Committed to Collaboration
We're a tight-knit and passionate group of strategists, planners, designers, landscape architects, economic analysts, environmental permitting experts, and community engagement specialists who love nothing more than collaborating to help bring our client's vision to life.
![Portrait of Kent Sharp](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Kent.jpg?itok=PmlUE7fq)
![Kent Sharp skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Kent%20Sharp.jpg?itok=XzQadg9j)
Kent Sharp
Strategic leader. Convergent thinker.
Kent helps mountain resort operators and land management agencies navigate the complex, often highly challenging, NEPA and environmental permitting processes. He combines decades of regulatory expertise; the ability to be able to see several steps ahead and anticipate issues early in the planning process; and a deep understanding of the operational and strategic challenges faced by ski area operators. In addition, Kent assists clients with strategic planning and opportunity evaluation in areas such as master planning and financial/business optimization analyses.
Experience
Kent has been with SE Group since 1996, and prior to that, spent eight years as a Ski Area Permit Administrator for the US Forest Service and several seasons in a variety of mountain resort operations positions.
In addition to his work in domestic environmental permitting, Kent has managed several projects which led to the development of new international resorts in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Kent is a sought-after speaker and has addressed organizations such as CLE International, the National Ski Areas Association, the US Forest Service and other industry organizations.
Kent has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Business Administration and Finance from the University of Colorado.
Expertise
- Strategic and Environmental Analysis for Mountain Resorts
- Master Planning and Permitting
- Financial/Business Management Consulting and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance
Outside the Office
A native of Colorado, Kent spent much of his youth skiing and recreating in Summit County and has been a full-time resident of Breckenridge since 1987. Kent and his family are avid skiers, bikers, and technical rock climbers. They’re always on the hunt for the next great powder line or wandering the beautiful desert of western Colorado and eastern Utah.
![Portrait of Chris Cushing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Chris%20C.jpg?itok=DeNR4nUz)
![Chris skiing on fresh powder on a sunny day](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/CC2.jpg?itok=3ORpxmk9)
Chris Cushing
Mountain guru. Soft-spoken sage. Masterful collaborator.
Chris leads our global resort planning practice and directs all aspects of our mountain planning and design services—working with uncharted terrain, developing mountain plans, and overseeing construction. Chris understands the business of mountain resorts at a deep level, and is expert at creating seamless physical and operational interface between the on-mountain facilities, base area guest service facilities and four-season resort developments around the world. Known for his attention to detail, understanding of mountain terrain and systems, and ability to quickly size up situations and devise solutions, Chris’ expertise and passion for the mountains helps developers and operators to create and refine their operations, and maximize both customer enjoyment and operational effectiveness.
Experience
Chris has been with SE Group for over 25 years, and has worked on and led projects throughout North and South America, China, Europe, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Turkey and Australasia.
He has been recognized by Winter Sports Technology International magazine as one of “the world’s most respected ski area experts” and a leading expert in global resort design. Many of his ski area projects have received design awards, including Deer Valley, Utah and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With his broad expertise and global experience, Chris has lectured extensively on mountain planning to audiences ranging from the US Forest Service to the National Ski Areas Association national convention.
Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont.
Expertise
- Strategic planning
- Site feasibility and operations analysis
- Ski area planning and design
- Project implementation
Outside the Office
Chris grew up in northern New Hampshire, and from an early age acquired a passion for the mountains. He first donned a pair of skis at the age of three and spent his childhood years skiing and racing on nearby Cannon Mountain. Many a weekend saw Chris and his buddies hiking and camping in the Franconia and Presidential Ranges of the White Mountains. As a teen in the early 1970s, he would accompany his Dad, Joe, on trips to design ski trails around New England.
This passion for the mountains and intrigue with ski trail design lead to a career at Sno-engineering/SE Group. This career started in 1985 in New Hampshire, and then took him to Colorado in 1993, before he finally settled in Utah and “The Greatest Snow on Earth” in 2002 with his wife and their three boys.
Now, Chris skis, hikes, and rides his bike in the Wasatch Mountains and frequently travels overseas for backcountry skiing and other adventures. He recently expanded his passion for the mountains underwater, diving in the coral reefs, canyons, and walls of the Caribbean and South Pacific.
![Portrait of George Schmidt](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/George.jpg?itok=r1XstPfz)
![George Schmidt on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/George%20Schmidt.jpg?itok=fpWgTlNI)
George Schmidt
George’s unparalleled commitment to assisting clients achieve their business goals through the development of sound financial and operational strategies is one of SE Group’s best assets. He combines his broad knowledge of the resort industry with a deep understanding of current economic trends to present analyses that connect strategic and financial plans to existing operations—providing operators an array of potential outcomes as a resort moves through implementation.
Experience
George has 20 years of financial and operational knowledge having served as the finance director for two large ski resorts, in addition to public accounting and project management.
George’s role at SE Group is multi-faceted—contributing to financial feasibility studies and strategic business plans for clients, while concurrently ensuring the financial well-being of our organization and reporting systems as part of the company’s Leadership Team and as the Chief Financial Officer.
George holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting from the University of New Mexico and an Associate Arts Degree from Wenatchee Valley College. George has also completed a Certificate Program in Commercial Real Estate from the University of Washington.
Expertise
- Financial analysis/Pro forma
- Strategic business planning
- Operational review
Outside the Office
A Pacific Northwest native, George headed into the Cascade mountains to ski at age 13, which began lifelong passion for the sport. George loves to ski in any weather as his favorite snow condition is white! Off the mountains he is avid cyclist, fledgling salmon fishermen, and a perpetual novice golfer. With kids out of the house, he and his wife enjoy trips to Hawaii—spending most of their time snorkeling or looking for a new cove to explore.
![Portrait of Claire Humber](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Claire%20H.jpg?itok=6sviFqdv)
![Claire Humber balancing on log](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Claire%20Humber_2.jpg?itok=JrJ2qrsq)
Claire Humber
Big picture thinker. Clear-eyed pragmatist. Straight talker.
Claire helps resort operators and developers conceive, plan and bring to life ski and mountain resorts that balance customer delight and loyalty, distinctiveness, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. She combines systems thinking, wide-ranging experience, an abiding commitment to the ski industry, and expertise in creating focus and consensus to help clients make the most of what’s in place today, while building for a future that’s likely to be significantly different from the past.
Experience
Claire has been with SE Group for over 30 years and has led both large and small resort projects throughout Canada and the United States, Scandinavia, Iceland, Korea and Japan. This breadth of experience and expertise allows her to understand the interconnectedness and specifics of a wide range of topics—ranging from development trends to multi-season operations to guest services and branding.
Claire is a sought-after speaker and writer. She has spoken at National Ski Areas Association and Urban Land Institute conferences and meetings, and publishes often in Ski Area Management magazine. Claire is a member of the Recreation Development Council of ULI.
Claire has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
Expertise
- Strategic planning
- Resort land use planning
- Guest services facilities programming
- Multi-season recreation planning
Outside the Office
After beginning her career—and falling in love with the mountains at Sno.e Canada in Whistler, BC—Claire now calls the Green Mountains home. A Brit by birth, she finds the landscape and traditions of New England both beautiful and familiar.
When not at work (or enjoying the fringe benefits of traveling and skiing while working), Claire is likely to be found exploring the Vermont countryside by bike, putting more miles on her hiking boots, puttering around her garden, planning future adventures with family and friends, working out the latest edition of her 3-D holiday cards, or in the pursuit of chocolate. All are approached with the same degree of passion and enthusiasm for which she is known. Especially the pursuit of chocolate…
![Portrait of Mark Kane](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Mark.jpg?itok=qEFdVZHn)
![A selfie of Mark Kane](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Mark%20Kane.jpg?itok=qUO9wnua)
Mark Kane
Broad-based strategist. Shrewd tactician. Inventive community builder.
Mark helps communities defined by outdoor recreation, the rural lifestyle, and tourism unlock and maximize economic, environmental, aesthetic, and recreational character—and potential—through community and land use planning, regulatory tools and regional cooperation. Mark brings together deep community planning expertise, an intuitive and informed understanding of how to bring together diverse communities for long-term consensus and gain, and a profound commitment to helping small communities find, articulate, tap into, and retain what makes them special.
Experience
He brings over 30 years of experience in land use planning and analysis to the SE Group team. Mark is active in the American Planning Association and continues to learn and grow his understanding of how tourism and outdoor recreation influence communities and how they can be empowered to chart a path that fits them.
As managing director, Mark relishes in his team's power – building deep relationships with them and supporting their professional development and growth. Mark believes that passing on what we learn is the primary role of a good leader, and he works each day to do that.
Mark has a Bachelor of Science from the School of Natural Resources – Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont.
Expertise
- Regional and land use planning
- Tourism and outdoor recreation impacts in rural places
- Land use regulations and development analysis
- Geographic information systems and visualization
Outside the Office
Despite his advancing age, Mark continues to celebrate his status as a 21st century "nerd"—enjoying all the outdoor splendor (hike, bike, Nordic ski) that New England offers while always being down for a game of Catan, listening to podcasts on quantum entanglement or getting lost in books on artificial intelligence. He loves to garden, particularly vegetables, which, upon harvest, he cooks into something yummy. Mark splits his time between a 1830s restored farmhouse he and his artist wife have spent nearly 30 years fixing up and a recently acquired small seasonal cottage on Lake Champlain where summers are spent enjoying the water, family, and friends.
![Portrait of Travis Beck](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Travis.jpg?itok=SMkVsvUh)
![Travis Beck on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Travis%20Beck.jpg?itok=ix7a7YXZ)
Travis Beck
"What can we provide to this project to set it apart?" Travis asks this question of himself and his team at every stage to constantly challenge the status quo and improve the results of all processes and projects with which he is involved.
Travis is the Managing Director for SE Group’s Public Lands and Mountain Resorts market sectors and previously led the Environmental Planning and Permitting team at SE Group. With an accomplished background in federal permitting, Travis has managed or directed dozens of EISs and EAs over his 20+ years at SE Group. Complimenting his policy credentials, and through his leadership as the Board Chair for the Breckenridge Tourism Office, Travis studies and appreciates the complex relationship between the drive for outdoor recreation tourism and the management of quality of life and place.
Always looking to tackle complex projects and processes, Travis strives for collaboration, engagement, and innovation amongst his team and external partners. Managing Service Areas across the market allows him to create effective multi-disciplinary project teams to best meet the needs of our clients and push our project teams to new standards.
Experience
Travis’s work with public lands and mountain resorts has been recognized multiple times with the Forest Service, having earned a Regional Forester’s Award and a Chief’s Award for innovative strategies. His management experience includes projects with Forest Service and BLM managed lands, mountain resorts and ski areas, multiple-use trail networks, bike parks, and land exchanges. With a background in environmental science and policy, Travis specializes in managing large -and often controversial - land management projects.
Travis has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from The University of Kansas. He has served as a board member for several organizations around Summit County.
