James Chambrelli, CTSP, and Ryan Torcicollo, CTSP, SavATree
Cutting aloft is where small decisions can turn into big consequences—pinched bars, surprise swings, torn wood, and pieces that don’t go where anyone planned. In Chopocalypse Now, Ryan and Jaime deliver a practical, demo-driven session on making controlled cuts overhead by reading tension and compression, predicting movement before the saw starts, and choosing the right technique for the scenario.
Attendees will see best-practice approaches for work positioning, two-hand saw control, communication, and drop-zone discipline—plus common failure modes and how to avoid them. You’ll leave with a simple, repeatable checklist to help crews plan the piece, manage bind, and cut with control every time.
Speaker Bio:
Chambrelli, James, CTSP – SavATree
Jamie has 20 years of industry experience, beginning his career as a production climber and progressing into safety and training leadership within the tree care industry. He currently serves as a regional safety manager for SavATree, supporting field operations and helping teams strengthen everyday execution through practical, scalable training systems. Jamie brings a Human Performance–based approach to safety—focusing on how work is actually performed in the field, building capacity for success, and improving systems so people can do the right thing under real-world conditions. He is a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) and a Connecticut Licensed Arborist, and he specializes in creating repeatable programs that sharpen planning, hazard recognition, skills verification, and peer-to-peer coaching to drive consistent performance at scale.
Torcicollo, Ryan, CTSP – SavATree
With his passion for tree work and innovation, Ryan has rocked the climbing world, with multiple state competition wins and championship titles under his belt. The former owner of Wasatch Arborists, he now works as an assistant service line director, and the head of training for SavATree, promoting the safety of climbers across the country.