Did you know Walking Mountains offers a graduate fellowship program where educators can earn a Master’s Degree in Science Education? Meet Sara, Sarah, Rylee, and GG, the 2026 cohort of Walking Mountains Foley Graduate Fellows who graduated this past July. Over the past two years, these dedicated educators taught thousands of students while developing their skills in environmental education.
The Foley Graduate Fellowship is a partnership with the University of Northern Colorado. During their second year, each fellow completes an Action Research Project based on their own teaching experiences. They reflect on their first year of teaching and explore practical ways to make environmental education even better for students participating in Walking Mountains School Programs.
Now that they’ve graduated, we’re catching up with the 2026 cohort to learn more about their research and see where life has taken them since leaving Walking Mountains. From new teaching opportunities to exciting adventures, here’s a look at what each fellow explored during their time in the program and what they’re up to today!
Sara Lynch
Action Research Project: Sara was inspired by how her own first-grade teacher made her feel welcome. She wanted to see if teaching kids how to work together and build friendships would help them feel like they belonged during their field trips. By introducing specific team-building activities, Sara explored whether students felt more connected to their group by the end of the day.
Where She Is Now: Since graduating, Sara has been working as an Environmental Education Teacher at The Logan School for Creative Learning in Denver, Colorado. In this role, she plans and coordinates day and overnight environmental education trips, connecting students with new places and learning opportunities. One highlight has been taking 5th and 6th graders to South Dakota, where they explored Custer State Park, visited Crazy Horse Memorial, discovered fossils in the Badlands, and toured an active paleontological site at The Mammoth Site. Sara has enjoyed collaborating with organizations across Colorado and beyond, and especially loves that no two trips are ever the same.
Sarah Noyes
Action Research Project: Sarah noticed how much her students wanted to give back to nature. She studied how “reciprocity,” or “giving back,” helps kids understand their role in the ecosystem and whether it inspires them to care more for the planet. She also explored how younger and older students understand these ideas differently. Her students even had the opportunity to practice reciprocity by using spruce or pine needles for tea and brainstorming ways to thank trees for their gifts. Through these activities, students learned the importance of taking only what they need and finding ways to give back.
Where She Is Now: Since graduating, Sarah has joined Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (FoCAIC) as the Events and Programs Coordinator! In this role, she helps support avalanche forecasting and education throughout Colorado by planning fundraising and community events, coordinating outreach programs, and promoting avalanche awareness. Sarah is still based in Eagle County, but her new position allows her to travel across the state and connect with communities throughout Colorado. She’s excited for this new chapter and is looking forward to the winter ahead!
Rylee Bundy
Action Research Project: Rylee wanted to find a balance between teaching science and making sure kids had a great time outside. She explored how giving students more choices during their field trips affected their outdoor learning experiences, specifically with 3rd, 7th, and 8th graders. Rylee developed an interactive “choose your own adventure” map that allowed students to help decide how their day would unfold. This gave students more ownership over their outdoor experience while still allowing them to meet the day’s learning goals.
Where She Is Now: Since graduating, Rylee has been working as a full-time substitute teacher and instructional paraprofessional with Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is also preparing for an exciting adventure abroad, traveling through Iceland, Ireland, France, and Italy. During her travels, she plans to spend about a month working on a sustainable farm in France, continuing to explore her interests in education, sustainability, and the outdoors.
GG Giarrusso
Action Research Project: GG noticed that students often slowed down and became more curious when creating art in nature. She investigated how using natural materials to make art could help younger students (K–2nd grade) feel more connected to the places they were exploring. Through activities like using water from Buck Creek to create watercolor paintings, GG explored how art could encourage students to pay closer attention to their surroundings and develop a stronger connection to nature.
Where She Is Now: Since graduating, GG has taken on the role of Upper School Science Teacher at The Peak School. She has been enjoying the opportunity to teach older students, explore new science curriculum, and collaborate with a wonderful team of educators. Her new position allows her to continue building on the teaching experiences and skills she developed during her time at Walking Mountains.
Looking Ahead
Each of these projects reflects the creativity, curiosity, and dedication that Sara, Sarah, Rylee, and GG brought to their time at Walking Mountains. Their research offers new ideas for making outdoor education more meaningful and engaging for students, while their continued work shows how the experiences gained through the fellowship can shape their future careers.
The 2026 cohort has also inspired the next group of Walking Mountains Foley Graduate Fellows as we begin our own action research projects. We are excited to build on their work and continue exploring ways to improve environmental education for future students.
Justin Deutsch is a second-year Foley Graduate Fellow from Illinois who loves exploring and capturing his surroundings with his camera, connecting with local communities, and sharing his passion for environmental science through teaching and hands-on experiences.