Expertise
- Strategic NEPA compliance
- Endangered Species Act – Section 7
- Recreation tourism
- Master planning
- Public engagement
Outside the Office
Travis appreciates abutting the National Forest at his home outside of Breckenridge and enjoying the beauty and recreation of his mountain community. He also really loves his flowers that only grow four months out of the year!
![Portrait of Pete Williams](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Pete.jpg?itok=mYIGOrtv)
![Pete Williams skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Pete%20Williams.jpg?itok=8VmIizss)
Pete Williams
Pete constantly strives to improve the balance, efficiency, and success of mountain resorts.
Pete has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to mountain planning, the ski industry in general, and SE Group projects—past and present. Drawing upon his extensive experience, Pete applies his strong analytical skills and insight to all aspects of mountain resort planning—culminating in exceptional deliverables and service to clients. His enthusiasm is evidenced by his commitment to helping resorts and their operators reach new heights, evolving SE Group’s planning processes to address new challenges, and leading the ski industry into the 21st century.
Experience
Pete has been a mountain planner with SE Group since 1997. Over this time he has been responsible for a variety of Alpine facility plans throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. He also spent two years as a resort planner for Powdr Corp, overseeing projects at their various mountain resorts. This on-the-ground operational experience gives Pete unparalleled insight when it comes to strategic planning, resort design, capacity analysis, and master planning.Pete has published numerous articles in ski industry magazines, led discussions at industry conventions, and guest lectured at University of Utah classes on mountain development and recreation.Pete has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic in Maine.
Expertise
- Ski area planning and design
- Resort capacity and analysis
- Master planning
- Map analysis and site evaluation
- Field layout
Outside the Office
With kids who are usually enthusiastic about joining him, and a black lab who always is, Pete spends virtually all his free time enjoying the outdoors—skiing, biking, hiking, and boating. Off the trails or the water, Pete can often be found trying something new in the kitchen.
![Portrait of Adam Portz](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Adam%20P.jpg?itok=_qreRnMc)
![Adam Portz on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Adam%20Portz.jpg?itok=MKhhnU6P)
Adam Portz
Adam is a natural collaborator and creative thinker—always insightful, engaged, and committed to providing the best solution for the situation.
He balances a creative approach to master planning and site design with a solid technical foundation—delivering contemporary designs that are also context sensitive. Adam’s genuine passion for his work and attentiveness to clients are the building blocks of strong working relationships and successful projects.
Experience
A Registered Landscape Architect, Adam has over 14 years of experience and contributes to a diverse array of projects across all of SE Group’s markets.He is a dedicated volunteer in the community—serving on local review boards, as well as the Executive Board of the Vermont Chapter of ASLA, where he has been recognized with numerous awards. Adam has also been a guest studio critic at the University of Vermont and Vermont Technical College offering insight and experience to those pursuing the landscape architecture profession.
Adam has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Expertise
- Master planning
- Site planning and design
- Public participation and interaction
Outside the Office
When not in the office, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and two young kids—whether camping, hiking, gardening, skiing, or searching for the next adventure. His next favorite spot is any ice cream shop: mint chocolate chip please!
![Portrait of Ashley Smith](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Ash.jpg?itok=lezpyaVV)
![Ashley Smith on a glacier](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Ash%20Smith.jpg?itok=qMNEudbc)
Ashley Smith
A highly committed and incisive project manager, Ash excels while working on and managing large-scale and complex projects. Specializing in NEPA, her experience, insight, and enthusiasm allow her to efficiently navigate projects and clients through today’s complicated regulatory environment. Ash thrives on finding the right solutions for the challenges of our projects. She takes particular pride in getting the job done accurately and on time—enabling our clients to move forward with their project goals.
Experience
Joining SE Group in 2016, Ash brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of environmental permitting and planning in a wide range of planning sectors including Forest Health and Fire Management, Recreation, and Utilities. She has successfully managed and authored environmental analyses throughout the Rocky Mountain, Southwest, Pacific Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast regions.
Ash has a Master of Science in Watershed Science and Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Environmental Science from Smith College.
Expertise
- Large-scale Project Management
- Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration
- National Environmental Policy Act Process Management
Outside the Office
As a military kid, Ash grew up throughout the States as well as internationally. She spent her early years backpacking on the Olympic Peninsula, the Adirondacks, and White Mountains, as well as the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. Today, Ash and her husband can be found exploring the Rocky Mountains, taking day hikes or playing in the snow with their three daughters.
![Portrait of David Nicholas](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Dave%20N.jpg?itok=xBAr1YtE)
![Dave Nicholas fishing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Dave%20Nicholas_Fishing.jpg?itok=fEgGNrLF)
David Nicholas
Dave Nicholas is a landscape architect with over 30 years of experience leading the planning and design of award-winning built works that have become community focal points. Dave brings diverse site planning, landscape architectural design, and implementation experience with an emphasis in resort planning, parks, plazas, streetscape enhancements, urban design, and community recreation. The public realm and pedestrian sense of place is a strategic and organizing element to his work and the success of every project.
Dave’s professional passion is driven by design excellence, quality service, and managing multidisciplinary teams focused on quality of life, placemaking, and elevating the importance of connecting people to nature and promoting active lifestyles. He has extensive experience working with resort communities to address recreational needs including base area resort master plans, walkability studies, community parks, and resort-based luxury hospitality projects. He is a creative problem solver, conceptual designer, and is skilled in site planning, hand sketching and drawing, storytelling, and placemaking.
Dave has been a resident of Park City since 2003 and is based in our Salt Lake City, Utah office. With 20+ years of experience in the intermountain west region, Dave is passionate about mountain resort communities, outdoor recreation and tourism, and inspired to nurture the growth of our landscape architecture and design practice in the west.
Expertise
- Site planning and design
- Ski resort master planning
- Parks, streetscapes, and urban design
- Community recreation
Outside the Office
Dave’s deep connection with nature began with Midwestern roots growing up in the rolling, agricultural hills of Iowa and being introduced to the game of golf at an early age. While the sculptural qualities of golf course design sparked the pursuit of a landscape architectural career, the immersion in nature inspired the pursuit of other outdoor recreation activities including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing. Today, you can find Dave and his wife Heather exploring the diverse western landscape in their retro camp trailer with their Berna doodle Yona fly fishing rivers and high mountain lakes, hiking mountain and desert trails, discovering western arts and culture, and enjoying an occasional game of golf.
![Portrait of Gabby Voeller](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Gabby.jpg?itok=yE_WVlo-)
![Gabby Voeller biking](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Gabby%20Voeller.jpg?itok=_SgL_02i)
Gabby Voeller
Gabby is the Service Area Leader for our Communities market and is the Recreation Planning Service Area leader within the Public Lands market. Essentially this means she leads the community planning focused projects across the company and manages recreation planning projects on public lands throughout the northeast and mountain west.
She is passionate about helping clients solve complex problems facing their communities. Her approach is to craft strategic and broad-based engagement strategies that bring the right people to the table to work together. She applies technical, analytical, as well as soft and consensus-building skills to all aspects of community planning. Gabby approaches projects with a mind geared toward seeking out innovative and engaging solutions that move communities closer towards their vision and goals.
Experience
Gabby brings over 10 years of experience working with rural communities in New England and the Mountain West. She has led many award-winning teams on comprehensive and subarea master plans. She is an expert at helping rural communities face difficult challenges, particularly those related to affordable housing, growth and development, retaining community character, and enhancing outdoor recreation economies. Her recreation work includes creating trails and open space plans for municipalities, non-profits, and multi-jurisdictional projects on federal and state lands. She has also contributed to multi-modal transportation and streetscape design projects and helped developers through the permitting process for residential and mixed-use projects in mountain and resort communities.
Gabby is AICP certified and has a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Bates College.
Expertise
- Community Planning
- Affordable Housing
- Zoning and Permitting
- Trails and Recreation Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Spatial Analysis + Land Use Modeling
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Outside the Office
Gabby likes to spend her free time with her family skiing, running, and biking the trails and mountains surrounding Leadville. Inspired by her young daughters, she recently completed the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. She is the chair of the City of Leadville Planning Commission and on the Leadville-Lake County Tourism Panel. She has an old hound dog and an even older 1880s Victorian house.
![Portrait of Kristen Carey](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Kristen.jpg?itok=j5xJCO0R)
![Kristen Carey cross country skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Kristen%20Carey_0.jpg?itok=GU1lndK4)
Kristen Carey
Kristen is a driven and attentive planner. Her solid science background gives her the foundation to approach NEPA and planning projects with a critical eye. Approachable and knowledgeable, she is able to communicate technical information in relatable terms that inform both our clients and the public during the project engagement process. Focusing on the day-to-day project details to delivery timely products is her forte. Her technical writing, mapping, and graphics presentation capabilities are key elements of her projects.
Experience
Kristen has over seven years of technical fieldwork, research, and analysis experience. She has a strong technical background in the fields of geology and hydrology, coupled with scientific-based problem solving—all of which are essential for the successful completion of our resource-driven projects.
Kristen has a Master in Environmental Science from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Middlebury College.
Expertise
- Environmental analysis
- Geographic information systems
- Public engagement
Outside the Office
Kristen grew up racing down the slopes of Midwest and Colorado, and eventually around the world. Through her passion for skiing, she developed a great appreciation for travel, the mountains and the environment. These values took her to Middlebury College, where she skied and studied environmental processes, and then ultimately back to Colorado where she continues to play in the mountains.
She can be found in the mountains throughout all four seasons skiing, mountain biking, hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. When not in the mountains, she loves to travel either back to her roots in Wisconsin or to experience new places and people.
![Portrait of Patrick Olstad](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Patrick.jpg?itok=WbdMkYXu)
![Patrick riding bike in desert wearing orange pants and black jacket with a blue sky](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Patrick%20on%20bike.jpg?itok=GbCmHrja)
Patrick Olstad
With a sensitivity to the uniqueness of place, Patrick seeks to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically inspiring. He has a strong artistic sensibility for materials and forms that are expressed through custom design details. Additionally, as a LEED accredited professional, Patrick finds opportunities to integrate ecological and low-impact design strategies into each project’s aesthetic. With his affable demeanor, he easily develops strong client relationships that are enriched through collaboration—knowing that the best project outcomes come about when multiple perspectives are incorporated into the design and planning process.
Experience
Patrick is a licensed landscape architect with over 20 years of experience with a variety of project types spanning multiple scales. He has demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary project teams from the conceptual design stage through permitting to construction with a great attention to detail.
Patrick has a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (Magna cum laude) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and spent a formative year abroad studying landscape architecture at the Agricultural University of Norway. Patrick’s work has received recognition through multiple awards, and he has been a featured speaker for the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Tree Stewards Conference.
Expertise
Master planning
Site planning and design
Public process
Aesthetic analysis
Outside the Office
Patrick grew up in California, and some of his best memories are from visits to his family’s cabin near Lake Tahoe where he first developed a passion for outdoor recreation. An avid mountain biker, he seeks out technical single track and enjoys building trails for his two young boys on their property in the Green Mountains of central Vermont. When seeking a break from rural living, Patrick and his wife enjoy retreats to nearby Montreal to explore the city by bike, soak up the local culture, and discover new foods.
