Conference Speakers

Evan Beck – Manager of Training, Surgery East, The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Evan Beck is the Manager of Training for Surgery East, a service line specializing in Utility Arboriculture. He is an ISA Certified Arborist (#OH 6491AUT), TRAQ, TCIA CTSP, USOLN CUSP, UAA Pro-UVM, SPRAT Level 1 Technician, and former NREMT-Paramedic and Rescue Technician. Evan has a passion for tree climbing and tree climbing competitions, and is a two-time ISA Ohio Chapter TCC Champion as well as a finalist in the 2025 North American Tree Climbing Championships.

Nicole Benjamin – Owner, 2 Dog Crew LLC

Nicole “carni” Benjamin, an ISA Certified Arborist, began her journey at Heartwood Tree Service in North Carolina, where she navigated a steep learning curve and gained diverse experience in tree work. Transitioning to subcontracting in 2018, she undertook a range of projects from utility tree work to treehouse builds, and hurricane & fire clean up to helicopter assisted removals. “carni” has worn multiple hats within the industry —groundie, climber, crew leader/foreman, owner, trainer and safety officer —acknowledging the importance and respect each role deserves. In addition to living on a small homestead in WNC, Nicole & her family traverse the USA for work, tree climbing competitions, conferences, and workshops with the Burke Outdoor Canopy Class, the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, & Academy Trained, as well as miscellaneous adventures. While her favorite tree fluctuates, she cherishes Charlotte’s (NC) expansive Willow Oaks (Quercus phellos) and Tulip Poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera).

Jeff Inman – Production Manager, Truetimber Arborists

Jeff Inman is the Production Manager for Truetimber Arborists based out of Richmond, VA. He is an ambassador for Courant Vertical Living as well as @Height Equipment. Jeff is an ISA Tree Climber, Arborist, TRAQ and TCIA CTSP, but more importantly, he is a husband to his beautiful wife and father to their two children. His passion is rooted in climbing, learning, and growth. His mission is to help others be the best version of themselves and pass along the information and love of arboriculture that was shared with him many years ago. 

Kristen Shedd – Physical Therapist, Rainbow Treecare

I am a licensed physical therapist with over 20 years experience in outpatient orthopedics. I joined On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy in January 2025 and started working with Rainbow Tree and the arborist team in February 2025.

Shelly Wollerman – Owner and Operator, Soteria Training Solutions

I am the owner and operator of Soteria Training Solutions. With over 10 years of experience in production tree care and over three years as an industry safety trainer, I leverage my background as a licensed EMT and Wilderness EMT to make first aid directly applicable to the arboriculture industry. My training emphasizes hands-on emergency preparedness to ensure arborists are equipped to handle worst-case scenarios on the job site.