Thank you for visiting PA’s Women, Diversity and Inclusion webpage! On this page, you will get to “meet” the women who make this committee and it’s programs/projects possible. You will not only learn a little about them, but you will also discover where they are located in PA, the Trout Unlimited Chapter/Organization they belong to, so you can begin to reach out and connect. Each member is willing to assist you in your efforts to learn how to coordinate, plan and gather community involvement to implement “Women, Diversity and Inclusion” programs.

Amidea Daniel - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Co-chair
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Region & County - Northcentral Region - Clinton County
Her story – Amidea has been the Northcentral Region Education Specialist with PA Fish and Boat Commission for 12 years. She has also been a co-chair of the Statewide Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee alongside Kelly Williams for 3 years. Amidea was immersed in the outdoors at an early age, as she grew up fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring the natural world of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Ultimately, her love of the outdoors, led to a degree in Outdoor Resource Management from Lock Haven University, which eventually led her to her current position with the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Fly fishing has been catalyst for Amidea, her Husband and two children to explore and appreciate nature. She enjoys connecting people to nature, whether it’s through educational programs like Trout in the Classroom, or through recreational programs like fishing, intro to fly fishing etc. It’s fun to see the excitement when female anglers throw that first solid cast, hook their first fish or visibly connect with nature. She is excited to lead, alongside Kelly and all of the talented women on the Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to expand opportunities for women through more tailored programs. Reaching out and gaining new female instructors/ ambassadors is the only way to continue to expand, not only the excitement and reconnection to oneself and others, but also to help protect our resources for generations to come.
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Region & County - Northcentral Region - Clinton County
Her story – Amidea has been the Northcentral Region Education Specialist with PA Fish and Boat Commission for 12 years. She has also been a co-chair of the Statewide Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee alongside Kelly Williams for 3 years. Amidea was immersed in the outdoors at an early age, as she grew up fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring the natural world of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Ultimately, her love of the outdoors, led to a degree in Outdoor Resource Management from Lock Haven University, which eventually led her to her current position with the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Fly fishing has been catalyst for Amidea, her Husband and two children to explore and appreciate nature. She enjoys connecting people to nature, whether it’s through educational programs like Trout in the Classroom, or through recreational programs like fishing, intro to fly fishing etc. It’s fun to see the excitement when female anglers throw that first solid cast, hook their first fish or visibly connect with nature. She is excited to lead, alongside Kelly and all of the talented women on the Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to expand opportunities for women through more tailored programs. Reaching out and gaining new female instructors/ ambassadors is the only way to continue to expand, not only the excitement and reconnection to oneself and others, but also to help protect our resources for generations to come.

Kelly Williams - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Co-chair
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Clearfield County Conservation District, Allegheny Mountain Chapter of TU, Western Executive Vice President Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Drainage Delegate, Headwaters RC&D Council Treasurer
Region & County - Northwest Region - Clearfield & Jefferson Counties
Her Story - Kelly has been the Watershed Specialist with the Clearfield County Conservation District for over 12 years. She is also on the Boards of the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Headwaters RC&D Council, and Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited Western Executive Vice President with the PA Council of TU. She is a Certified Fishing Skills Instructor with the PA Fish and Boat Commission and also maintains the Fishing Tackle Loaner equipment at her office in Clearfield. She has a passion for conservation and loves the environment. This passion led to an Associate Degree in Wildlife Technology and a Bachelor Degree in Wildlife and Fishery Science from Penn State and ultimately her career as a Watershed Specialist. Kelly learned how to fish shortly after she learned how to walk and has enjoyed passing on her love of fishing and the environment ever since. When she's not working on watershed restoration she's fishing, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, gardening, or walking her dogs.
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Clearfield County Conservation District, Allegheny Mountain Chapter of TU, Western Executive Vice President Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Drainage Delegate, Headwaters RC&D Council Treasurer
Region & County - Northwest Region - Clearfield & Jefferson Counties
Her Story - Kelly has been the Watershed Specialist with the Clearfield County Conservation District for over 12 years. She is also on the Boards of the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Headwaters RC&D Council, and Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited Western Executive Vice President with the PA Council of TU. She is a Certified Fishing Skills Instructor with the PA Fish and Boat Commission and also maintains the Fishing Tackle Loaner equipment at her office in Clearfield. She has a passion for conservation and loves the environment. This passion led to an Associate Degree in Wildlife Technology and a Bachelor Degree in Wildlife and Fishery Science from Penn State and ultimately her career as a Watershed Specialist. Kelly learned how to fish shortly after she learned how to walk and has enjoyed passing on her love of fishing and the environment ever since. When she's not working on watershed restoration she's fishing, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, gardening, or walking her dogs.

Brenda Bittinger - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – President of the Tulpehocken Chapter TU, Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association (DVWFFA) Member
Region & County - Southeast Region - Berks County
Her Story - My fishing experience began as a child, pond fishing on my grandparents farm. About 25 years later I met my husband, who was kind enough to show me the basics of fly fishing and I haven't looked back. Wanting to learn more about the sport I joined our local TU Chapter and dove right into being involved. In 2018 I was voted the first woman President in the chapter and my goals have been to help the community understand what we do as a chapter and to connect people. Last fall I also began working at TCO Fly Shop in Reading, which has also taught me a ton about all different kinds of fish and fishing, but I'll still come back to an open stream with a fly rod, hunting for trout.
TU Chapter/Organization – President of the Tulpehocken Chapter TU, Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association (DVWFFA) Member
Region & County - Southeast Region - Berks County
Her Story - My fishing experience began as a child, pond fishing on my grandparents farm. About 25 years later I met my husband, who was kind enough to show me the basics of fly fishing and I haven't looked back. Wanting to learn more about the sport I joined our local TU Chapter and dove right into being involved. In 2018 I was voted the first woman President in the chapter and my goals have been to help the community understand what we do as a chapter and to connect people. Last fall I also began working at TCO Fly Shop in Reading, which has also taught me a ton about all different kinds of fish and fishing, but I'll still come back to an open stream with a fly rod, hunting for trout.

Ariadne Capotis - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – PA Steelhead Association Board of Directors, Northwest PA Chapter of TU, Northwest PATU Regional Vice President
Region & County - Northwest Region - Erie County
Her Story - Ariadne Capotis has been a lifelong outdoorswoman. Her mother can attest to removing her pockets to keep her from bringing the outside, inside. She has been a member of the PA Steelhead Association Board of Directors since Spring 2021. She has been a member of the Northwest Chapter of Trout Unlimited since 2019. She is a born and bred Erie native. Ariadne’s interest in fishing and the outdoors started in her childhood with summers spent fishing on the family boat. Both of her parents encouraged their children to spend as much time outside as possible. Ariadne first learned how to catch fish with Emerald Shiners and Nightcrawlers. Smelling like fish and fish bait has never bothered her! All things considered, it was her paternal grandfather, her Papou (Grandfather) Chris, that instilled her passion for fishing. In 2016, Ariadne graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in English with a minor in Economics. During her time at Allegheny, she was a member of the Women’s Golf Team, the Ski Club, and the Outing Club. The Allegheny College Outing Club is one of the six original East Coast outdoor enthusiast clubs. Upon finding her niche senior year, a roommate showed her and a few others that fly fishing the creeks of Lake Erie for Steelhead was a worthwhile endeavor. In the winter of 2017-18 she began fly fishing for Steelhead in earnest. As the weather morphed from Spring into Summer, she changed her target species in order to improve her fly fishing. She has voraciously read and researched where and how to chase stocked trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, native Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, Crappies, and her most favorite—the creek chub—ever since! Her boyfriend Daniel and their Giant Schnauzer, Tuukka, are her favorite fishing companions. In 2021 she began volunteering her time and knowledge teaching others how to fish. In the years prior, she had volunteered her time and energy on stream clean-ups, trail enhancements, and access appreciation projects with the PA Steelhead Association. She hopes to be a great addition to the Women’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She welcomes all to fish with her and Daniel during Steelhead season in Erie! Tuukka partakes in Spring Trout Season and Brook Trout expeditions only.
TU Chapter/Organization – PA Steelhead Association Board of Directors, Northwest PA Chapter of TU, Northwest PATU Regional Vice President
Region & County - Northwest Region - Erie County
Her Story - Ariadne Capotis has been a lifelong outdoorswoman. Her mother can attest to removing her pockets to keep her from bringing the outside, inside. She has been a member of the PA Steelhead Association Board of Directors since Spring 2021. She has been a member of the Northwest Chapter of Trout Unlimited since 2019. She is a born and bred Erie native. Ariadne’s interest in fishing and the outdoors started in her childhood with summers spent fishing on the family boat. Both of her parents encouraged their children to spend as much time outside as possible. Ariadne first learned how to catch fish with Emerald Shiners and Nightcrawlers. Smelling like fish and fish bait has never bothered her! All things considered, it was her paternal grandfather, her Papou (Grandfather) Chris, that instilled her passion for fishing. In 2016, Ariadne graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in English with a minor in Economics. During her time at Allegheny, she was a member of the Women’s Golf Team, the Ski Club, and the Outing Club. The Allegheny College Outing Club is one of the six original East Coast outdoor enthusiast clubs. Upon finding her niche senior year, a roommate showed her and a few others that fly fishing the creeks of Lake Erie for Steelhead was a worthwhile endeavor. In the winter of 2017-18 she began fly fishing for Steelhead in earnest. As the weather morphed from Spring into Summer, she changed her target species in order to improve her fly fishing. She has voraciously read and researched where and how to chase stocked trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, native Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, Crappies, and her most favorite—the creek chub—ever since! Her boyfriend Daniel and their Giant Schnauzer, Tuukka, are her favorite fishing companions. In 2021 she began volunteering her time and knowledge teaching others how to fish. In the years prior, she had volunteered her time and energy on stream clean-ups, trail enhancements, and access appreciation projects with the PA Steelhead Association. She hopes to be a great addition to the Women’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She welcomes all to fish with her and Daniel during Steelhead season in Erie! Tuukka partakes in Spring Trout Season and Brook Trout expeditions only.