![Portrait of Scott Prior](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Scott.jpg?itok=uC-ubYNU)
![Scott Prior skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Scott%20Prior.jpg?itok=8iVmK-Pc)
Scott Prior
Scott is a versatile, resourceful, and attentive project manager. Scott moves easily between planning and NEPA processes—applying wholistic and insightful strategies to a wide range of projects. Additionally, his appreciation for a thoughtful and balanced approach between conservation and development complements the project process.
Experience
Scott joined SE group in 2015 and contributes a strong educational background in environmental studies, which included major course work in natural resource management and land use policy. Engagement in a breadth of both volunteer and professional experiences prior to joining SE Group makes Scott a well-rounded asset to the team.
Scott has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from Colorado College.
Expertise
- Environmental Policy + Analysis
- Data Management + Modeling
- Public Engagement
Outside the Office
Scott enjoys all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. His winters are characterized by long backcountry tours on his snowboard into his favorites spots, often in time to catch a sunrise. In the summer and fall you can usually find Scott on his mountain bike or standing in a river, fly fishing for trout.
![Portrait of Chris Keil](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Chris.jpg?itok=3N5hvvjp)
![Chris Keil skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Chris%20Keil.jpg?itok=Q2_qfvM1)
Chris Keil
Chris brings diverse experience in leading, managing, and supporting projects in both the intermountain west and the northeast to assist clients and collaborators. As an attentive listener and thoughtful project partner, he enjoys developing creative solutions to challenging and complex site conditions. Whether through drone photography, Civil 3D modeling, vegetation inventories, or hand sketching, Chris enjoys merging innovative technology with more traditional techniques to help explore, understand, and provide a future vision for a site. Providing detailed construction documentation and onsite support during the build phase of a project are also critical roles that Chris enjoys.
Experience
Chris has over 13 years of experience leading landscape architecture and ecological consulting firms, with an additional five plus years in the landscape construction business. He has worked on award-winning projects from dense urban areas to remote sprawling ranches while also teaching at the collegiate level at several points throughout his career. Ecological restoration and sustainable landscape design are specialties that have remained a focus throughout his career.
Chris has a Master of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and is also a licensed drone pilot, certified arborist, and trained wetland delineator.
Expertise
- Site Planning & Design
- Ecological Restoration
- Construction Documentation & Administration
- Graphic Representation
Outside the Office
Chris enjoys skiing, biking, paddling, backpacking and generally spending time adventuring outdoors with his young family. Outdoor recreation and exploring the natural world are things that inspire Chris on a regular basis and he is really excited to be part of a team that shares those values and helps to develop recreation space for others to enjoy.
![Portrait of Dayton Crites](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Dayton.jpg?itok=NRD524ar)
![Dayton Crites on his bike](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Dayton%20Crites.jpg?itok=LIjADQ5_)
Dayton Crites
Dayton is a creative and strategic planner. He leads multidisciplinary teams to build plans that illustrate and articulate community and client visions. As a visual thinker, Dayton constantly strives to make the complex clear, and develop plans that foster collaboration and guide implementation.
Experience
Trained as a landscape architect and practicing as a planner, Dayton brings multidisciplinary thinking to all his projects. This has resulted in physical trail networks and nationally recognized plans alike. His experience overseeing the development of community bike parks, designing trail systems at ski resorts, and building better streets for human scale transportation make him feel lucky to have the career he does.
Dayton is a certified planner by the American Planning Association. He holds a Master of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning degree from Utah State University. His official undergraduate degree is in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, but his unofficial degree was in mountain biking.
Expertise
- Urban Design
- Active Transportation Planning
- Trails Planning
- GIS Analysis & Cartography
- Community Master Planning
Outside the Office
Dayton grew up between California, Texas, and Utah, and chose to relocate his family to Vermont in 2019. You can find him throughout the Green Mountains stringing together lost roads and flow trails into all day adventures on his bike or teaching his children to ski the east. A passionate believer in outdoor spaces, he’s always looking for an opportunity to be inspired and share that inspiration with others.
![MvE headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-09/MvE_0.jpg?itok=vnZwEalb)
![Michael van Eyck snowboarding](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-09/Michael%20van%20Eyck.jpg?itok=nW09rgNJ)
Michael van Eyck
Combining his broad industry experience and analytical thinking with a love for winter sports and mountain lifestyles, Michael helps resorts and their teams optimize the guest experience, operational efficiencies, market positioning, and financial outcomes that lead to thriving businesses. Michael approaches projects holistically and with an unwavering curiosity about making things the best they can be.
Experience
Michael brings over 20 years of ski industry experience to the team, after beginning his career in resort executive management. Working his way up through the ranks, Michael gained knowledge on all aspects of resort operations. Strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing and operational optimization are some of the hallmarks he brings.
Michael has applied his insight into the inner-workings of resort operations toward innovation and thought-leadership within the industry, and has participated in presentations at the National Ski Areas Association, Vermont Ski Areas Association, and New England Summit. Sharing knowledge, borne from experience, is something he loves to do.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Economics & Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Business Planning
- Resort/Mountain Operational Planning
- Revenue Strategy and Optimization
- Marketing Strategy
- Guest Loyalty
Outside the Office
Michael and his family call the beautiful mountains of Southern Vermont home. When not working (or wrangling 4-year-old twins), you’ll find Michael attempting to satisfy his tennis addiction, working on a multitude of projects around his farm, or tinkering with his mountain bike.
![Portrait of David Chodounsky](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Dave%20C.jpg?itok=G8p5loqB)
![David Chodounsky paddle boarding](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/David%20Chodounsky.jpg?itok=t2Cmvi7T)
David Chodounsky
David’s academic background in Engineering and Earth Sciences provides him a solid technical and highly analytical base from which to approach mountain planning and design. However, it is his passion for the outdoors that keeps creativity, recreational enjoyment, and environmental sustainability at the forefront of his process. His intimate knowledge of terrain and exposure to resort operations from his ski racing career affords him a unique perspective not only on the immediate downhill experience, but on how all aspects of a well-planned ski area operation can impact the overall guest experience—an immeasurable value to our mountain planning projects.
Experience
David joined SE Group in January of 2020 after two years in the civil and geotechnical engineering field, where he gained experience in land surveying and field mapping. David’s mountain experience includes ten years as a member of U.S. Ski Team as a technical alpine skier travelling the globe racing on the World Cup circuit.
David has a double major BA degree in Engineering and Earth Sciences from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Areas of Expertise
- Ski Trail and Roadway Layout + Design
- CAD Design + Terrain Analysis
- 3D Graphic + Landscape Modeling
Outside the Office
David was born in Minnesota where his fascination with skiing began at Buck Hill. Not long after, his family moved to Colorado and he grew up in the mountains of Crested Butte. He continued his passion for the sport by attending and skiing for Dartmouth College. After graduating, David embarked on a highly successful professional skiing career, including earning two trips to the Olympic Games as a member of the US Olympic team in 2014 and 2018 as well as competing in four World Championships and becoming a five-time US National Champion. He continues to be involved in the ski racing world by coaching young athletes at various summer and winter ski camps whenever possible.
Outside of skiing, David enjoys the outdoors by getting into the wild as much as possible by fly-fishing, camping, biking and hiking.
![Portrait of Beau Doucette](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Beau.jpg?itok=szWunpPb)
![Beau Doucette golfing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Beau%20Doucette.jpg?itok=oASKz_It)
Beau Doucette
With a strong connection to the outdoors, Beau seeks to blend human and natural environments together through detail-oriented design. A landscape architect with a solid work ethic, he is committed to each project, giving his all to produce the best possible product. Beau’s work experience promotes designing for functionality, form, and efficiency while maintaining environmental sensitivity.
Experience
Beau has focused on recreation and user-oriented design throughout his professional career. His emphasis for detail in drafting and design has been honed by his experience designing municipal, collegiate, and professional athletic facilities.
Beau has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island, with a minor in community planning.
Expertise
- Construction documentation and administration
- Site planning and design
- 3D visualization
- Graphic representation
Outside the Office
Growing up in an off-the-grid house and being a native of the Green Mountains, Beau built a strong connection to the environment and spends much of his time outdoors bouncing between his many passions: snowboarding, wakeboarding, volleyball, golf, mountain biking, and hiking. When he decides to head indoors he fills his time with art and sculpture from wood, metal, or ceramics and playing music with friends. Mountains have always been the core of Beau’s existence, and where he calls home.
![Portrait of Hannah Loope](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Hannah%20Loope.jpg?itok=PkHa3p41)
![Hannah Loope in the snow with her dog](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Hannah%20Loope.jpg?itok=SB_9HZQ9)
Hannah Loope
Intent on revealing each site’s intrinsic qualities, Hannah enjoys translating site-specific challenges into design solutions and observing how spaces evolve over time. Her nimble graphics and technical knowledge bring her projects to life, whether in public outreach, concept and detailed documentation, or implementation. Hannah often communicates with a sketch and a smile – and an exclamation point! Her ideal project is built work that forges an emotional connection between people and places.
Experience
An experienced designer and project manager, Hannah has worked on a wide range of project types - ranging from urban riverfronts to riparian restoration projects. She is dedicated to designing for ecological diversity, community resiliency and creating inclusive spaces for all.
Hannah holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Nebraska. She practiced landscape architecture in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Vermont prior to her work at SE Group.
Expertise
- Site Planning & Design
- Construction Documentation & Administration
- Graphic Representation
- Recreation Planning, Design & Management
Outside the Office
Whether it’s returning to the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, camping or canoeing in the East, or traveling to new cities, Hannah seeks out places to absorb the colors and sounds of the landscapes she inhabits. In her free time, you can find her paddling on the Winooski River with her husband and young kids, biking, gardening, and cooking with whatever ingredients she can forage.
![Portrait of Carolyn McShea](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Carolyn.jpg?itok=DzbLk9L8)
![Carolyn McShea skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Carolyn%20McShea.jpg?itok=oHzpv0Qy)
Carolyn McShea
Carolyn brings diverse skills that enable her to bridge conceptual and pragmatic thinking. A trained designer with an analytical mind, she expresses ideas through writing, maps and graphics. Her knack for organization makes her well-suited to the role of a consultant, and her collaborative nature comes through in strong relationships. She communicates directly and efficiently.
Experience
Carolyn specializes in strategic writing, graphic presentations, and visual analysis. She is most often engaged in multi-season resort and community planning, though her work supports all service areas of SE Group.
After graduating from Dartmouth College with degrees in Studio Art and Human Centered Design Engineering, Carolyn worked in architecture in New York City. Those urban years solidified her passion for planning but left her missing nature, so she moved west to pursue an active mountain lifestyle.
Expertise
- Master Plan Preparation
- Visioning and Strategic Planning
- Site and Space Use Analysis
Outside the Office
Hailing from a Chicago suburb, Carolyn appreciates the topography of the west— and the outdoor recreation opportunities it affords. An avid runner and telemark skier, she’s recently combined her love for turns with her high pain threshold in the local skimo scene. You can catch her at a local coffee shop on the occasional Saturday morning, relaxing after an early morning adventure.
![Portrait of Anita Manitius](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Anita.jpg?itok=hBxED5sW)
![Anita Manitius hiking through a canyon](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Anita%20Manitius.jpg?itok=pq2Z4YLj)
Anita Manitius
Anita’s passion for the natural world and recreation has imbued her with a desire to contribute to thoughtful and sustainable design practices. Anita synthesizes this passion with the technical and analytical skills developed through her forestry and landscape architecture training to create visually compelling graphics and plans, making her an invaluable member of SE Group’s planning and design teams.
Experience
Anita joined SE Group in 2017. Her pursuit of landscape design and mountain planning was born from her love of being outside and extensive travels. Anita has lived, studied and visited several mountain resorts around the world. These experiences and connections provide her with invaluable insight into the world of design, planning, and recreation.
Anita holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from John H. Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture and Design from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia.
Expertise
- Graphic Design
- GIS Analysis
- Site Planning and Design
Outside the Office
Anita grew up in Toronto, Ontario. As part of a family of travelers, a sense of adventure was ingrained into her life at an early age. She takes every opportunity to travel and enjoys exploring various landscapes through skiing, biking, camping, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. She also enjoys embarking on culinary adventures—desserts are always welcome!
![Portrait of Alex Belensz](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Alex.jpg?itok=qxA9bdTl)
![Alex Belensz skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Alex%20Belensz.jpg?itok=Y9XJEh4j)
Alex Belensz
Alex works with communities, regions, and land managers to deliver excellent outdoor recreation experiences, promote equitable community development, and find a sustainable balance between the two. An interdisciplinary planner, he offers a blend of creative and analytical abilities to each planning project. Alex continually challenges himself and those around him to think beyond “business as usual” when working to develop plans that are actionable and effective.
Experience
Alex joined SE Group in 2022 and brings a unique blend of planning experience. He spent five years as a regional planner in northern New Hampshire and has worked with public land managers across the country on issues of recreation, transportation, and visitor use management.
Alex has a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from SUNY Geneseo.
Expertise
- Outdoor Recreation Planning
- Community Engagement
- Transportation Planning
- GIS Analysis
Outside the Office
Alex takes any opportunity he can to romp around the Upper Valley region of Vermont on foot, bike, or skis. He knows little about gardening but enjoys helping his more knowledgeable partner tend to their ever-expanding vegetable patch. Alex also enjoys making pizza from scratch, hanging out by rivers and ponds with his partner and their dog, and planning his next ill-advised bike adventure. He is also involved in his community, having served on local committees and volunteering with a local bicycle collective.
![Dillon McBride headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-08/DillonMcBride_v1%20copy.jpg?itok=mR23oWBA)
![Dillon McBride recreating](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-08/DillonMcBride_0.jpeg?itok=XPctiq08)
Dillon McBride
Dillon is an ever-curious planner and problem solver who is driven by the values of social inclusion, access to nature, and thriving people and places. Throughout Dillon’s personal and professional life, he has developed a keen interest in how people access nature and recreational amenities and how communities are set up to support the livelihood of residents. Half analyst and half diplomat, Dillon enjoys thinking through the technical components of complex projects and working with a diverse array of people to reach practical, actionable solutions that cross-cut competing interests.
Experience
Dillon joined SE Group in 2024, bringing a wide variety of public sector planning experience. While with the Colorado Center for Community Development, Dillon worked with rural communities around Colorado planning high-quality, practical public spaces. Dillon spent four years working in open space, parks, and trails planning between Denver Parks and Recreation and Jefferson County Open Space. Dillon’s experience in park planning led him to teach the Parks and Public Spaces elective course for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of Colorado (Denver). Dillon has also gained experience working in regional planning at the Denver Regional Council of Governments, where he worked with local governments and regional partners to advance coordinated efforts around growth and development priorities.
Dillon has a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado Denver and is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Expertise
- Public Space Planning
- Parks, Open Space, and Trails
- Urban Design
- Data Analysis & Data Visualization
- Regional Planning
Outside the Office
When not working, Dillon can often be found recreating in the outdoors of Colorado. Dillon loves skiing, mountain biking, road biking, kayaking, trail running, and finding small rivers and streams to explore with a fly rod. Dillon also loves exploring cities and compact urban environments by foot or bike, listening to and playing music, and finding ways to keep his curious and energetic dog active. Dillon grew up in the Southeast (North Carolina, Florida, Georgia) and is currently living in Denver, CO.
![Portrait of Adam Young](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Adam.jpg?itok=Y0tHOGA0)
![Adam Young fishing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Adam%20Young.jpg?itok=w4Sm6hEd)
Adam Young
Adam is a project manager and environmental planner with a background in cultural resource management, recreation area management, post-fire restoration planning, national monument implementation, management of areas of tribal use and importance, and paleontological resource management. Adam’s professional yet personable approach to project management and environmental planning has ensured the successful completion of complex projects and fostered strong connections with clients.
Experience
Adam’s professional experience includes four years of NEPA project management and analysis of project impacts to cultural, tribal, and paleontological resources. He also has six years of experience with cultural resource management, the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act, traditional cultural property assessments, and tribal consultation. Adam has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from Colorado College.
Expertise
- NEPA project management
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- NEPA oversight
- Cultural, Tribal, and Paleontological resources
Outside the Office
Adam grew up in Gold Hill, Nevada and learned to ski at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. In his free time, Adam can be found skiing, fly fishing, freestyle rapping, hosting themed parties, and building interactive art projects. Adam also regularly hosts live radio music shows for an eclectic and longstanding community radio station based out of Boulder, CO where he has resided for six years.
![Portrait of Ayden Eickhoff](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Ayden.jpg?itok=WDk4dTLC)
![Ayden Eickhoff on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Ayden%20Eickhoff.jpg?itok=v5XE5OcZ)
Ayden Eickhoff
Ayden provides support to a wide variety of recreation and community planning projects. She enjoys navigating complex project processes in coordination with the client and planning team, ensuring that all parties are able to contribute effectively to project outcomes. Core to her work ethic is a commitment to distilling information into concise and helpful formats with an eye towards context and clarity.
Experience
Ayden joined SE Group in 2019 with an academic background in Environmental Studies, Politics, and Earth Science. As a student, Ayden was particularly interested in the complex communication needs surrounding environmental risks and hazards, which translated well to her work researching and implementing municipal environmental and fiscal policies. Ayden brings strong engagement, communication, and analysis capabilities to all aspects of SE Group projects.
Ayden has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Bates College.
Expertise
- Project Management
- Community Engagement and Facilitation
- Recreation Planning
- Design & Communication
Outside the Office
Ayden enjoys exploring the endless trails and unique landscapes of Colorado on skis, foot, and bike. She is also a spirited trivia-goer who tries never to miss an opportunity to learn new fun facts!
![Portrait of Olivia Hyppa](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Olivia.jpg?itok=9qjWPJvD)
![A selfie of Olivia Hyyppa](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Olivia%20Jean%20Hyyppa.jpg?itok=k9Ak2n5c)
Olivia Hyyppa
Olivia is an engineer at heart: analytical, task-orientated, and precise. That, combined with a passion for outdoor recreation and sustainable design, makes her a strong mountain planner and project manager. She comes from a background in land development and master planning and applies those construction best practices to project design and management and technical writing. With experience working in both the private and public sector, Olivia has a strong understanding of the permitting and construction process from both a consultant and owner perspective, and how to best get things done within budget and on time.
Experience
Olivia has over nine years of engineering experience, including grading and drainage design, roadway design, erosion and sediment control design, management of public capital improvement projects, and community outreach planning. An avid recreational and big mountain skier, mountain biker, and former collegiate cross country ski racer, Olivia brings a wholistic view to mountain and resort planning.
Olivia has an Environmental Engineering degree from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado.
Expertise
- Ski Trail, Roadway, and Utilities Layout + Design
- 3D Terrain Design
- Erosion & Sediment Control + Stormwater Management Design
- Public Outreach + Engagement
Outside the Office
When she’s not playing in the Indian Peaks Wilderness or exploring the endless single track in the backyard of her Nederland, CO home, Olivia is figuring out how to garden at altitude, catching a show, or planning her next big international trip. After a long weekend adventure, you’ll find her scouting out the best breakfast burritos in Colorado and keeping an up-to-date list of the best happy hours in town.
![Portrait of Brad Potter](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Brad.jpg?itok=m3Zshg2O)
![Brad Potter hiking](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Brad%20Potter.jpg?itok=sJTRrmM_)
Brad Potter
Brad is an experienced and passionate community and outdoor recreation planner, dedicated to creating vibrant, well-designed public spaces that enrich lives and foster a sense of belonging within communities and the natural environment. With a diverse background in planning and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, his commitment to promoting recreation, wellness, and social cohesion is evident. Brad’s enduring passion lies in protecting and enhancing the unique qualities of regions for future generations.
Experience
Brad joined the SE team in the summer of 2023, bringing with him a strong background in the public sector as a planner and GIS analyst for parks and open spaces departments around the four-corners region. During this time, he specialized the conservation of ecological systems and urban spaces, striking a balance between developing recreational opportunities and safeguarding the environment.
Brad earned a Master’s in City & Metropolitan Planning from the University of Utah, along with a BA degree in Environmental Studies and a GIS Certificate from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Expertise
- Park & Open Space Planning
- Recreation Planning & Management
- GIS & Spatial Analysis
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
Brad spends his free time mountain biking, backcountry skiing, climbing, and intentionally getting lost in the wilderness. It’s no surprise that Brad is an avid collector of maps, as they are displayed across his walls as one-of-a-kind art. When Brad is not adventuring outside with his trusty four-legged companion, Mesa, he is tending to his worm compost and many house plants. The outdoors is Brad’s safe haven, and he loves sharing his genuine curiosity and passion on the open trail.
![Portrait of Catherine Winnop](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Cat%20Headshot%20Final_v2.jpg?itok=0tr49K4j)
![Catherine Winnop with her bike](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Cat%20Winnop.jpg?itok=srGrZKZN)
Catherine Winnop
With foundations in environmental sciences and ecology, Catherine possesses a passion for understanding the interactions communities have with their environment. An insightful go-getter, she is committed to helping create an environment where a community is able to recreate responsibly. As an analyst and planner, she loves complex projects and finds fulfillment working collaboratively with individuals.
Experience
Catherine’s extensive fieldwork experience and academic background provide a strong base, preparing her for the broad scope of the SE Group’s work. From monitoring water quality for the state of Wyoming to studying alpine ecosystems and climate change in Chamonix, France, Catherine has gained a strong foundation in collaborative decision making, wilderness designation processes, natural resource monitoring, climate change processes, alpine ecosystems, conservation measures, and NEPA processes.
Catherine has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Science and Environment and Natural Resources with a minor in Honors from the University of Wyoming.
