NEW! TCI EXPOSaw

WTCW – Amanda Whitton and Melissa LeVangie-Ingersoll

Professional arborists will present on experiences from the field, about how chance favors the prepared. When the work plan didn’t go as planned, what were the outcomes, and why. Learn key steps you can implement that will drastically increase your likelihood of success when an incident occurs.

Biography

Whitton, Amanda

The Treeist
Amanda started her tree life 5 years ago when Covid pushed her outside. She hasn’t looked back since, and even has expanded her rope work into industrial access. Currently serving as the Director of Operations of the Treeist in Chapel Hill, Amanda is honored and pleased to be part of Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop and getting to continue her learning journey.

LeVangie Ingersoll, Melissa – Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop (WTCW)

Melissa adores sharing her love of trees and the skills she’s acquired over the last 29 years in the industry of arboriculture. Melissa is a passionate educator and her down-to-earth approach lends her subject matter expertise to be accessible by students, newbie to advanced people alike.

As the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop® owner and co-founder, Melissa serves as a lead instructor, website designer, and head of marketing… and more.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, holding a B.S. in Forestry. With a diverse background Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to her passion of arboriculture. With trail construction and maintenance, firefighting, chain saw training and more.

Melissa’s hobbies include motorcycling, timber framing, cycling, and gardening.

North American Rescue – Matt McCarty and JD Stewart

We will speak to the importance of having a TQ (tourniquet) at all times.

Biography

McCarty, Matt – North American Rescue
Matt is the Director of Public Safety sales and instructor for North American Rescue specializing in meeting the pre-hospital care needs of public access areas such as houses of worship, educational establishments, and all types of jobs sites like the tree care industry. McCarty has an extensive background in the public service field beginning with time as a volunteer firefighter for many years while receiving firefighter of the year at Honea Path Fire Department in South Carolina. He completed his bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Lander University in Greenwood, SC and went on to become a classroom teacher and coach in Anderson School District 2 in Honea Path, SC. After spending four years in the education field McCarty decided to change careers and entered law enforcement as a deputy sheriff for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. While there he continued to pursue his education and obtained his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Executive Leadership from Anderson University in Anderson, SC. McCarty was promoted through the ranks to Staff Sergeant and received a lifesaving award using some of the products from North American Rescue. He also went on to become an adjunct professor of criminal justice for Anderson University where he received the honor of part-time professor of the year. Now as a sales director for North American Rescue he still serves his community as a part-time deputy sheriff and STOP THE BLEED® instructor.

STIHL – Mark Chisholm, CTSP

Choosing the right tools isn’t always straightforward—but learning from the pros can make it easier. In this session, top climbers and fallers share what they look for in their gear to meet the demands of daily work and how those choices help them perform at their best. Bring your questions and hear real-world advice and solutions for tackling the toughest challenges the industry throws your way.

Biography

Chisholm, Mark, CTSP – Aspen Tree Expert Company
Mark is a third-generation arborist who works with his father Steve, mother Laura, and brother Steve for the family-owned Aspen Tree Expert Company. Mark has won ISA New Jersey Chapter Tree Climbing Championship 21 times. He is also a past president of the New Jersey chapter of the ISA and is a 3-time World Champion. The ITCC in Tampa, Florida 2015 marked the 20th time Mark has placed in the top 5 overall. He is the creator and owner of the interactive TreeBuzz.com website, which sees over 80,000 users each month.
He is a licensed tree expert with the state of New Jersey, an ISA Certified Arborist, and a TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP). Mark is also a spokesperson for STIHL Inc.

WTCW – Rebecca Seibel

We talk a lot about Personal Protective Equipment as our last line of defense. A plastic helmet is no match for a running chainsaw, but it is a physical barrier. But what about fit for purpose attire that is designed to stop chainsaws?

Let’s have a real talk about how and when and what you’re wearing for chainsaw protective gear could make a difference between a “close call” or a trip to the ER – or worse.
Rebecca will explore the material from which saw pro is constructed, how to obtain proper fit, appropriate care for PPA, how to inspect, and when to retire. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of various forms of PPA, and what employers are required to do for anyone running chainsaws.

Biography

Seibel, Rebecca, CTSP – TreeSpirit Consulting
Rebecca has been a consulting and production climbing arborist for over 25 years. She is a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP). She brings a practical approach to teaching and leadership, delivered with a clear, compassionate message.

Her core values are nature, competency and creativity. She is passionate about sharing how everyone can know what it’s like to work on a safe, fun, competent crew!

When she’s not traveling and training with TreeSpirit Consulting, her spare time is spent fun traveling with her family, being with her horses, and seeking adventure in harmony with her core values; in other words, living in alignment.

Milwaukee Tool – Andy Jones, CTSP, Rooted Arbor Care

Has battery OPE — specifically chainsaws reached the performance levels sufficient for professional tree care? Legislative trends (e.g., California AB1346) are catalyzing the shift to emission-free gear. After three years of rigorous field-testing new battery-powered outdoor tools from major brands, we can confidently address industry concerns such as power, runtime and cost when comparing battery OPE to traditional gas-powered gear. As well as share how, our crew has navigated the transition from gas to battery-powered gear.

Biography

Jones, Andy, CTSP – Rooted Arborcare
Andy Jones is a Founder and Owner of Rooted Arbor Care in O’Fallon, MO. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP), and is a regular contributor to TCI Magazine. Andy is a climber and gear enthusiast who is passionate about finding innovative ways to safely and efficiently work in the canopy. Andy has previous experience in logistics, aerial rigging, industrial safety, and first aid/emergency response, and uses this experience to help propel the industry of arboriculture to new heights. Andy’s goal is to help develop and demonstrate simple solutions for increasingly dynamic problems.

Greenworks Commercial – Ken Palmer

Explore the advanced capabilities of Optimus, the next generation cutting solution engineered for precision, speed, and adaptability. Learn how Optimus delivers superior cut quality, reduced cycle times, and predictive maintenance to maximize uptime and ROI. Whether you’re tackling dense hardwoods or high-volume industrial applications, Optimus Chainsaws set a new benchmark in chainsaw innovation. Welcome to the cutting edge.

Biography

Ken Palmer, President ArborMaster® Training Inc.
Arborist, Instructor, Skills Trainer, Author. Professional applications consultant, Greenworks Commercial since 2019.

Husqvarna – Bailey Mountcastle

Discover the groundbreaking Husqvarna 564 XP®, a fuel-injected 60cc professional chainsaw designed for forestry and tree care experts seeking unmatched performance. It combines the maneuverability of a 50cc saw with the power of a 70cc, offering an exceptional power-to-weight ratio in a compact design. Featuring advanced fuel injection and a new engine, it delivers instant acceleration and maximizes productivity throughout your workday. Stop by our session and demo the 564 XP® yourself to experience its simple start and low vibration comfort firsthand.

Biography:

Bailey Mountcastle
is the Husqvarna Product Manager for all Professional Handheld Products and Accessories.

WTCW – Nicole “Carni” Benjamin and Melissa LeVangie-Ingersoll

Planning your cut starts with a healthy bar. A well maintained and conditioned bar results in better cuts. Learn some simple tricks of bar maintenance and then see the results with better cuts. Flip your approach and utilize your bar’s reactive forces and attack angles to get the results you want; stop getting stuck!
Firewood pile, stand clear!

Biography

LeVangie Ingersoll, Melissa – Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop (WTCW)

Melissa adores sharing her love of trees and the skills she’s acquired over the last 29 years in the industry of arboriculture.  Melissa is a passionate educator and her down-to-earth approach lends her subject matter expertise to be accessible by students, newbie to advanced people alike. 

As the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop® owner and co-founder, Melissa serves as a lead instructor, website designer, and head of marketing… and more.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, holding a B.S. in Forestry. With a diverse background Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to her passion of arboriculture. With trail construction and maintenance, firefighting, chain saw training and more. Melissa’s hobbies include motorcycling, timber framing, cycling, and gardening,

Benjamin, Nicole – 2 Dog Crew, LLC
Nicole ‘carni’ is an ISA Certified Arborist, and primarily a production arborist. She was lucky enough to get started in the industry with Heartwood Tree Service, setting her up for steep learning curve and experiences in a broad range of production tree work. In 2018, she and her husband started their company 2 Dog Crew, LLC; working on various projects ranging from line clearance and utility, to residential removals & pruning, municipal projects, helicopter removals, even zipline and treehouse builds. Throughout her career she has been the groundie, (contract) climber, crew leader, general foreman, owner, chief safety officer, trainer, and the list continues. Despite those roles not always getting along, she’s found necessity and respect are deserved for all of them. She currently lives “on the road” with her husband, daughter and doggo. They often travel around the continental USA to attend tree climbing competitions, conferences, visit and work with friends, assist with the Burke Outdoor Canopy Class, the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, Academy Trained and other arbor related trainings and workshops. Her favorite tree changes regularly, but she is always grateful for the Charlotte, NC’s massive Willow Oaks – Quercus phellos, and Tulip Poplars – Liriodendron tulipifera.

ECHO – Charlie Hoffmann

A foundational seminar on common sense chain saw safety and maintenance practices.