Rosangela (Hose) Freitas/Charlesworth - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Lackawanna Valley TU and the NEPA Fly Girls
Region & County - Northeast Pennsylvania
Her Story - Women’s angler group Northeast Pennsylvania Fly Girls provides fly-fishing education and opportunities in the region. Affiliated with the state Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited and its Lackawanna Valley chapter, the group aims to encourage women’s interest in the sport, educate and spread the word about conservation of natural resources at home and beyond, and demonstrate how fun fly fishing can be.
For Rosangela Charlesworth, a director of NEPA Fly Girls, the group was a place to call her own. Growing up in Brazil, Charlesworth said there was no fly fishing at that time, but now she goes there with her husband, Charles, once or twice a year for fly fishing in fresh and salt waters after he encouraged her to take up the sport.
“Charlie took me out fishing, and I started fine tuning my skills, but it wasn’t until I caught my first trout on a fly that I tied myself that I became hooked — pardon the pun,” she said. “I have been (fly fishing) all over the Western Hemisphere since then.”
Charles Charlesworth is a huge fly-fishing enthusiast who has hosted a cable TV fly-fishing show and has fly fished all over the world. When they married, he suggested she learn the sport so they could spend time together and, since she also was a photographer, she could join the crew to shoot some pictures. Rosangela Charlesworth took introductory courses at A&G Outfitters, Dickson City, and several fly-tying lessons at A.A. Outfitters, Blakeslee, under the direction of renown fly-tier Stanley Cooper Jr.
In 2014, when her husband served as Trout Unlimited president, he spoke at an industry convention and mentioned the growth of minorities and women participating in the sport. In the past decade alone, the number of women had quadrupled. When the couple returned home, they realized that women in fly fishing were underrepresented in NEPA, and Rosangela Charlesworth then reached out to all the regional chapters and asked for the names of their female members.
“I told them I would like to get all of them together to represent NEPA, and that’s what I did,” she said. “Each year since then we have grown.”
Co-chair Cara Sutherland inspired the name of the group, which accepts all skill levels. While the group has a single-gender purpose, everyone is welcome (Fly Girls only asks that each member also belong to Trout Unlimited). Today, in addition to those from the Lackawanna Valley chapter, the group includes women anglers from the Stanley Cooper chapter in Luzerne County and the Pike/Wayne County chapter.
The demographics of the chapter are changing quickly as well, Rosangela Charlesworth said, thanks to the surge of the Trout Unlimited Women’s Initiative, which has morphed into the Women’s and Diversity Initiative, for which Rosangela Charlesworth serves as regional chairwoman. It aims to bring together fly fishers from all different ethnicities and backgrounds, and she also wanted to bring in women who enjoyed similar interests but maybe felt intimidated by the male-dominated sport or didn’t feel like they had a place in the fly-fishing world. Charlesworth learned other women were looking for someone to fish with or someone to learn from.
“I really enjoy the camaraderie of other women fishing together on our group trips,” she said.
TU Chapter/Organization – Lackawanna Valley TU and the NEPA Fly Girls
Region & County - Northeast Pennsylvania
Her Story - Women’s angler group Northeast Pennsylvania Fly Girls provides fly-fishing education and opportunities in the region. Affiliated with the state Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited and its Lackawanna Valley chapter, the group aims to encourage women’s interest in the sport, educate and spread the word about conservation of natural resources at home and beyond, and demonstrate how fun fly fishing can be.
For Rosangela Charlesworth, a director of NEPA Fly Girls, the group was a place to call her own. Growing up in Brazil, Charlesworth said there was no fly fishing at that time, but now she goes there with her husband, Charles, once or twice a year for fly fishing in fresh and salt waters after he encouraged her to take up the sport.
“Charlie took me out fishing, and I started fine tuning my skills, but it wasn’t until I caught my first trout on a fly that I tied myself that I became hooked — pardon the pun,” she said. “I have been (fly fishing) all over the Western Hemisphere since then.”
Charles Charlesworth is a huge fly-fishing enthusiast who has hosted a cable TV fly-fishing show and has fly fished all over the world. When they married, he suggested she learn the sport so they could spend time together and, since she also was a photographer, she could join the crew to shoot some pictures. Rosangela Charlesworth took introductory courses at A&G Outfitters, Dickson City, and several fly-tying lessons at A.A. Outfitters, Blakeslee, under the direction of renown fly-tier Stanley Cooper Jr.
In 2014, when her husband served as Trout Unlimited president, he spoke at an industry convention and mentioned the growth of minorities and women participating in the sport. In the past decade alone, the number of women had quadrupled. When the couple returned home, they realized that women in fly fishing were underrepresented in NEPA, and Rosangela Charlesworth then reached out to all the regional chapters and asked for the names of their female members.
“I told them I would like to get all of them together to represent NEPA, and that’s what I did,” she said. “Each year since then we have grown.”
Co-chair Cara Sutherland inspired the name of the group, which accepts all skill levels. While the group has a single-gender purpose, everyone is welcome (Fly Girls only asks that each member also belong to Trout Unlimited). Today, in addition to those from the Lackawanna Valley chapter, the group includes women anglers from the Stanley Cooper chapter in Luzerne County and the Pike/Wayne County chapter.
The demographics of the chapter are changing quickly as well, Rosangela Charlesworth said, thanks to the surge of the Trout Unlimited Women’s Initiative, which has morphed into the Women’s and Diversity Initiative, for which Rosangela Charlesworth serves as regional chairwoman. It aims to bring together fly fishers from all different ethnicities and backgrounds, and she also wanted to bring in women who enjoyed similar interests but maybe felt intimidated by the male-dominated sport or didn’t feel like they had a place in the fly-fishing world. Charlesworth learned other women were looking for someone to fish with or someone to learn from.
“I really enjoy the camaraderie of other women fishing together on our group trips,” she said.

Laura Colangelo - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/ Organization - Shehawken Chapter, DVWFFA Board of Directors, WDI Committee Member
Region - Northeast Region/Catskills
Her Story - Laura has been an undeniable trout bum since the first rainbow she caught on the fly several years ago. Since then, she has completely immersed herself in everything the sport has to offer; from the bugs to the gear. The passion Laura has for fly fishing is due in part to a strong group of mentors that she has fallen into from day one; and she knows the immense impact that mentors and comradery can have on oneself. Laura is an active board member of the DVWFFA, member of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild and has worked with Casting for Recovery and The Mayfly Project. When not on the river finding trout, she enjoys upland hunting, tying traditional Catskill flies and reading.
TU Chapter/ Organization - Shehawken Chapter, DVWFFA Board of Directors, WDI Committee Member
Region - Northeast Region/Catskills
Her Story - Laura has been an undeniable trout bum since the first rainbow she caught on the fly several years ago. Since then, she has completely immersed herself in everything the sport has to offer; from the bugs to the gear. The passion Laura has for fly fishing is due in part to a strong group of mentors that she has fallen into from day one; and she knows the immense impact that mentors and comradery can have on oneself. Laura is an active board member of the DVWFFA, member of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild and has worked with Casting for Recovery and The Mayfly Project. When not on the river finding trout, she enjoys upland hunting, tying traditional Catskill flies and reading.

Brittney Hartzell – PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Columbia County chapter of Trout Unlimited
Region & County – Northeastern/Central PA, Columbia County
Her Story – Brittney grew up exploring the woods and creek in her backyard and developed a passion for the natural world at a young age. Her love for nature led her to a B.S. in Environmental Science and she is currently working towards an M.S. in Natural Resources where she is focusing on ecological restoration. She is a former Watershed Specialist with the Columbia County Conservation District and is currently working as a Forester for the American Forest Foundation. She joined the PA TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative in 2021 and is excited to help other women get “hooked” on fishing and caring for our waterways! While Brittney enjoys fishing for trout on occasion, she prefers slinging a medium-heavy baitcaster at local ponds and lakes for big bass.
TU Chapter/Organization – Columbia County chapter of Trout Unlimited
Region & County – Northeastern/Central PA, Columbia County
Her Story – Brittney grew up exploring the woods and creek in her backyard and developed a passion for the natural world at a young age. Her love for nature led her to a B.S. in Environmental Science and she is currently working towards an M.S. in Natural Resources where she is focusing on ecological restoration. She is a former Watershed Specialist with the Columbia County Conservation District and is currently working as a Forester for the American Forest Foundation. She joined the PA TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative in 2021 and is excited to help other women get “hooked” on fishing and caring for our waterways! While Brittney enjoys fishing for trout on occasion, she prefers slinging a medium-heavy baitcaster at local ponds and lakes for big bass.