Expertise
- Environmental Analysis
- The Wilderness Act
- Collaborative Decision Making
- Climate Change
Outside of the Office
No matter where she is in the Western U.S. Catherine can be found taking advantage of the vast recreational opportunities. During the summer months she is either grinding down single track on her mountain bike or jumping into a nearby swimming hole. Catherine’s winter sport of choice is figure skating, spending most of her weekends and afternoons coaching and practicing her moves at her local ice rink.
One of her favorite hobbies, however, is doing woodworking projects. She also loves a long days’ worth of yard work, a good ice cream cone, or a park picnic!
![Portrait of Melanie McKenzie](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Melanie.jpg?itok=9vqT3hTd)
![Melanie McKenzie climbing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Melanie%20McKenzie.jpg?itok=JHrgnWZX)
Melanie McKenzie
A city kid who loves the outdoors, Melanie is fascinated by the intersection between the built and natural environments. In her role, she pays close attention to detail and seeks innovative solutions to complex challenges. She is dedicated to creating accessible recreational opportunities so that more people can appreciate the outdoors. With her interdisciplinary background, she is able to see problems from many perspectives, enabling her to be a strong leader and community builder.
Experience
Melanie joined SE Group in 2021 with a background in the natural and social sciences. Having served as a researcher on several teams, she has conducted research proposals, data and mapping analyses, and technical reports for various projects. She built her environmental knowledge as an undergraduate through air quality, transportation, waste management, and building efficiency analyses. Her five years of experience as an outdoor leader and ski instructor provides her with a strong grasp on the importance of recreation and community planning.
Melanie has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Davidson College.
Expertise
- Environmental Analysis
- Geographic Information Systems
- Technical Writing & Research
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
A resident of Boulder, Colorado, Melanie spends much of her time immersed in the Rocky Mountains climbing, skiing, or mountain biking, and also enjoys indulging in the food, music, and art offerings in Boulder and Denver. Having grown up in New York City, she appreciates (and fully leans into) living in a juxtaposition of city and mountain lifestyles, with access to concerts and restaurants right next to legendary recreational opportunities. At home, she likes to share meals with friends, play music, paint, and/or tend to her home garden, which she is working on expanding.
![Portrait of Jake Ferreira](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Jake.jpg?itok=3MSCHCzx)
![Jake Ferreira on his bike](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Jake%20Ferreira.jpg?itok=9ZFJBRrq)
Jake Ferreira
Jake is an easy-going collaborator with a love for visual communication. His work is based in a passion for crafting experiences that bring people and nature closer together, and telling the stories needed to get them built. He brings a thoughtful approach to site design and planning and has an intimate understanding of recreation and tourism communities.
Experience
Jake has worked on an array of project types and scales, ranging from large scale Transit-Oriented Developments to residential green roofs. This experience allows him to see a project's bigger picture and its details simultaneously, all-the-while keeping “fun” as a key element in any project he works on. Jake has worked as an adjunct instructor at Boston Architectural College teaching the Ecological Analysis and Conceptual Frameworks Studio and working in the Digital Fabrication lab. Additionally, he serves on the Waterbury, VT Recreation Committee and the Waterbury Skatepark Coalition.
Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of Southern Maine and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Boston Architectural College. He was a 2017 Olmsted Scholar Nominee.
Expertise
- Site Planning and Design
- Master Planning
- Construction Documentation
- 3D Visualization and Graphic Representation
Outside of the Office
Winter, summer, spring, or fall – Jake is a lover of the seasons and all that they bring. Snowboarding, skateboarding, and biking are his primary out of office activities, closely followed by grilling, camping, fishing, and hiking. He is a lover of food, culture, and music, and when not on the go, you can find him taking photos on his 35mm Pentax Spotmatic, hanging in the garden, or playing with his cats Rosa and Jack.
![Portrait of Ida Williams](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Ida.jpg?itok=b0y4hTYY)
![A portrait of Ida Williams](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Ida%20Williams.jpeg?itok=OJ4UMryJ)
Idalina Williams
Idalina Williams, an Outdoor Recreation Planner, brings expertise in community development, tourism, natural resource management, and environmental education. Celebrated for her ability to foster effective partnerships and drive economic growth, Idalina integrates outdoor recreation with community prosperity. With a commitment to pragmatism she consistently delivers tangible improvements for both people and places.
Experience
Experience supporting projects from concept through implementation, serving as a project manager and building capacity at various scales, including town, county, city, and regional levels in Southwest Virginia. Serving as a Naturalist at the Walker Nature Center in Reston VA, as an Interpretive Ranger at Natural Tunnel State Park and even chief shovel operator as a kid for her family’s site planning firm. All these experiences have at their core service to people and place.
Expertise
- Facilitates effective partnerships to drive economic development
- Develop forward-thinking inclusive outdoor recreational spaces
- Brings a multi-dimensional perspective to project management
- Boots on the ground partnership development experience making connections across divers sectors
Outside of work
Depending on the season you can find Idalina exploring the Clinch River, playing volleyball or working on her Virginia homestead and tending to goats, chickens, and flower and vegetable gardens with her husband.
![Portrait of Tucker Gordon](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Tucker%20Gordon.jpg?itok=pssj5bk_)
![A person skiing through trees](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Tucker%20Gordon%202.jpg?itok=SGHWEdRE)
Tucker Gordon
Tucker is an experienced environmental planner and project manager who enjoys working on complex and impactful projects. He enjoys working at the intersection of outdoor recreation and environmental planning and permitting, two worlds that he is passionate about. Tucker prides himself on his problem solving skills, dedication to his work, and ability to deliver results for clients.
Experience
Tucker joined SE Group in 2024 with 5+ years of experience in the environmental consulting arena at an engineering firm based in northern New Hampshire. Tucker’s experience includes managing projects, NEPA process and documentation, state and federal environmental permitting, technical report generation, and environmental field work. Tucker has a Bachelor of Arts in Earth & Planetary Science from Johns Hopkins University and is a New Hampshire Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS).
Expertise
- Project management
- NEPA process and documentation
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- Regulatory agency coordination and public involvement facilitation
- Natural resource inventory and evaluation
Outside the office
Living in North Conway, New Hampshire with his wife, son, and black lab Sawyer; Tucker enjoys everything that the Mount Washington Valley has to offer. Tucker grew up ski racing at Pleasant Mountain in western Maine and you can find him on skis (either touring, alpine, or cross-country) most days of the winter. When the snow melts; Tucker enjoys mountain biking, hiking with his family, floating down the Saco River, and live music at local breweries. Tucker also enjoys spending time in the kitchen or at the grill cooking.
![Amanda Biedermann headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Amanda%20Biedermann_placeholder.jpg?itok=YaHnnqiv)
Amanda Biedermann
Amanda is a detail-oriented, attentive, and driven project manager with a deep passion for the outdoors and public lands. Amanda finds satisfaction in helping clients navigate the complexities of the NEPA process while balancing the competing interests of stakeholders and invested parties. Amanda strongly believes that clear communication and respect are the cornerstones of success and key to building trust with communities.
Experience
Amanda joined SE Group in March 2024 and contributes a strong educational background in natural resources and environmental law and policy, as well as a broad range of experience working at the federal and state level in natural resources management and planning. Prior to SE Group, Amanda worked at a consulting firm in Colorado focused on recreation area management, national monument management, and wildlife management across Colorado and the western United States. Amanda is also well-versed in public engagement and has planned and facilitated numerous public meetings for a range of complex and controversial projects.
Amanda has a Juris Doctorate with a Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Policy from the University of Colorado Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Baylor University.
Areas of Expertise
- Project Management
- Environmental Policy + Analysis
- Technical Writing & Research
- Public Engagement and Facilitation
Outside the Office
Amanda loves participating in various Colorado outdoor activities year-round. During the summer, you can find her hiking and camping with her rescue mutt Bridget and working on her wildflower identification skills, while in the winter you can find her snowshoeing in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and winter birding in the foothills around Boulder. She also enjoys volunteering for Community Fruit Rescue, a non-profit organization focused on harvesting excess fruit from fruit trees in Boulder to reduce food waste and minimize wildlife conflicts. She is passionate about travel, whether locally or abroad, and finds great excitement in seeing new sights and trying out new foods while on her travels. Her favorite travel destinations so far are Peru and Croatia.
![Portrait of Julia Randall](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Julia.jpg?itok=9lQX2djk)
![Julia Randall on a frozen lake](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Julia%20Randall.jpg?itok=AL8YYzag)
Julia Randall
Full of curiosity, Julia loves getting to know the communities she works in and enjoys the challenge of building consensus among stakeholder groups. With every project, Julia seeks to develop innovative land use and policy solutions that reflect a community’s values, build resiliency, and improve overall quality of life. Julia’s considerable skill as a writer and passion for sustainable, inclusive recreation make her an asset to any project team.
Experience
Julia joined the SE Group team in 2020 after working for two environmental advocacy organizations focused on conservation and water quality in her home region of upstate New York. Her interest in planning and in rural communities began in the Adirondack Park, a six-million-acre patchwork of public and private lands protected by New York State’s constitution. Prior to joining SE Group, Julia studied recreation and tourism internationally and close to home – she completed a research fellowship on ecotourism in Thailand, and she has produced two reports analyzing visitor use management in the Adirondack High Peaks. Julia currently serves on the City of Burlington Planning Commission.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Williams College.
Expertise
- Technical Writing & Research
- Community Engagement & Visioning
- Policy Analysis
Outside the Office
The classic divide between urban and rural life has always been captivating and confounding to Julia, who loves both the vibrancy of cities and the stillness of the woods. She is delighted that her life in Vermont — and her work as a community planner — allows her to enjoy both landscapes and ways of life. Outside the office, Julia can usually be found exploring Burlington’s waterfront and urban reserves or writing music that approximately three people will ever hear.
![Portrait of Elena Juodisius](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Elena.jpg?itok=I-tCpyM5)
![Elena Juodisius on a frozen lake](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Elena%20Juodisius.jpg?itok=wh1j6M3M)
Elena Juodisius
As a landscape designer, Elena works on a wide range of projects, from site-responsive planting plans and construction details to helping communities understand and visualize the potential of places. Passionate about connecting people to the natural world in balanced and meaningful ways, Elena brings her creative and detail-oriented problem solving to every project.
Experience
Elena’s background includes ecological inventory and design, working in design-build creating intimate spaces, and community engagement in design-thinking. This interdisciplinary expertise allows Elena to make thoughtful contributions across project scales and phases.
Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Art from Allegheny College and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She is active in the Vermont Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Expertise
- Site Planning and Design
- Graphic Representation
- Ecological Design
- Community Visioning
Outside the Office
A plant enthusiast, Elena can be found tending her small garden, identifying trees, or snacking on berries along the side of the trail. Elena is always seeking to learn more, so she loves dabbling in new crafts (recently printmaking), instruments (accordion) and finding ways to connect with her community.
![Portrait of Hallie Miller](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Hallie.jpg?itok=7AKiSbyY)
![Hallie Miller skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Hallie%20Miller.jpg?itok=AOZCaQ3t)
Hallie Miller
Hallie is a landscape designer based in Colorado. Her projects focus on promoting local ecology and human scale site design. She brings a passion for working in rural communities and engaging people with the psychological benefits and joy of nature and outdoor recreation.
Experience
Hallie thrives in the space of conceptualizing an idea and bringing together a narrative that helps serve as the backbone as projects move from conceptual to a physical design. She has experience working on residential, affordable housing and public space projects in Colorado. Hallie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Geneseo with a Major in Psychology and Minor in Studio Art. She then went on to receive her Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
Expertise
- Site Planning and Design
- Graphic Representation
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
Hallie grew up in beautiful Western, NY where her love of cold snowy winters and skiing was born. This love of winter eventually brought her out to Colorado. Hallie loves to engage with her community and the outdoors which fortunately for her are one in the same! When Hallie isn’t running, biking, hiking or skiing, you can find her attempting crafts like sewing or dying, or perhaps in a pair of overalls working at one of her local farms.
![Portrait of Eli Frandsen](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Eli.jpg?itok=jC0M8SAj)
Eli Frandsen
With an adaptable, hard-working mindset, Eli is committed to bringing a fresh perspective to each project. Keenly observant, he has always had a strong knack for understanding how communities view, cherish, and interact with their natural and recreational spaces. In this respect, Eli sees effective mountain planning a community’s foundation for sustainable recreation. He believes that it’s important to bring diverse voices to the table – and the best answer is not always the most complex one.
Experience
Eli joined the SE group in 2022 with a background in Geographic Information Sciences and data analysis. He has worked in land use planning in a variety of aspects, as well as in emergency services planning for wildfire operations. Eli was also a contributing member to the City of Bozeman’s Climate Master Plan.
Growing up in a resort mountain town, Eli has spent most of his life around ski operations and outdoor recreation. From working in lift operations to being a ski instructor at the Yellowstone Club, he has gained strong knowledge of how resorts operate and how they can best meet the needs of their clients.
Eli has a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Water Resources from Montana State University.
Expertise
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Land Use Planning
- Site Analysis
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
Born in the mountains of British Columbia but raised Whitefish, MT. Eli has always been at home when outside. When not in the office, he can usually be found on his skis trying to turn every mountain into a playground, huffing up a new mountain bike trail, or navigating the wild rapids of Utah’s rivers. He also participates in local soccer leagues and enjoys exploring Salt Lake City’s music and food scene.
![Portrait of Claire Gomba](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Claire%20G.jpg?itok=62aplLmE)
![A selfie of Claire Gomba](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Claire%20Gomba.jpg?itok=f3doPvGI)
Claire Gomba
Claire is an analytical problem solver, eager to understand and improve our built environment. She is quick to find patterns in data and look for the meaning—the “why”—behind numbers and spatial information. She pays close attention to detail, while still considering a systems approach (“seeing the forest among the trees”) as she faces a new challenge. She cares deeply about enhancing the ecological health of the landscapes we call home and promoting equitable access to the outdoors.
Experience
Claire joined SE Group in 2022 and contributes a mixed educational and professional background. She has field-based experience in parks planning, trail design and stewardship, and ecotourism marketing, as well as two years of project experience in multimodal transportation planning.
Claire has a joint Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Geography from Middlebury College. She is a credentialed Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP).
Expertise
- Environmental Policy + Analysis
- Technical Writing
- GIS Spatial Analysis + Modeling
- Transportation + Community Planning
Outside the Office
Claire lives her life aiming for maximal aliveness—or, making the most of every moment. Some of her (current) favorite ways to go about this include: running up, down, and around Colorado’s trails; scrambling scree, searching for alpine lakes; mountain adventures on snowshoes or skis; delighting in dappled sunlight and turning leaves; and frenzied (yet focused) kitchen experimentation.
![Portrait of Sarah Deweerd](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Sarah.jpg?itok=A9vkTCaJ)
![A photo of Sarah Deweerd and her dog](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Sarah%20Deweerd.jpg?itok=tX5Ir0oi)
Sarah Deweerd
Sarah is an innovative thinker – she is always willing to tinker to develop new approaches to her projects and their various challenges. With her background in GIS, Sarah has a deep understanding of how to communicate information spatially and is an asset to any team that needs to exploit the relationship between data and mapping. Sarah has dedicated extensive time to collecting and analyzing data on outdoor recreation and tourism in her own community, and understands the array of positive impacts accessible recreation can have on individuals and their community.
Experience
Sarah joined SE Group in 2022, specializing in environmental planning and analysis. She previously spent time as a Research Assistant for the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and worked as a GIS Technician for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Utah State University.
Expertise
- ESRI ArcGIS
- Technical Writing
- Environmental Planning + Permitting
- Data Analysis
- Public Engagement
Outside the office
Born and raised in the Midwest, Sarah has traded in her views of rolling corn fields for the vast topography of the Mountain West. She has spent her years here in the mountains dabbling in the many seasonal activities Utah has to offer. Through the spring, summer, and fall, you can find her backpacking through the Uintah’s, pounding dirt on Wasatch trails, or trying her hand at fly fishing, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking. Sarah spends her winter months out on the slopes striving to reach her dream of being an intermediate snowboarder, as well as tromping around the snowy trails with her dog, Naapi.
![Portrait of Josee Stetich](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Josie.jpg?itok=GI3Xz0wj)
![A portrait of Josee Stetich](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Josee%20Stetich_0.jpg?itok=U66B4Wcm)
Josee Stetich
Josee is a forward-thinking creative with a knack for seeing the big picture. Building off of her experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as her equally scientific and philosophical education, Josee offers a well-rounded perspective to mountain planning. She is comfortable getting into the weeds, either in the literal sense while doing fieldwork or while brainstorming solutions for a client.
Josee sees the throughline of her experience as the consideration for how communities and landscapes can foster resilience while preserving what makes them unique, both ecologically and economically.
Experience
Josee joined SE Group in 2022 with a diverse set of experiences in the policy and planning sphere. She has lobbied on a state and national level for public lands and clean energy policy, guided small towns through vulnerability and resilience assessments, and created tools to support the working waterfront’s access to coastal resources. She also spent two years living in a remote town outside of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, giving her an appreciation for the balance between conservation and thoughtful development.
Josee has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Westminster College.
Expertise
Public Engagement
Policy Analysis
Land Use Planning
Technical Writing
Climate Resilience Planning
Outside the Office
Josee was born and raised along Utah’s Wasatch Front and, despite attempts to live elsewhere, it remains her home today. Equally happy in the city and the middle of nowhere, she appreciates running Salt Lake City’s urban foothills and wandering the Colorado Plateau’s quiet canyons. Her favorite way to enjoy the snow is skiing trees with good company. She’s usually toting her film camera while out and about, inspired by the color and texture of landscapes. Indoors, she’ll be perfecting her sourdough recipe and learning to weave tapestries on a loom. She enjoys the finer things in life, like fresh tomatoes and reading a book in the sun.
![Portrait of Margaret Carlin](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Margaret.jpg?itok=uGzWpA2Q)
![Margaret Carlin on a snow tube](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Margaret%20Carlin.jpg?itok=eOMG5XDI)
Margaret Carlin
Margaret is passionate about designing and developing shared spaces that anchor communities. This was instilled during her upbringing in Alabama, where she witnessed just how important these places were to people’s mental and physical health (no matter their background). On projects, Margaret is dedicated to helping her team succeed – and she is equally happy to jump into hyper-technical problem solving or step back to wrestle with big, conceptual questions.
Experience
Margaret joined SE Group in 2022 with experience in solving social and environmental problems through design. Margaret has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design with a minor in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Auburn University. During her capstone at Auburn, Margaret led a design process that reimagined an old mill site outside of Auburn as a multi-use recreational and camping facility.
Expertise
- Site Planning and Design
- 3D Visualization and Graphic Representation
- Community Engagement
Outside the office
Margaret grew up on the Alabama coast, where she spent summers on the water, fishing and making the most of the coastline. Family is a big part of her life and she relishes any time with them, whether that is taking in Mardi Gras or cheering on Auburn football! Margaret recently moved to Burlington, Vermont and she is excited to enjoy all that winter has to offer (or, to keep learning to crochet while it’s below freezing).
![Portrait of Austin Novak](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Austin.jpg?itok=WBtg2WLM)
![Austin Novak on a boat](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Austin%20Novak.jpg?itok=jOWnyIpt)
Austin Novak
Austin is a natural spatial thinker and strong visual communicator. He brings a unique element of expertise to every project and provides detailed support for cross-company mapping. Leveraging his understanding of aesthetics and skill for creative design, he offers a user-oriented approach to a diverse range of spatial products, often helping to streamline and elevate the mapping done by many of his colleagues.
Experience
Austin creates compelling visual stories, transforming data and narratives into inspiring designs that are both meaningful and purposeful. His work focuses on the intersection between people and nature. He partners with our team on outdoor recreation, community planning, environmental, and landscape design projects, bringing his expertise and thoughtfulness to every step in the planning and design process. Austin has a Bachelor of Science in Cartography and GIS, as well as People-Environment Geography, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Expertise
- Cartographic Design
- Visual Storytelling and Graphics
- Interactive Mapping
- GIS Analysis
Outside the Office
A creative minded and easy-going type, Austin finds joy in many artistic ventures, including painting, film photography, and making music with his guitar. He loves a hot cup of tea and finds peace relaxing among plants, both in the garden and inside his cozily decorated houseplant haven. After earning his sea-legs on the lakes of Wisconsin, Austin enjoys getting out on sailboats and convincing his crew to passionately sing sea shanties.
![Portrait of Noelle Gignoux](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Noelle.jpg?itok=a_kP3pw4)
![A photo of Noelle Gignoux jumping](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Noelle%20Gignoux.jpg?itok=rbL7Ca2m)
Noelle Gignoux
With an analytical mind, a creative streak, and an affinity for small towns, Noelle enjoys the challenges of problem-solving for communities in unique landscapes. She is passionate about innovative community engagement efforts – finding new ways to meet people where they’re at while also pushing them to think outside the box – and excels at drawing out consensus and clarity when responding to a community’s needs.
Experience
Noelle joined SE Group in 2023 after working for the Grand County Planning and Zoning Department in Moab UT, where she specialized in affordable housing policy and supported long-range planning efforts for a community faced with rapid outdoor recreation and tourism-related growth.
Noelle has a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in Science, Technology & International Affairs, concentrating in Energy and Environmental Policy.
Expertise
- Affordable Housing Policy
- Community Engagement
- Technical Writing
Outside the Office
Noelle spends much of her time admiring all the big red rocks that Moab has to offer – climbing up them, biking by them, hiking through them, or looking down on them while skiing high in the mountains. She enjoys an impromptu dance party, sleeping outside, working on experimental sewing projects, and returning to her southern Vermont homeland to enjoy homemade maple syrup and views of the rolling green hills.
![Portrait of Caleb Schmitz](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Caleb%20S.jpg?itok=bL07JE2y)
![Caleb Schmitz with his bike](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Caleb%20Schmitz.jpg?itok=2MxuHvt1)
Caleb Schmitz
Driven by the core value of community, Caleb approaches planning as an opportunity to develop places that reflect the aspirational values of togetherness, access to nature, and social inclusion. Half designer and half analyst, he is a ‘place-maker’ dedicated to the informed and artful creation of unique settings that bring people together and contribute to human health and happiness. Always on the cutting edge of new technology, Caleb brings a background in design and spatial analytics that helps him deliver data-driven and beautiful results to clients on a variety of community planning projects.
Experience
Caleb joined SE Group in 2023, bringing a background in hazard resilience planning after working with the Colorado Department of Transportation and conducting research in partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
With a bachelor’s degree in sustainable planning and urban design, and a certificate in GIS and computational science, Caleb’s background as a planner is diverse and interdisciplinary. Having held several leadership positions in the College of Environmental Design at CU Boulder, Caleb has experience being a compassionate leader and clear communicator while working with different people coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Expertise
- Comprehensive Planning
- Urban Design
- Spatial Analysis & Data Visualization
- Resilience Planning
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
Caleb spends most of his spare time with friends and family enjoying all the benefits of living in Colorado, whether it be hiking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, or going to concerts at Red Rocks. He also appreciates the virtues of more urban environments and loves to travel, go to shows, try new foods, and walk around exploring new cities and cultures. From time to time, you might see Caleb working on murals around town or painting in his art studio, where he finds another creative outlet away from the world of urban planning and design.
![Portrait of Jake Van Deursen](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Jake%20VD.jpg?itok=SnY_ukks)
![A photo of Jake Van Deursen on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Jake%20Van%20Deursen.jpg?itok=pkh7cukk)
Jake Van Deursen
Jake draws from a broad environmental background in forestry, recreation resource management, ecology, climatology, and economics. He relies on field observation and personal engagement to address a variety of project specific values and understand place specific natural resource concerns. He acknowledges that communities play an integral role in the management of ecological systems and finds inspiration in the critical balance between expanding recreation opportunities and protecting wild landscapes.
Experience
Before joining SE Group, Jake worked in forestry research and consulting in Burlington, VT and recreation resource management in Logan, UT. He received a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Economics from St. Lawrence University, and a M.S. in Ecology from Utah State University. His graduate research explored the management and planning implications connected to spatial distribution and dispersal patterns of recreation behavior and associated impacts on soil substrate, vegetation, and water resources. Jake has published recreation-climate change research in the Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies and has two recreation-ecology articles pending publication in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, and the Journal of Applied Geography.
Expertise
- Technical writing and research
- Field forestry and public engagement
- Spatial data analysis and GIS
Outside the Office
Raised in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, Jake grew up ski racing at Attitash Mountain and spring skiing on Mt. Washington. Although he moved out west for graduate school, he has been enjoying deep snow in the Wasatch backcountry and skiing on and off-piste all over Snowbird Mountain. If the season doesn’t provide any opportunities on-snow, Jake can be found mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and duck hunting.
![Portrait of Michael Clawson](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Mike.jpg?itok=MEDc7maE)
![Mike Clawson fishing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Mike%20Clawson.jpg?itok=NwIj__pf)
Michael Clawson
Michael finds purpose in projects that emphasize environmental stewardship, balanced with recreational opportunities. He applies his skills and knowledge to create sustainable and resilient landscapes and finds ways for visitors to connect more deeply with them. An analytical thinker, he loves evaluating a landscape and trying to understand it. Highly detailed in his work, he’s always asking, “What is this project missing?” and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that a project meets its full potential.
Experience
Michael has a unique background planning environmental restoration projects. He built his knowledge though his education and has found passion seeing his projects come to fruition. He has helped create a number of environmental restoration projects that range from building beaver dams in small streams to creating management plans that span riparian areas, wetlands, uplands, and forests. Michael has a Master’s of Ecological Restoration, a Bachelor of Science in Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems, and a Certificate in Applied Geographic Information Systems from Utah State University.
Expertise
- Environmental Restoration Planning
- Technical Writing
- Environmental Analysis
- GIS Spatial Analysis
Outside the Office
Michael spends much of his free time mountain biking, running, and reading a good action-adventure novel. Michael is also a hobbyist woodworker, and always has a table, chair, or other project that he is working on.
![Portrait of Max Hefner](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Max.jpg?itok=WhjEP-nZ)
![Max Hefner skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Max%20Hefner.jpg?itok=nQ8CyXH1)
Max Hefner
As an engineer at heart, Max brings a unique perspective to every project he is involved with. He comes to SE Group with a natural genuineness, compassion, and integrity to every team he is a part of. Max’s irrepressible curiosity and drive for his passions in life has landed him in the mountain planning team – the perfect combination of engineering, problem solving and skiing. His love for engineering is derived from his early days at the ski hill, becoming mesmerized by the machines that so effortlessly carried thousands of people through the air up into the mountains.
Experience
Max specializes in computer automated design (CAD) – using the latest technologies to bring concepts and ideas from thought to reality. Max has experience with the inner workings of mountain resorts from his time as a ski racing and freestyle coach. His countless hours on skis and keen eye for the details of his surroundings has given Max a natural compass for what makes a ski resort thrive and what makes it yard sale. Max has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University.
Expertise
- Computer Automated Design (CAD)
- Community Engagement
- Resort Patron Experience
Outside the Office
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, the woods are Max’s playground all seasons of the year. In the winter Max is on skis at any opportunity, dropping into rocky chutes, ripping through the trees, or getting technical in the terrain park. In the warmer months, Max can be found backpacking his way through the 46ers, sailing or camping on Lake George in NY or playing golf with his friends. As a new Salt Lake City resident, Max is excited to explore his newest outdoor playground that is the Wasatch Range.
![Portrait of Belle Crocco](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Belle.jpg?itok=m6YjXhDx)
![Belle Crocco skiing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Belle%20Crocco.jpg?itok=EQT1P9Yc)
Belle Crocco
Belle is a dedicated environmental analyst and planner who is passionate about enhancing the interconnection of recreation and nature. Belle brings a fresh perspective to the field, and her eagerness to embrace new ideas enables her to navigate complex issues and be attuned to the dynamic nature of modern challenges. With an interdisciplinary background and deep-seated curiosity, she continually seeks innovative ways to promote outdoor enjoyment while upholding environmental value.
Experience
Belle specializes in environmental planning and analysis. A young professional with a vibrant outlook, Belle’s passion lies in making outdoor recreation not just enjoyable but unforgettable. Her background in environmental consulting and communications equips her with a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of environmental projects and conveying complex concepts. Her effective science research skills allow her to delve into complex projects with a fresh perspective. Belle is a recent graduate from CU Boulder with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Business.
Expertise
- Environmental Analysis
- Technical writing
- Public Outreach
Outside the Office
Belle’s love for the environment is not confined to her professional life. Raised in New England and currently residing in Colorado, she is often found hiking, skiing, or adventuring from the picturesque shorelines of Connecticut to the majestic flatirons of Boulder. Belle’s interests extend beyond the great outdoors–as a dedicated food enthusiast, she constantly seeks new recipes to experiment with and explore. With a genuine sense of wanderlust, she enjoys exploring new destinations and indulging in travel and adventure.
![Portrait of Riley Dockendorff](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Riley.jpg?itok=KLipWAi1)
![Riley Dockendorff fishing](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Riley%20Dockendorff.jpg?itok=eqC4a_yv)
Riley Dockendorff
Riley is passionate about designing outdoor recreation spaces that bring people together – he believes there is something unique about how outdoor spaces create a space for developing special connections. Riley brings this enthusiasm to the Design team, where he takes pride in producing high quality graphics and developing site planning strategies that encourage people to find their place in the balance between nature and the built environment.
Experience
Riley joined SE Group in 2024 with previous experience in public park design in Colorado. He strives to incorporate what he learned in urban planning, as well as his upbringing in Chicago, and to his team’s diverse skill set.
Riley received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree with a Minor in Sustainability from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
Expertise
- Site Planning and Design
- Conceptual Thinking and Collaboration
- Construction Documentation
- 3D Visualization and Graphic Representation
Outside the Office
Riley grew up learning to mountain bike and ski with his dad in the Midwest, having hopes that one day he would make it out to the Rocky Mountains to put these skills to the test. Now that he is living that dream and settled in Colorado, Riley spends most of his free time outdoors skiing, biking, camping, hiking, climbing - and of course fishing when he needs to ‘slow’ things down. When he isn’t outside, Riley loves to create memories with his friends and continue to develop his skills in the kitchen.
![Cam in a maroon shirt smiling in front of green trees](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Cam%20Deamer-Phillips-1.jpg?itok=aARuhLku)
![A portrait of Cam Deamer-Phillips with his dog](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Cam%20Deamer-Phillips_Lola.jpg?itok=2LSUqjkE)
Cam Deamer-Phillips
Cam fills a number of roles at SE Group, but is generally responsible for ensuring that team members have a cohesive and fulfilling employee experience across our 3 Market Sectors, 6 Disciplines, and 3 offices. As a natural listener and strategic thinker, Cam excels at developing business solutions and communications that are both inclusive and clear. He believes deeply in the positive influence of outdoor recreation for communities, and thus is a fierce champion for the inspiring work of his colleagues.
Experience
Cameron joined SE Group in 2021 in a communications role. He previously worked in corporate communications for a public utility district in Central Washington and as Development Director for a semester school in Colorado. The variety of these professional environments has prepared him to speak to, and work on behalf of, a wide range of stakeholders and decision-makers.
Cameron holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from Whitman College and a Master’s in Communication Leadership from the University of Washington.
Expertise
- Internal Communications
- Change Management
- Communications Strategy
Outside the Office
Cameron works remotely from Wenatchee, Washington – the Apple Capital of the World! This was a natural place to settle, considering his upbringing in the “other” Big Apple, New York City.
Cam isn’t picky when it comes to enjoying all that Wenatchee has to offer, from trail running in the foothills, to skiing corn at nearby Mission Ridge Resort, SUPing down the Columbia, or hiking in the Enchantments. When he isn’t outside with his wife and dog, he’s constantly refining his list for best tacos in town.
![Portrait of Hannah Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Hannah%20Lake.jpg?itok=oLkz-D3P)
![Hannah Lake on skis with a cow](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Hannah%20Lake.jpg?itok=lJzswt3k)
Hannah Lake
Hannah leads business development and marketing for SE Group, connecting the right people to the right projects. Her skills in project management, writing, and collaboration keep the team looking forward while staying firmly grounded in what we do best – always delivering exceptional service to our clients. She approaches her work with curiosity and empathy, knowing that the best ideas come from a team that is engaged and supported. She is enthusiastic about vibrant projects that enhance people’s lives and believes access to outdoor recreation is a critical asset for every community.
Experience
Hannah worked in transportation planning, sustainability, urban design, and tech for over a decade. Her background gives her a solid understanding of project development from the proposal phase to environmental review, planning and design, construction, and implementation. Her ability to lead business development strategy and tell our story is deeply rooted in this experience.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University and Master of Arts in Policy Studies from the University of Washington. She trained in leadership and organizational development with the College of Executive Coaching.
