The 2026 Walking College fellowship is underway! This year’s cohort includes 24 impressive fellows representing a spectrum of geographies, experiences, and professional backgrounds, who are well on their way to becoming more skilled at creating meaningful change in their communities.
The National Walking College is generously funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in support of its Active People, Healthy Nation℠ initiative, which has a goal of helping 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.
Learn more about this year’s fellows:
2026 Fellows
Debra Thompson
Bowling Green, OH
- A community-minded learner based in Bowling Green, where Bowling Green State University plays a central role in local life
- Has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 26 years and has used a power wheelchair for the past six
- Brings a thoughtful and lived perspective to the Walking College
- Especially interested in accessibility and improving sidewalk infrastructure
- Values conversation, observation, and shared learning as tools for change, and is eager to connect with others to help create more walkable spaces for everyone
Zach Hayes
Bowling Green, OH
- Bowling Green State University Sustainability Coordinator, born and raised in Pinckney, Michigan
- Graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with Honors and a Bachelor of Science in Energy & Sustainable Systems and a Minor in City and Regional Planning
- During undergrad, served as a Newman Civic Engagement Fellow, founded the UM-Flint chapter of the Food Recovery Network and acted as the Future Urban and Environmental Leaders (FUEL) President, in total serving more than 1,000 volunteer hours
- After graduation, performed GIS and water quality sampling research during the Flint Water Crisis
- Served two years in AmeriCorps with the City of Flint, and later conducted research with Michigan State Extension using the Neighborhood Inventory for Environmental Typology (NIfETy) assessment of environmental factors
- Earned his M.S. in Applied Geospatial Science at BGSU
Rodna Bordner
Bowling Green, OH
- Taught for seven years before earning a masters of occupational therapy, and worked as a pediatric and special needs therapist for more than 25 years
- Developed and implemented a “Community Travel” program for children who could walk, bike, or use a wheelchair or motor vehicle focused on safe walking in Bowling Green and surrounding communities
- Currently a member of BG SONG’s Transportation and Mobility Action Team
- An active biker and leisure walker who believes that available safe travel, regardless of abilities, enhances physical, mental, and social health for everyone
Mike Burden
Columbia, MO
- CEO of Local Motion in Columbia, Missouri
- Moved to Columbia after graduating from college in 2000
- Spent most of his career as a social studies teacher and coach
- A daily bike commuter for 25 years, and recently joined the team at Local Motion to help guide their mission of creating towns built for people, where it’s easy to walk, bike, and ride transit, and everyone can get where they want to go
- Believes communities are more connected when folks use active transportation
Heather Montenguise
Maryville, MO
- Joined the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments as a Community Planner in June 2025, serving Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties in Northwest Missouri
- Has pursued multiple training opportunities and participated in a variety of conferences to bolster planning expertise
- Contributed as a grant writer on numerous projects focused on improving safety along regional roadways, including initiatives for roadway safety education and bike and pedestrian safety
- Is passionate about learning, professional growth, and championing communities
McKenzie Ortiz
Columbia, MO
- McKenzie Ortiz is a transportation champion and digital organizer working to build more walkable communities for all
- Through grassroots organizing, civic leadership, and digital storytelling, McKenzie focuses on improving access to transportation and public spaces for people who do not drive
- McKenzie is the founder of Pedestrian Pride, Regional Social Producer for Courier Newsroom, former Advocacy Director at Local Motion, and serves as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner in Columbia, Missouri
Christy Pearce
Maryville, MO
- Community planner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments.
- Focused on improving safety and quality of life through transportation and community development
- Work centers on pedestrian and roadway safety, public engagement, and regional collaboration, with an emphasis on creating walkable communities for all
- Excited to see how the Walking College will help shape planning goals into programs and partnerships that make walking safer and more accessible for all
Monica Clark
New Orleans, LA
- New Orleans is “a great city,” says Monica Clark
- Believes the Walking College will serve as a continuation of a lifetime of civic engagement and community service
- An election commissioner, neighborhood association board member, a former 2nd District Police Community Advisory Board member, a former Americorp*Vista volunteer, a graduate of the Civic Engagement Academy of New Orleans, and a Louisiana Food Fellow
- “Anyone can be great because anyone can serve,” Monica says. “People have the power and need to be self-centered just enough to believe they can change the world.”
Emily Dunham
Indianapolis, IN
- REACH program director at the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis. REACH, a CDC cooperative agreement, aims to reduce chronic disease by increasing access to nutritious foods and encouraging physical activity by making walking the easy and safe choice.
