Alabama Mushroom Society

President, Alisha Millican

Board Member,  Foray Leader

Alisha grew up hiking and exploring the woods of NE Ohio before moving south running from the snow. She has always had an interest in wild edibles, gardening and everything outdoors. In 2017 she received her Master Gardener certification which furthered her interest in collecting wild edibles. After discovering the Alabama Mushroom Society, she has delved more specifically into fungi identification and is constantly broadening her knowledge of Alabama mushrooms. She hopes by encouraging interest in and educating people about mushrooms, she can help promote good stewardship of our wild places and our earth. She also sits on the Board of the North American Mycological Association and has the pleasure to serve on NAMA's Vouchering Committee and Nominating Committee.  

Alisha lives in Cullman County, Alabama with her husband and two young kids. When she isn't hunting for or studying mushrooms, she enjoys backpacking, practicing primitive skills, and gardening.

Treasurer, Spencer Lowery

Board Member, Foray Leader

Spencer grew up in Central Alabama surrounded by a forest; the woods are his home. He has always had an interest in the natural sciences since a child but started to specialize in mycology in 2017. His goal is to teach the younger generations and get them involved. Mycophobia is indoctrinated, and he would like to end the cycle by educating others. AMS offers a platform to do this type of work. Fungi are useful, whether that be culinary, medically, or environmentally. Spencer just wants to show people this without it being convoluted with pop science, pseudo-medicine or mycophobia. Spencer is currently working on developing taxonomy skills to be able to give individuals proper information.

Secretary, Rebecca Mahoney

Board Member, Foray Leader

Rebecca (Becca) Mahoney is a lifetime Alabama resident. She has the joy of being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She grew up hunting, fishing, wild harvesting and growing her own food and medicine. She owns a small cleaning business and a small working farm with her husband Mark.

Baldwin County

Kat Williams- a lifelong nature enthusiast whose love for the outdoors has led her around the globe to hike, forage, and explore. She is a published writer and poet who often finds inspiration in the forest and nestled in the crooks of decaying trees. Her adventures led her to pursue her budding interests in fungi and botany. She looks forward to making new friends and hunting mushrooms together every month at the Baldwin County Foray!

Tammy Havel Kinney- Growing up and living in the Gulf Coast area of Alabama, Tammy has always had a fascination for fungi. Until recently she focused on taking photographs and just admiring mushrooms. Since becoming a member of the Alabama Mushroom Society, fungi have just become more interesting. Being able to get out, explore, learn and share is what makes this an enjoyable hobby. Tammy is a longtime resident of Baldwin County with her retired US Navy husband. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren

Cullman County

Alisha Millican- President of the Alabama Mushroom Society and active on the Board of NAMA, Alisha loves leading forays in Cullman County. She is especially fond of teaching kids about mushrooms and answering their 501 questions regarding all things fungi. Read her full bio above.



Tallapoosa County

Becca Mahoney- My name is Becca Mahoney. I am the secretary for Alabama Mushroom Society and one of the foray leaders. I grew up here in central Alabama. Hunting, foraging and fishing with my parents was as normal to me as shopping at the grocery store. Cooking has always been a passion of mine. Being able to add wild harvested mushrooms to our table has been a joy. The almost daily discovery of new fungi keeps me excited about learning. I love meeting the people that come to our Tallapoosa county forays. Sharing experiences and learning with them is truly a pleasure. 






Special Events

Tim Pfitzer- Tim has a passion for mushrooms and wild foods. This passion inspired him to start his business Magic City Mushrooms where he is able to help get mushrooms into the hands, and onto the dinnerplates, of anyone who wants to give them a try!  Tim is a founding member of AMS and is integral in putting on our annual Morel Foray and also helps us put on other events and classes throughout the year. 

Jesse Azobek-  From the moment Jesse took his first bite of bread made from acorns he foraged in his own backyard, he was hooked! Since then, there are not many moments you won't find him outside in woods and fields looking for wild food and herbs. He loves teaching as much as foraging itself! Jesse runs the online educational foraging platform Feral Foraging, which you can find on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. We are excited to get to collaborate with Feral Foraging for some classes and forays throughout the year.