Expertise
- Proposals
- Marketing Strategy
- Communications
Outside the Office
After 15 years on the west coast, Hannah is enjoying life in the Green Mountain State. Her work-life balance philosophy is to get outside every day, whether it’s trail running, hiking, biking, or Nordic skiing with her wife and two dogs. When she’s not in the woods, she’s probably drinking a cup of coffee while building another camper van and planning her next adventure.
![Portrait of Hadin Jones](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Hadin.jpg?itok=F8YXyXkJ)
![Hadin Jones climbing a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Hadin%20Jones.jpg?itok=XR2mAuaG)
Hadin Jones
Hadin is a seasoned professional deeply committed to fostering organizational success through the strategic implementation of advanced accounting practices. Possessing a wealth of cross-industry knowledge, he leverages a versatile skill set to pioneer innovative approaches in accounting and financial management. Hadin excels in tailoring solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also drive efficiency and support holistic business operations.
Experience
Hadin brings over 5 years of progressive experience in the accounting industry, transitioning from roles as a bookkeeper to a controller across diverse sectors, with a primary focus on construction and consulting.
In his capacity as an accounting manager, Hadin directs his efforts towards ensuring the financial health of the company. He collaborates closely with project managers, offering direct support in achieving project-specific objectives and overarching goals. Hadin is fueled by a passion for facilitating success in others' roles, making him a dedicated professional who thrives on contributing to the financial well-being of the organization.
Hadin holds a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Utah, a bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in management, along with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Utah university.
Expertise
- Business Analysis
- Financial Budgeting/Reporting
- Bookkeeping/Invoicing
Outside the Office
Hadin, having grown up in Southern Utah, enjoys unparalleled access to the outdoors, with five national parks within a three-hour radius fostering a deep love for hiking, camping, and canyoneering. His passion for global exploration is shared with his wife, with Norway standing out as their favorite destination thus far. Beyond travel, Hadin's interests include cooking and dabbling in lapidary and silversmithing.
![Portrait of Patti Callahan](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Patti.jpg?itok=oADVMBMo)
![Patti Callahan on her bike](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Patti%20Callahan.jpeg?itok=ZX1F5uDM)
Patti Callahan
Patti combines graphic design experience and a marketing background with a focus on the specific needs of each project. Her design solutions present SE group’s work in an easily understood and visually interesting way, making her an exceptional asset to the team at SE Group. Moreover, her collaborative spirit, steadiness and approachability are key contributions to a positive and productive office environment.
Experience
Patti joined SE Group in 2018. She has over 30 years of experience as an art director and graphic designer, including 20 years as owner and principal of a graphic design studio.
Patti has a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Advertising and Marketing from Central Michigan University.
Expertise
- Graphic Design
- Public Engagement Materials
Outside the Office
Originally from the west coast of Michigan, Patti has made Frisco, Colorado her home for the past 30 years. She enjoys skiing, biking, hiking and paddle boarding and spends as much time as possible playing in the mountains with her family.
She also enjoys escaping mountain life to experience new cultures, warm climates and adventures in the city.
![Portrait of Kirstin LaMonde](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Kirstin.jpg?itok=zHxNuwEY)
![Kirstin LaMonde hiking](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Kirstin%20LaMonde.jpg?itok=8_mGI3uW)
Kirstin LaMonde
Kirstin plays a key role in the efficiency, organization, and innovative work of SE Group’s Business Development Team. Her systems organization and development, coupled with creative talents in photography and graphic design are the precise blend of skills that support all facets of SE Group’s proposal and business development efforts. Kirstin’s competitive spirit motivates her when telling the SE Group story, securing new business and project opportunities—bringing agility and a “can-do” attitude to get the job done, and done right.
Experience
Kirstin joined SE Group in 2016. Her systems and operations experience is rooted in the A/E and construction industry. Kirstin has developed and innovated the proposal process, allowing SE Group to bring our services to a wider and growing list of clients. She is an award-winning photographer who captures and celebrates the stories of people, businesses, and places. Kirstin has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, with Minors in Philosophy, English, and Graphic Design from Virginia Tech.
Expertise
- Proposal Management
- Graphic Design
- Systems Development
Outside the Office
Kirstin loves to spend time with her family in the woods hiking, foraging and exploring. She enjoys many weekends at her small off-grid camp, nestled adjacent to State Forest lands and a spring fed pond. She photographs wildlife and paddles while trying to catch one of the mythical trout that are claimed to live there. Though she enjoys the time on the water and peaceful solitude, she remains doubtful.
![Portrait of Kelly Stocklein](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/SEG%20Headshot_2024-4746.jpg?itok=jgmC_1CZ)
![A person on a kayak on a lake](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Kelly%20Stoecklein.jpg?itok=YjPYDt07)
Kelly Stoecklein
Kelly approaches projects with curiosity and creativity. By leading with listening, she produces designs that best serve the community and the environment. Kelly thrives when she is able to work closely with the public and clients, engaging in a co-designing process that ensures that solutions will best reflect the community’s values, while maintaining a strong dedication to environmental stewardship. She is passionate about connecting people with nature and is an advocate for equitable access to the outdoors.
Experience
Kelly has been a landscape designer for 5 years and has worked on a range of project types at the planning and site scale. She has worked with public and private clients to design parks, open space systems, and multi-modal transportation plans.
Kelly has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Art from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon in Eugene. She has also earned a Certificate of Sustainability from the University of Vermont.
Expertise
- Site Planning & Design
- Master Planning & Reports
- Graphic Representation
- Public Engagement
Outside the Office
Kelly grew up in Vermont skiing, snowboarding, and playing outside with her two sisters. Today, she continues to enjoy snowboarding and spending time outdoors with her family and will most likely be found surfing, biking, or rock climbing. She also loves traveling with friends to far-off places, reading, and gardening. So far, her favorite trips have been to Iceland, Sri Lanka, and Morocco.
Whatever she is doing, she prefers to do it outside.
![Portrait of Amelya Ingram](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Amelya%20I.jpg?itok=9OxHaW08)
![Amelya smiling wearing a ski helmet and goggles on a sunny day](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/AMELYA%202.jpg?itok=O7X2VySy)
Amelya Ingram
Amelya has a strong aptitude for organization and task management. She thrives on streamlining tasks and ensuring efficiency and precision. Amelya is passionate about the environment, outdoor recreation, and the importance of recreation and its positive impacts on communities. Amelya supports both the Mountain Resorts and Public Lands Environmental teams.
Experience
Amelya’s experience in the environmental field began at a civil, structural, and survey firm, where she dedicated five years to assisting with state environmental permitting, technical support, and QA/QC. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Management and Policy from the University of New Hampshire, she’s developed an understanding of the intersection of the environment and outdoor recreation. Amelya partners with project managers on project execution and communications, project planning and scheduling, interested parties/community engagement, and business development initiatives. She uses her organizational and project management support skills to ensure that the environmental team’s initiatives at SE Group are efficient and impactful.
Expertise
- Administrative Systems
- Organization and Strategy
- Project Management Support
- Community/Interested Parties Engagement
- Technical Editing
Outside the Office
Beyond the professional realm, Amelya lives and breathes the great outdoors. Born and raised in New Hampshire, she’s spent her life exploring the beauty of the Granite State. In the warmer months, you’ll find her on her mountain bike, while in the snowy season she’s on her touring, downhill, or Nordic skis. If she’s not on two wheels or two planks, Amelya can be found trekking through the woods, often accompanied by her husband and their two dogs, Winston and Willow. When not immersed in nature, Amelya enjoys skating in her local hockey league. She’s also a fan of live music and finds solace with a cup of chai tea and a good book in hand.
![A portrait of Kate Ripley](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Kate%20Ripley_2.jpg?itok=K4CoKPhr)
![Kate Ripley running](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-08/Kate%20Ripley2.jpg?itok=INaYipqd)
Kate Ripley
As the Marketing Discipline Area Coordinator, Kate ensures her team has the right resources and tools to complete projects efficiently. Spending over a decade in the customer service industry taught her that attention to detail, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are vital in the success of any project. Kate finds joy in helping others, completing tasks, and creatively solving problems.
Experience
Kate is new to the planning world and is excited to bring her expertise in customer service and passion for the outdoors into her professional life. She has seen the power outdoor recreation and public spaces have on a community’s quality of life and wants to bring that joy and connectivity to more areas. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Castleton University.
Expertise
- Market Research
- Administration Systems
- Community Engagement
Outside the Office
As a born and raised Vermonter, you can find Kate riding flowy singletrack on her mountain bike, running up mountains, or exploring the backcountry on her splitboard. Wherever you find her, you can be sure she has a smile on her face and snacks in her pocket. When she’s not chasing Strava leaderboards, you can most likely find her reading, crafting, watching sports, or generally dilly dallying.
![Caroline Jackson](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Carol.jpg?itok=VUw5Nun0)
![Caroline Jackson in a canyon with her dog](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Carol%20Jackson.jpg?itok=Bu59Fn84)
Caroline Jackson
Caroline utilizes her strong attention to detail to ensure all projects are moving forward in a timely manner. Combining her experience and personal passion for the outdoors with her education, Caroline understands how communities both cherish and interact with their natural and recreational spaces.
Experience
Caroline has strong background across the outdoor recreation field. She has worked as both a single and multi-day guide varying in activities, helped grow the membership of an outdoor non-profit organization focused on outdoor conservation, education, and adventures, and most recently spent four years managing an outdoor guide service in Park City, Utah. These experiences have allowed her to gain exposure to many different skillsets as well as gain a deeper knowledge of what guests are looking for when they visit mountain towns and resorts. Caroline has a B.A. in Strategic Communications with a minor in Political Science from CU Boulder and a Master's in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.
Expertise
- Administrative Systems
- Graphic Design
- Technical Writing
Outside the Office
While Caroline will always remain a proud Pittsburgh, PA “yinzer” at heart, you can find her hiking, skiing, mountain biking and/or rafting her way through the Intermountain West with her dog, Howdy. Off the trails you can most likely find her trying to knit something above her ability level.
![Portrait of Amelia Chandler](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-03/Amelia%20C.jpg?itok=R1WXOzs4)
![Amelia Chandler hiking](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_1440/public/2024-04/Amelia%20Chandler.jpg?itok=QBSFC4WQ)
Amelia Chandler
A versatile professional with a diverse background in coordination, operations, and customer service across various sectors, including design, baking, and active/recreational tourism, Amelia approaches her work with humility and a desire to learn. She is known for her quiet problem-solving abilities and strives to find practical and innovative solutions to challenges. Amelia values collaborative environments and is eager to contribute her skills to SE Group's mission-driven team.
Amelia holds a Master of Sustainable Tourism from the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions at Arizona State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Art History from Endicott College.
Expertise
- Active & recreational tourism
- Creative problem-solving
- Sustainable tourism planning
- Sustainable destination management & planning
Outside the Office
Amelia can often be found tackling a Type-2 Fun hike goal, paddling/racing with her dragon boat team on Lake Champlain, on a camping trip with her partner and pup in their 1987 truck bed camper affectionately known as ‘Lance Camp’, pretending she can Nordic ski, playing with power tools on a DIY house project, or trying to love gravel biking on Vermont’s hills.