- The City of Indianapolis has recently passed a Vision Zero policy, and Emily aims to align her work with the Vision Zero action plan
- Holds an MPH and has worked in public health for 12 years, mainly focusing on chronic disease prevention, but “ran away to work in the field of emergency medicine during the pandemic, of all times”
- When not working, Emily can be found reading, gardening, and playing with her two young children, two old dogs, and “not so young, not so old” husband
Sydney Granlund
Indianapolis, IN
- Planning and Collaboration Coordinator at the Marion County Public Health Department, working at the intersection of public health, urban planning, and sustainability, promoting a “health in all policies” approach to governance and city programming
- Strives to be a “servant leader” and passionate about breaking down departmental silos to enhance health and environmental planning efforts
- A lifelong Hoosier who is also working on a master’s in public affairs while planning a June 2026 wedding
Chynell Freeman
Sacramento, CA
- A first-generation college graduate, as well as a Gilman Scholar and 2025 Young Climate Leader of Color
- A Resilient Community Associate Planner with the Strategic Growth Council, and supports programming that funds community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and economic benefits in California’s most disadvantaged communities
- Previously worked with the Feminist Research Institute at UC Davis, conducting community-engaged research, and supported multiple projects focused on power-shifting activities to address systemic barriers in city planning and expanding access to resources for all communities
- Background in affordable housing
- Passionate about working with communities to amplify and uplift voices that have historically been left out of the decision-making process
Samantha Martin
Cloquet, MN
- Public Health Educator and Tribal Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator working closely with community partners to strengthen wellness programs, support healthy living, and improve long-term health outcomes
Emily Morrison
Cloquet, MN
- Works for Carlton County Public Health and Human Services as a Public Health Educator
- Serves as the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator for Carlton County, implementing strategies within active transportation and healthy eating.
- Works on implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on obesity prevention and ways to incorporate active transportation into daily routines.
Amanda Rosebrock
Cloquet, MN
- A community development planner in the Planning Division for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northeastern Minnesota
- Works on transportation, trails, housing, strategic energy planning, tourism, and a large variety of projects and initiatives to help secure resources for the Band’s Tribal Government and enterprises. The Fond du Lac Band collaborates with Carlton County on a regular basis.
- Master of Public Affairs and has a B.S. in industrial technology, with an emphasis in construction management
- Also a busy mom and chauffeur, with three kids on way too many competitive sports teams
Farid Peiravian, Ph.D.
Chicago, IL
- Holds a bachelor of science, masters of science, and Ph.D. in civil engineering, as well as a certificate in Geographic Information Systems
- Has several years of practical experience, a strong foundation in analysis and design, and proficiency in a range of industry-relevant software tools
- Deeply passionate about civil engineering and brings extensive knowledge across its various subfields, with particular emphasis on sustainability, resilience, safety, and accessibility
- Active transportation is a primary area of interest; Farid is committed to designing infrastructure that supports and encourages people to adopt active transportation as a sustainable and healthy lifestyle choice
Martha Pfister
Alton, IL
- Represents the 2nd Ward on City Council in Alton, Illinois, (outside of St. Louis, Missouri, with a population of about 25,000)
- Focused on building a more connected, community-centered city by working to improve sidewalk accessibility, close gaps in Alton’s pedestrian network, and create safer streets by slowing traffic for safe walkability
- Especially interested in learning how to lead effective walk audits and collaborate with residents to identify and implement meaningful changes to improve livability and strengthen Alton’s neighborhoods
- Serves as Development Director for the Overnight Warming Locations, a program of the Greater Alton Community Development Corporation
Camille Randolph
Sacramento, CA
- An Equity Analyst at the Caltrans Director’s Office of Equity and Tribal Affairs
- Master’s degree in Race, Ethnicity, and Conflict, and brings a background in racial and environmental justice
- Previously worked as a Program Analyst at the California Racial Equity Commission, focusing on community engagement and communications, and served as an Executive Fellow at the California Strategic Growth Council, leading efforts on Tribal inclusion in competitive grant programs, increasing capacity in state housing and transportation agencies, and supporting community partners in accessing millions in federal funding
- Holds a B.A. in International Relations from UC Davis, and a Certificate in Applied Policy and Government from CSU Sacramento
Nicole Retland, Ph.D.
Washington, D.C.
