Speaker’s Bureau Submission

Blake started his career with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department at Fair Park in July 2016. He worked as a grounds maintenance Supervisor at 3 separate districts for five years and is currently a Manager at District 1. For the last half of 2022, Blake was on special assignment to inventory all parks, trails, and greenways/open spaces in the City of Dallas for ash trees. He logged ash tree species into TreeKeeper software so the department can closely monitor and treat for the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Blake holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Systems Management from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Currently, he is the Chairman of the City of Lewisville Park and Recreation Advisory Board, a member of the Board of Directors for Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council, and sits on Dallas’ Urban Forestry Technical Team. Blake’s licenses and certifications include Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Arborist, Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualified (WRRQ), Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), First Aid/AED, and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator.Read More

Amy Langbein Heath grew up in Dallas and studied at Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison. Inspired by her time on the Appalachian Trail, Amy began working in tree care when she moved back home and became an ISA Certified Arborist® in 2008. Amy bought Texas Tree Surgeons in 2010, and in 2018 was recognized as the first woman in Texas to become an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®. While leading Texas Tree Surgeons to become a top-tier tree service in North Texas, Amy has maintained the company’s hands-on, personal level of care and unique identity as a woman-owned and women-led business. Amy and Texas Tree Surgeons are committed to their community, donating time and services to local and national organizations such as Saluting Branches, ReTREET, and Genesis Women’s Shelter. Amy serves on the boards of the Texas Chapter of the ISA and the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council. Amy’s motto for Texas Tree Surgeons has always been “We Love Trees!” Learn more about Amy from Women in Woods spotlight.Read More

Accreditation Auditor/TCIA Qualified Trainer – Kristopher has dedicated over 30 years to advancing tree care, safety training, and urban forest preservation. With experience as a municipal, commercial, and residential arborist, he shares insights and stories from a lifetime in the field. As a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Tree Climber, TCI Accreditation Auditor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, Kristoffer is committed to the safety and growth of arborists and their communities. He plays a pivotal role in assessing and accrediting tree care companies, driving them toward excellence and adherence to industry standards. His passion for sustainable practices and fostering collaboration makes him a respected leader and advocate in arboriculture.  Read More

Mike Sills has been a Regional Urban Forester for the Texas A and M Forest Service’s Dallas Region for eight years.  He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1995 with a B.S. in Forestry and has been an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist since 1997. He has received accreditation as a Certified Forester and Board-Certified Master Arborist from the Society of American Foresters and International Society of Arboriculture, respectively. He is a Private Pilot and volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol.  He and his wife of 24 years, Ginny, enjoy traveling and being at home with their dog, Keelagh, and their rabbit, Captain Hastings.  Read More

Susan was the horticulturist/arborist for the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Grand Prairie for 31 years.  She shared her knowledge of trees and Plants through the landscape and garden show “Let’s Get Growing” on Grand Prairie’s TV channel, GPTV and You Tube.Read More