Bobby Hughes - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Member
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Stanley Cooper Chapter TU-Member and former Board of Director; Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR)- Executive Director
His Story-
Bobby Hughes- Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) since May of 1997. Originally helped to charter the organization in 1995, while coordinating the first Anthracite Region State-wide Conference on Abandoned Mine Reclamation at Wilkes University in June of 1996. He coordinates abandoned mine land reclamation projects, mine water pollution remediation projects, watershed restoration efforts throughout Northeastern and Northcentral PA's coalfield communities, conducts environmental education programs with his Staff in underserved school districts in the region.
He provides technical and grant writing assistance to municipalities, community groups, watershed associations, Conservation Districts, local governments, regional non-profits, and offers professional services, GIS mapping of surface and underground mine mapping, and coordination of illegal dumping site cleanups on abandoned mine lands, such as Centralia.
Contact: [email protected]
TU Chapter/Organization – Stanley Cooper Chapter TU-Member and former Board of Director; Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR)- Executive Director
His Story-
Bobby Hughes- Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) since May of 1997. Originally helped to charter the organization in 1995, while coordinating the first Anthracite Region State-wide Conference on Abandoned Mine Reclamation at Wilkes University in June of 1996. He coordinates abandoned mine land reclamation projects, mine water pollution remediation projects, watershed restoration efforts throughout Northeastern and Northcentral PA's coalfield communities, conducts environmental education programs with his Staff in underserved school districts in the region.
He provides technical and grant writing assistance to municipalities, community groups, watershed associations, Conservation Districts, local governments, regional non-profits, and offers professional services, GIS mapping of surface and underground mine mapping, and coordination of illegal dumping site cleanups on abandoned mine lands, such as Centralia.

Bobby is a local co-author of book entitled, Grassroots to Global: Broader Impacts of Civic Ecology (Cornell University Press-2018) and a children's activity book entitled, The AMD Avengers vs. The Pollution Posse (available for free online on EPCAMR's website in PDF format-2005). He has appeared in numerous shorts and documentaries on abandoned mine reclamation, mine drainage pollution, historic preservation of the Anthracite Region's History (Beyond the Breaker, Reclaiming PA!, Scorched: Mine Fires in PA's Coal Country, and King in the Mountain).
Nationally, Bobby has been asked and testified before Congress and their House Natural Resources Committee on abandoned mine reclamation, innovative mine water treatment technology, economic development and job creation opportunities, and to discuss solutions and to advocate for the need for funding for reclamation and restoration of our land and waterways impacted by abandoned mine lands.
He maintains a Trout in the Classroom Tank in his EPCAMR Office. He's a Fishing Skills Instructor, administers a Loaner Tackle Program at the EPCAMR Office in Ashely, PA, is an L1C Coordinator and Lead Observer for the North American Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC), and has written several Coldwater Conservation Plans for AMD impacted watersheds for the PA Council of Trout Unlimited under the Coldwater Heritage Program.
Bobby has 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Tara, that he met in junior high school and are now going on 28 years.
Nationally, Bobby has been asked and testified before Congress and their House Natural Resources Committee on abandoned mine reclamation, innovative mine water treatment technology, economic development and job creation opportunities, and to discuss solutions and to advocate for the need for funding for reclamation and restoration of our land and waterways impacted by abandoned mine lands.
He maintains a Trout in the Classroom Tank in his EPCAMR Office. He's a Fishing Skills Instructor, administers a Loaner Tackle Program at the EPCAMR Office in Ashely, PA, is an L1C Coordinator and Lead Observer for the North American Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC), and has written several Coldwater Conservation Plans for AMD impacted watersheds for the PA Council of Trout Unlimited under the Coldwater Heritage Program.
Bobby has 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Tara, that he met in junior high school and are now going on 28 years.

Rachel Kester - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Allegheny Chapter of Trout Unlimited/Program Director for the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited/ Coldwater Heritage Partnership
Region & County - Northwest Region - Clearfield County
Her Story - Rachel was hired as the Program Director for the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited in October 2019. As Program Director, Rachel oversees the Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program – a collaboration between the PA Council of Trout Unlimited, the PA Department of Conservation and Recreation, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds to provide funding for planning and implementation of conservation projects across the Commonwealth that protect and enhance coldwater ecosystems with a focus on conserving wild trout resources. In addition, Rachel also acts as the Trout in the Classroom Coordinator for PATU, working with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, teachers, TU chapters, and other program partners to support TIC tanks across the state.
Prior to coming to PATU, Rachel worked for National TU’s PA Coldwater Habitat Program for over ten years, primarily focusing on abandoned mine drainage restoration in Central PA. She was the watershed specialist for Clearfield County for three years prior to that. She has a BS in Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology from Lock Haven University. While she does fish occasionally, Rachel’s primary focus over the years has been to build community support for watershed conservation and restoration while completing on-the-ground conservation projects. She believes there is a place at the table for everyone who wishes to help protect, enhance, and conserve wild trout populations and the watersheds on which they depend.
TU Chapter/Organization – Allegheny Chapter of Trout Unlimited/Program Director for the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited/ Coldwater Heritage Partnership
Region & County - Northwest Region - Clearfield County
Her Story - Rachel was hired as the Program Director for the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited in October 2019. As Program Director, Rachel oversees the Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program – a collaboration between the PA Council of Trout Unlimited, the PA Department of Conservation and Recreation, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds to provide funding for planning and implementation of conservation projects across the Commonwealth that protect and enhance coldwater ecosystems with a focus on conserving wild trout resources. In addition, Rachel also acts as the Trout in the Classroom Coordinator for PATU, working with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, teachers, TU chapters, and other program partners to support TIC tanks across the state.
Prior to coming to PATU, Rachel worked for National TU’s PA Coldwater Habitat Program for over ten years, primarily focusing on abandoned mine drainage restoration in Central PA. She was the watershed specialist for Clearfield County for three years prior to that. She has a BS in Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology from Lock Haven University. While she does fish occasionally, Rachel’s primary focus over the years has been to build community support for watershed conservation and restoration while completing on-the-ground conservation projects. She believes there is a place at the table for everyone who wishes to help protect, enhance, and conserve wild trout populations and the watersheds on which they depend.

Kelley Kirsch - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Lancaster Fly Girls
Region & County- South Central- Lancaster County
Kelley is unyielding in her commitment to seek out adventure, move through life with equal parts grit and grace and weave her fly-fishing passion into the everyday. Born in South Central Pennsylvania, Kelley later moved to Arizona to become an Arizona State University Sundevil graduate and lived in the southwest for 10 years before returning to her roots to raise a family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she currently resides. Professionally, Kelley has owned a business in the construction sector for the past 15 years, specializing in business development and human resource management. Kelley is intentional in giving back to her local community having served many years as a nonprofit board member for the Lancaster Early Education Center. By giving people a hand up through subsidized quality education for children, they are working to break the cycle of poverty for families. Founder of Lancaster Fly Girls, she has purposefully cultivated a community of women who share in her passion for fly fishing and ensuring equity for her like-minded comrades. Kelley works tirelessly to create an engaging environment to champion women who seek to live their best lives on and off the water.
TU Chapter/Organization – Lancaster Fly Girls
Region & County- South Central- Lancaster County
Kelley is unyielding in her commitment to seek out adventure, move through life with equal parts grit and grace and weave her fly-fishing passion into the everyday. Born in South Central Pennsylvania, Kelley later moved to Arizona to become an Arizona State University Sundevil graduate and lived in the southwest for 10 years before returning to her roots to raise a family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she currently resides. Professionally, Kelley has owned a business in the construction sector for the past 15 years, specializing in business development and human resource management. Kelley is intentional in giving back to her local community having served many years as a nonprofit board member for the Lancaster Early Education Center. By giving people a hand up through subsidized quality education for children, they are working to break the cycle of poverty for families. Founder of Lancaster Fly Girls, she has purposefully cultivated a community of women who share in her passion for fly fishing and ensuring equity for her like-minded comrades. Kelley works tirelessly to create an engaging environment to champion women who seek to live their best lives on and off the water.

Steph Kuhn - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – John Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited & Trout In the Classroom
Region & County - Southcentral Region - Blair County
Her Story - Steph joined the Pennsylvania TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative from participating in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) outreach program for schools. As a member of her local Trout Unlimited chapter, she is active in conservation efforts in her community. In her TU chapter, she serves as the chairperson for Women and Diversity. Steph also assists in fly fishing introduction courses offered to women through the PA Fish and Boat Commission. She has been fishing since childhood but has advanced her fishing skills to include fly fishing in recent years. Though she does a variety of fishing year round, most often you will find her hiking to a small stream to fish for native brook trout; which combines her passions for fishing and being active in nature.
TU Chapter/Organization – John Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited & Trout In the Classroom
Region & County - Southcentral Region - Blair County
Her Story - Steph joined the Pennsylvania TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative from participating in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) outreach program for schools. As a member of her local Trout Unlimited chapter, she is active in conservation efforts in her community. In her TU chapter, she serves as the chairperson for Women and Diversity. Steph also assists in fly fishing introduction courses offered to women through the PA Fish and Boat Commission. She has been fishing since childhood but has advanced her fishing skills to include fly fishing in recent years. Though she does a variety of fishing year round, most often you will find her hiking to a small stream to fish for native brook trout; which combines her passions for fishing and being active in nature.

Lydia Martin - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited & Communications Chair
Region & County – Southeastern Pennsylvania - Lancaster County
Her Story – Lydia joined the Pennsylvania TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative as a member of the Donegal Trout Unlimited. As a member of her local TU Chapter she is active in their Conservation Committee focused on stream restoration projects, and outreach to landowners, farmers, and the community, expanding Trout in the Classroom in underrepresented schools, and writing grants to advance chapter activities in Lancaster County. She also serves as the chairperson for her TU Chapter’s Communications Committee.
Lydia’s first love is helping people, especially underrepresented people, learn more about coldwater conservation. She is a budding fly angler and is thankful to be surrounded by amazing women who love fly fishing, and teaching newbies. She enjoys empowering all generations to protect, reconnect, restore, and sustain coldwater fisheries, and their watersheds in Lancaster County.
She loves to garden, teach people how to design and care for native, and ecological friendly landscapes, forage for wild foods, hike Pennsylvania trails, and help manage land to increase wildlife diversity on the ground and in the water.
She is passionate about promoting access and education about trails, green space, and waterways in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Lydia enjoys sharing nature with family, friends, neighbors, and helping communities protect and restore native plant and wildlife friendly habitat. She manages 9+ acres of green space (“Hidden Valley”) with her family in southern Lancaster County.
Her achievements include the 2019 Penn Future’s Woman of Environmental Education Award dedicated to educating her community about sustainability and environmental policy and the 2021 Lancaster County Community Foundation Baldwin Leadership Award to advance women and diverse voices of conservation. She is active on multiple advisory and stakeholder committees: Board Chair on the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Trails Advisory Committee, Martic Township Trails Advisory Committee, Community Conservation Committee (C3)-Lancaster & York, Governor's Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania, and PA Council of Trout Unlimited Women’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She also serves as a mentor for the Young Professionals of Color through the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and role model for the annual Millersville University Women in Mathematics, Science and Technology Conference.
TU Chapter/Organization – Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited & Communications Chair
Region & County – Southeastern Pennsylvania - Lancaster County
Her Story – Lydia joined the Pennsylvania TU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative as a member of the Donegal Trout Unlimited. As a member of her local TU Chapter she is active in their Conservation Committee focused on stream restoration projects, and outreach to landowners, farmers, and the community, expanding Trout in the Classroom in underrepresented schools, and writing grants to advance chapter activities in Lancaster County. She also serves as the chairperson for her TU Chapter’s Communications Committee.
Lydia’s first love is helping people, especially underrepresented people, learn more about coldwater conservation. She is a budding fly angler and is thankful to be surrounded by amazing women who love fly fishing, and teaching newbies. She enjoys empowering all generations to protect, reconnect, restore, and sustain coldwater fisheries, and their watersheds in Lancaster County.
She loves to garden, teach people how to design and care for native, and ecological friendly landscapes, forage for wild foods, hike Pennsylvania trails, and help manage land to increase wildlife diversity on the ground and in the water.
She is passionate about promoting access and education about trails, green space, and waterways in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Lydia enjoys sharing nature with family, friends, neighbors, and helping communities protect and restore native plant and wildlife friendly habitat. She manages 9+ acres of green space (“Hidden Valley”) with her family in southern Lancaster County.
Her achievements include the 2019 Penn Future’s Woman of Environmental Education Award dedicated to educating her community about sustainability and environmental policy and the 2021 Lancaster County Community Foundation Baldwin Leadership Award to advance women and diverse voices of conservation. She is active on multiple advisory and stakeholder committees: Board Chair on the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Trails Advisory Committee, Martic Township Trails Advisory Committee, Community Conservation Committee (C3)-Lancaster & York, Governor's Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania, and PA Council of Trout Unlimited Women’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She also serves as a mentor for the Young Professionals of Color through the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and role model for the annual Millersville University Women in Mathematics, Science and Technology Conference.

Tracey McAfoos - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Allegheny Moutain Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Region & County - Northwest Region - Jefferson County
Her Story - Tracey is a Pa Fish and Boat fishing skills instructor, board member on Allegheny Mountain chapter of TU, and a member on the Women and Diversity committee. Tracey is a competitor in the National Fly fishing League. Last but not least she is an instructor and board member for the Team USA youth Reel Girl’s program. Tracey enjoys as much time on the water when she is not in the salon! Balancing the world of hair and fishing❤️
TU Chapter/Organization – Allegheny Moutain Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Region & County - Northwest Region - Jefferson County
Her Story - Tracey is a Pa Fish and Boat fishing skills instructor, board member on Allegheny Mountain chapter of TU, and a member on the Women and Diversity committee. Tracey is a competitor in the National Fly fishing League. Last but not least she is an instructor and board member for the Team USA youth Reel Girl’s program. Tracey enjoys as much time on the water when she is not in the salon! Balancing the world of hair and fishing❤️

Marybeth Norton - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Trout Unlimited
Region & County - Southcentral Region
Her Story - Marybeth has been fly fishing since she was 9 yrs old. She joined Trout Unlimited 5 yrs ago and recently became a member of the PATU Women, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of PA and is a volunteer PFBC Fly fishing Instructor.
TU Chapter/Organization – Trout Unlimited
Region & County - Southcentral Region
Her Story - Marybeth has been fly fishing since she was 9 yrs old. She joined Trout Unlimited 5 yrs ago and recently became a member of the PATU Women, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of PA and is a volunteer PFBC Fly fishing Instructor.

Heather Purvin - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion committee member
TU Chapter/Organization - Bucks County TU and Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association
Region/County - Southeast Region/Philadelphia
Her Story - Heather began fly fishing in 2017 to spend more time with her brother and young nephew. She joined the Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association and, after several years on the board, has stepped into the role of club president. She enjoys the challenge of matching hatches on the spring-fed Central PA creeks and the technical waters of the Catskills where she caught her very first wild trout on the fly. Heather has led fly tying sessions for women throughout North America (virtually and in person), ties custom fly orders and donates hundreds of flies per year to youth, veteran and charity events. She teaches women's FF101 and STREAM Girls programming and is a Fishing Skills Instructor for the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Heather lives in Northeast Philadelphia where she has a daily view of the tidal Delaware River and works in the field of organ and tissue donation. She also enjoys blues music, bourbon, cigars and camping.
TU Chapter/Organization - Bucks County TU and Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association
Region/County - Southeast Region/Philadelphia
Her Story - Heather began fly fishing in 2017 to spend more time with her brother and young nephew. She joined the Delaware Valley Women's Fly Fishing Association and, after several years on the board, has stepped into the role of club president. She enjoys the challenge of matching hatches on the spring-fed Central PA creeks and the technical waters of the Catskills where she caught her very first wild trout on the fly. Heather has led fly tying sessions for women throughout North America (virtually and in person), ties custom fly orders and donates hundreds of flies per year to youth, veteran and charity events. She teaches women's FF101 and STREAM Girls programming and is a Fishing Skills Instructor for the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Heather lives in Northeast Philadelphia where she has a daily view of the tidal Delaware River and works in the field of organ and tissue donation. She also enjoys blues music, bourbon, cigars and camping.
Claudia Reed - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Certified Fishing Skills Instructor for Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Certified Angling Instructor and Director Boy Scouts of America
Region & County - Southwest Region - Cambria County
Her Story - Claudia has been fly fishing since her college days, with her husband Carl. Now retired, they have volunteered for Fish & Boat Commission classes and family fishing events, as well as Boy Scouts CAI classes and council fishing for youth events.
TU Chapter/Organization – Certified Fishing Skills Instructor for Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Certified Angling Instructor and Director Boy Scouts of America
Region & County - Southwest Region - Cambria County
Her Story - Claudia has been fly fishing since her college days, with her husband Carl. Now retired, they have volunteered for Fish & Boat Commission classes and family fishing events, as well as Boy Scouts CAI classes and council fishing for youth events.

Emily Shosh - Communications and Outreach Advisor, Potter County Conservation District
Chapter/Organizations – God’s Country TU, Potter County and PAEE, Northcentral Region
Region & County - Potter County, Northcentral PA
Her Story - Emily is a passionate environmental educator and lifelong learner. Some of her greatest fulfillment in life is derived from helping others feel a connection and appreciation for nature and encouraging the curiosity and wonder that comes with it.
Emily has been living and working in Northcentral Pennsylvania for four years and has been forging ties with the area since arriving in 2011 for her undergraduate degrees from Mansfield University. She also received her Master of Education in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock in 2021. Emily has worked for the Potter County Conservation District for nearly four years, and prior to that was a naturalist and educator for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. Emily has also worked as a seasonal outdoor education intern for PA DCNR State Parks, specifically the Hills Creek Complex of Tioga and Potter Counties. Emily is also a member of the PA Association of Environmental Educators and serves on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Her professional and personal connections with nature can all be drawn back to her first experiences in the outdoors – childhood wandering and fishing with family. Thus, it is her life’s work to promote and facilitate the importance of experiential outdoor learning and growing, in the hopes that a seed of appreciation and love for the outdoors will be planted in others, too.
Chapter/Organizations – God’s Country TU, Potter County and PAEE, Northcentral Region
Region & County - Potter County, Northcentral PA
Her Story - Emily is a passionate environmental educator and lifelong learner. Some of her greatest fulfillment in life is derived from helping others feel a connection and appreciation for nature and encouraging the curiosity and wonder that comes with it.
Emily has been living and working in Northcentral Pennsylvania for four years and has been forging ties with the area since arriving in 2011 for her undergraduate degrees from Mansfield University. She also received her Master of Education in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock in 2021. Emily has worked for the Potter County Conservation District for nearly four years, and prior to that was a naturalist and educator for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. Emily has also worked as a seasonal outdoor education intern for PA DCNR State Parks, specifically the Hills Creek Complex of Tioga and Potter Counties. Emily is also a member of the PA Association of Environmental Educators and serves on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Her professional and personal connections with nature can all be drawn back to her first experiences in the outdoors – childhood wandering and fishing with family. Thus, it is her life’s work to promote and facilitate the importance of experiential outdoor learning and growing, in the hopes that a seed of appreciation and love for the outdoors will be planted in others, too.

Judy Sittler - PATU Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
TU Chapter/Organization – Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Chair of the PATU Youth Education Committee
Region & County - Northcentral Region - Centre County
Her Story - I started fishing with a man who did everything for me. Then I joined a group of women that were learning to fly fish. Now I give fly fishing tips to the men in my life.
TU Chapter/Organization – Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Chair of the PATU Youth Education Committee
Region & County - Northcentral Region - Centre County
Her Story - I started fishing with a man who did everything for me. Then I joined a group of women that were learning to fly fish. Now I give fly fishing tips to the men in my life.