- Founder of EcoGen Urban Solutions, LLC, and Graceful Green Spaces, a nonprofit focused on connecting environmental work with community voice and lived experience
- Washington, D.C., resident for more than 20 years
- Trained as a microbiologist, Dr. Retland blends science, public health, and a passion for creating healthier urban environments
- Ph.D. in microbiology from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Michigan
- Work is grounded in a simple belief: the best environmental solutions are both scientifically sound and shaped by the communities they are meant to serve
- Especially passionate about creating neighborhoods where people feel safe walking, connecting, and enjoying green space. Through Graceful Green Spaces, leads the D.C. Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River, working alongside residents and partners to support trail development, activate local green spaces, and improve conditions across the Anacostia watershed.
Hannah Mae Schaeffer
Boise, ID
- Bicyclist and Pedestrian Program Coordinator at the Ada County Highway District (ACHD), and Staff Advisor to the Pedestrian Advisory Group, a community body guiding districtwide investments in walking infrastructure across Ada County
- Helps shape active transportation planning and programming for the Treasure Valley region of Idaho, working to advance safer streets and better connections for people who walk, bike, and roll across one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation
- Before joining ACHD, built a cross-sector career spanning nonprofit leadership, public education, and community events and organizing
- Through the Walking College, intends to strengthen skills for advancing pedestrian safety and walkability in a rapidly growing region, and to develop auditing strategies for active transportation
Oliver Skimbo
Wilburton, OK
- Father to two boys, Mason and Milo, and lifelong southeast Oklahoma resident committed to service and community
- A Wilburton native, Eastern Oklahoma State College alum, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduate in education
- Oliver’s career has spanned education, coaching, oil and gas construction, environmental stewardship, inspection, entrepreneurship, and public service
- Grew up working on the family cattle ranch, building a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for rural communities
- Today, supports regional growth and community development through the Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma and Southeastern Regional Transportation Planning Organization as a regional transportation planner serving 17 counties
Weston Hamilton Stroud
Macon, GA
- Traffic Safety Manager for Macon-Bibb County, Georgia
- Leads Vision Zero and Complete Streets initiatives to improve pedestrian safety and walkability
- A former transit planner who advanced ADA compliance and first/last-mile connections that improved access to transit for underserved riders
- Brings private-sector construction management experience from Piedmont Construction Group
- Serves as Co-Chair of Reimagining Civic Commons Macon, supporting community-driven public space improvements
- Work bridges transportation planning, capital project delivery, and community engagement to build safer, more connected neighborhoods
- Through the Walking College, intends to develop strategies to strengthen pedestrian networks and equitable mobility
Margaret Peth
Macon, GA
- Holds an MPA and is an urban planning and policy professional passionate about improving quality of life through the built environment
- Extensive experience in transportation planning, policy analysis, and advocacy at the local, state, and federal level
- Started career in planning, working in land use and transportation planning with Macon Bibb County Planning and Zoning before transitioning to public realm planning with the Macon Bibb County Urban Development Authority
- Vice chair with Bike Walk Macon and an active member of GPA’s Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Passionate about improving health and wellbeing by strengthening and advocating for human-centered transportation infrastructure
Kaylee Pruitt
Macon, GA
- Education and Engagement Manager at Bike Walk Macon
- Taps a background in event planning and outreach to create engaging, interactive programming that advances the organization’s mission
- Strong passion for community engagement, and commitment to safe, accessible transportation options for all
- A certified League Cycling Instructor, represents bicycle and pedestrian interests on the Macon Area Transportation Study Citizens Advisory Committee, and serves as Chair of the Downtown Macon Community Association
Renaldo Wilson
Atlanta, GA
- Over 20 years of experience in the public and private health sectors
- Academic background spans jazz performance, exercise physiology, nutrition, and comparative Near Eastern religions and philosophies, complemented by certifications in functional nutrition, diabetes education, prenatal/postpartum exercise, and corrective exercise techniques, among others
- Has held leadership roles including Program Director for NUPAC at New Mexico’s Department of Health, National Equity Engagement Officer for the Tobacco Control Network, and Health Education Manager for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
- Also served as a Health Educator, Cessation Specialist, and Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and as an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks College, teaching nutrition, exercise physiology, and world music and culture
- When not working, Renaldo can be found at the gym, enjoying coffee, playing saxophone, or watching movies with family
Lesley Jones
Augusta, Maine
- Currently Director of Public Works in Augusta, Maine, and has been in public works, including oversight of highways, for nearly 40 years
- Licensed professional engineer with a M.A. in business administration
- Goal of improving pedestrian safety for Augusta, which has 19,000 residents, many of whom walk, bike, or use other people-powered vehicles to reach their destinations
Learn more about some of our recent graduates’ successes from our recent webinar:
