autos to achieve their locations
Be taught extra about a few of our current graduates’ successes from our current webinar:
