PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Humans are, by nature, social creatures. The places we inhabit shape how we observe, collaborate,  and engage with the world around us. Resilient, equitable, and environmentally just design emerges  from the understanding that each place is a living and evolving entity. In this presentation, Michelle  will explore how collective curiosity and storytelling inform Snøhetta’s design work across diverse  scales and typologies. From adapting urban public spaces like the Blanton Art Museum to re imagining the rural grasslands of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, each project reflects  a deep commitment to place-based design. Bridging practice and academia, Michelle will share how  Snøhetta’s interdisciplinary collaborations resist erasure. Instead, prioritizing an emphasis on listening –  both to the stories embedded in landscapes and to the voices of those most connected to a place. 

Speaker: 

Michelle Jeffrey Delk, FASLA 

Michelle Delk is a Partner with Snøhetta and leads the Landscape Architecture practice in the  Americas. As a passionate advocate and designer of the public realm, her work is evocative of a  foundational premise shared with Snøhetta: to create places that enhance the positive relationships  between people and their environments. Michelle encourages innovative approaches to collaboration  that are nonhierarchical and trans-disciplinary. Both aspirational and pragmatic, she seeks to  discover and expand the urban landscape vernacular, striving to express the subtleties of place  through the incongruities of memory, environment, and social perceptions. Michelle is a Fellow of the  American Society of Landscape Architects, the Laurie Olin Professor of Practice at the University of  Pennsylvania, a board member with the NYC Urban Design Forum, and a member of The Cultural  Landscape Foundation Stewardship Council. 

DEI: 

The work Michelle will share emphasizes nurturing relationships among and across all experience  levels, through engagement, planning and design. Michelle will highlight how Snohetta’s collective  design culture, through projects and initiatives, involves individuals who represent groups historically  excluded from society at large, and the design industry. Diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in  the values of the practice through three principal areas: project work, studio operations, and consultant  teaming. By nurturing creativity and an inclusive culture to understands and reflect the values the  diversity of our employees, clients and communities in our work.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Trees are the backbone of the Landscape. When properly planted and maintained, their value is measured both economically and aesthetically. The cooling shade they provide is a given, but some  of the other amenities include reducing runoff, intercepting particulates, and providing habitat for migratory songbirds and other animals. What may be considered most important though, is their ability to sequester carbon for years or longer. As Emerald Ash Borer, Bacterial Leaf  Scorch, Spotted Lantern Fly and now Beech Leaf Disease are wreaking havoc on some of our most  popular and significant trees it is time to look at what tree options are there, for the landscape going  forward. 

The discussion will highlight trees that remain strong and worthy of continued use, and some lesser-known species that are likely to play a key role in maintaining a beautiful, healthy and sustainable landscape. 

Steve Kristoph, Owner Steve Kristoph Nursery and Instructor at Rutgers university Steve Kristoph is renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of plant material. He holds both  Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in horticulture from Rutgers University, where he has also served  as an adjunct instructor for more than 25 years. Steve is the owner of Steven Kristoph Nursery  in Monmouth County, NJ, where he cultivates a wide variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, and  herbaceous perennials.  

His landscape design firm, P. Steven Kristoph Garden Design, provides comprehensive services  including design, installation, and maintenance to both residential and commercial clients. Deeply  passionate about plants, Steve brings his enthusiasm and expertise to every outdoor plant encounter!

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

As landscape architects and public park employees it is our mission to create outdoor  spaces which serve the entire community. In every site, the word scale takes on a similar  meaning. The challenge of designing parks in urban NYC means to understand the  community’s needs and apply them to the limited areas available, often juggling the big  dreams of the community with the reality of available space. This lecture will illustrate this  concept of scale by examining three recent projects, focusing on the diversity of  neighborhoods and neighbors and how collaboration with these communities helped shape  truly successful parks. 

Speakers: 

Denise Mattes, PLA, Design Director – Brooklyn Capital Projects, NYC Parks Denise is currently the Brooklyn Capital Projects Design Director for NYC Parks, where she has  worked for over 20 years managing, designing and promoting a variety of urban, public spaces.  Her portfolio also includes working in the private sector designing hospital campus spaces, large scale subdivisions and small residential projects. She is the 2024 RULA department’s distinguished  alumni recipient and received an NJASLA award in 2019 for her design of Astoria Heights Playground  in Queens. She is very active in her community having served on her local Zoning and Planning  Boards since 1993, and was a member of the NJASLA annual meeting planning committee for over  15 years as a co-chair of the meeting itself and the awards committee. She continually promotes the  profession through her involvement at her local high school, donating her time each year during their  ‘professional day’ to educate the students about the importance of landscape architecture. 

Nicholas Magilton, PLA, Director of Landscape Architecture Design Resources, NYC Parks Nicholas Magilton, PLA, is the Director of Landscape Architecture Resources at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. He oversees the design resource team which manages the  design review process, develops standards, sources reference materials, and creates presentation  templates to ensure consistency and excellence throughout the design process. He works to ensure  in-house staff and on-call consultant landscape architecture firms have resources necessary to  create inclusive, accessible, resilient, and outstanding public spaces. He has been a registered  landscape architect in New York State since 2011, holds a Master of Science Degree in Urban Affairs  from Hunter College, and Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree and Bachelor of Science in  Community & Regional Planning Degree from Iowa State University. 

DEI: 

The three projects showcased in this lecture represent the Community Parks Initiative, which  is an equity-driven program that selects project sites in underserved neighborhoods. We will  discuss our community design process, which gathers feedback from our diverse  communities to inform the design. We will explain next steps in creating public spaces,  providing amenities which serve an array of park users, considering the built environment,  subject to size and scale, in conjunction with programming needs. This includes exploring  how we approach making our parks accessible for patrons of all abilities.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

This session examines the sites of resistance, leisure, and cultural memory that have shaped Black  communities in Apalachicola, Florida. This lecture explores how these landscapes serve as spaces  of resilience, identity, and heritage in the face of historical and environmental challenges. It also  considers how community engagement—through collaborative design, storytelling, and preservation  efforts—can empower local voices and ensure that cultural landscapes remain living, evolving spaces  of meaning 

Speaker: 

Dr. C.L. Bohannon, Ph.D., FASLA, Associate Professor 

Dr. Bohannon is an Associate Professor in the Landscape Architecture Department and the  Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the School of Architecture  and University Fellow for Community Engagement at the University of Virginia. Dr. Bohannon is a  nationally recognized scholar and educator specializing in community-engaged design, social and  environmental justice, and African American landscapes, particularly in the American South. 

Before joining UVA in 2022, Dr. Bohannon was an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and  Interim Director at Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design. He also directed the Community  Engagement Lab and served as a faculty principal at the Leadership and Social Change Residential  College. Dr. Bohannon’s research and teaching focus on addressing social and environmental  inequities in marginalized communities through community mapping, storytelling, and interdisciplinary  study. Dr. Bohannon serves on the Board for the Landscape Architecture Foundation. 

DEI: 

This session addresses critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within landscape architecture  by centering the histories and spatial experiences of African American communities in Apalachicola,  Florida. It amplifies underrepresented voices by highlighting how Black communities have shaped  and sustained cultural landscapes through resistance, leisure, and memory—elements often  excluded from dominant narratives in the field. The lecture challenges conventional frameworks of  landscape valuation and preservation, advocating for a more inclusive and culturally responsive  approach to design. The session promotes equitable design practices that empower local voices and  redistribute power in the design process. Additionally, it addresses environmental justice by exploring  how these communities navigate environmental challenges, urging landscape architects to consider  the intersections of race, place, and ecology in their work. Through these lenses, the session offers a  model for how the profession can more fully embrace DEI principles in both theory and practice.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

To scale design with integrity in New Jersey, we must begin with what is often overlooked: the  small, the layered, the everyday. This session explores how cultural and ecological techniques— diaspora markets, language zones, saltfront ecologies, and fire-adapted soils—shape the lived  landscapes of the Garden State. Through a hands-on sticker mapping workshop, participants will  surface the “hidden logics” of New Jersey: enclaves, ecotones, and everyday genius that resist  generic design templates. Case studies from Los Angeles, Syracuse, and the Pacific Northwest  introduce participatory tools for reading and designing with cultural memory, migration patterns, and  environmental thresholds. Together, we’ll ask: What if scaling doesn’t mean replicating—but layering,  attuning, and honoring the specific? 

Speaker: 

Jean Yang, Assistant Professor SUNY ESF, ASLA 

Jean Yang is a landscape architect, urban planner, and educator originally from New Jersey, now  based in upstate New York. Her work bridges equity, climate adaptation, and design literacy— translating complex community narratives into resilient spatial frameworks. She has led major  initiatives such as the Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Plan, the LA County Parks Strategic  Plan, and Destination Crenshaw. As a Senior Associate at Studio-MLA and now Assistant Professor at  SUNY ESF, she collaborates with agencies, artists, and marginalized communities to reimagine public  space. Jean’s participatory methods—like sticker-based toolkits and trauma-informed memorials— support dignity, visibility, and belonging across design scales. She is a graduate of Cornell (BA) and  UCLA (MUP) and USC (MLA)), she has taught at UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, and the University of  Oregon. 

DEI: 

This session centers diversity, equity, and inclusion by introducing design methods that surface  overlooked cultural and ecological knowledge—particularly in marginalized or misrepresented  communities. Participants will engage in a hands-on sticker mapping workshop that supports inclusive  authorship and allows individuals to reflect on migration, memory, language, and land. By focusing  on enclaves, ecotones, and everyday spatial practices, the session challenges generic planning  frameworks and uplifts locally specific forms of genius that often go unrecognized in traditional design  processes. Case studies highlight trauma-informed memorials, participatory public space work with  unhoused and refugee communities, and frameworks for culturally layered climate adaptation. The  tools shared support equitable engagement, cultural preservation, and more just approaches to  landscape planning.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

This session will address the key points of integrating environmental remediation strategies into  landscape design, including navigating the complex and often contradictory regulations that govern  site remediation, stormwater management, and flood hazard area development. John Tregidgo,  LSRP will present an overview of common site remediation challenges and the benefits of engaging  environmental specialists early in the design process. Strategies for addressing stormwater  management and compliance with flood hazard area regulations on environmentally impacted  sites will be addressed by Gabrielle Gornelli, PE, while Lauren K. Venin, LLA, CFM, presents the  horticultural impacts of site remediation. Adapting green stormwater infrastructure to function  effectively on capped sites will also be discussed.  

Speakers: 

Lauren K. Venin, LLA, RLA, CFM 

Ms. Venin’s 20-plus year career spans a wide variety of project types and conditions, in New York,  New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. After several years with a design studio, she joined Dresdner  Robin, a multi-disciplinary land use consultancy based in Jersey City. Ms. Venin currently leads the  Landscape Architecture department, overseeing both public and private sector projects, with a focus  on urban redevelopment.  

For the past 15 years, Ms. Venin has also served her community in several volunteer positions,  working towards flood mitigation, open space preservation, and improved land stewardship.  Additionally, she serves as a Girl Scout troop leader and Service Unit Manager for Girl Scouts of  Northern New Jersey.  

Gabrielle Gornelli, PE 

Ms. Gornelli is a licensed professional engineer specializing in municipal site plan applications  and environmental permitting for a variety of commercial, residential, and mixed-use development  projects. With a strong foundation in both design and regulatory compliance, she manages projects  from the schematic phase through construction. Her work includes the management of roadway  and site grading design, utility layout and design, and the development of innovative stormwater  management strategies for dense urban sites. Many of Gabby’s projects are located in regulatory  coastal zones and floodplains, where she helps clients to secure approvals at the local, state, and  federal levels. 

John F. Tregidgo, LSRP 

Mr. Tregidgo brings over 25 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry, having launched his career in an environmental testing laboratory before advancing to manage and oversee a wide array of site remediation projects. His work spans private corporations and federal, state, and local agencies, including the remediation and redevelopment of brownfields, public parks, and recreational areas. Mr. Tregidgo is a permanent Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) in the State of New Jersey, authorizing him to oversee the remediation of contaminated sites under NJDEP’s regulatory framework. He is known for delivering practical, compliant, and science-based solutions that support environmental protection, economic development, and community revitalization.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

East Newark Riverfront Park: Where Ecology and Community Meet Again East Newark Riverfront Park transforms a former industrial wharf into a vibrant, accessible green  oasis on the banks of the Passaic River. Once home to the Clark Thread Company, whose legacy  left behind contamination and cut off public access for more than 150 years, the site will now serve  as East Newark’s first and only waterfront park. By expanding parkland from 1% to 8% of the  borough’s land area, this project exemplifies how social uplift, environmental justice, and ecological  restoration can guide design in small municipalities. Gonzalo Cruz and Tristan Porto will present the  park’s nature-based strategies and its integration of resilient infrastructure, habitat restoration, and  community programming. The session will show how a brownfield can become a precedent-setting  model for equitable, sustainable, and performative public space. 

Gonzalo Cruz, PLA, ASLA  

Gonzalo serves as Vice President and Principal of Design at AECOM’s Landscape Architecture +  Urban Design (LAUD) studio in New York. He leads design efforts locally and oversees strategic  collaborations across the Americas and internationally. His award-winning work is situated at the  intersection of large-scale infrastructure and placemaking, with a strong focus on addressing climate related challenges through design. 

Gonzalo’s practice has been recognized by prestigious organizations including the American Society  of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), NYCxDESIGN, and the  Chicago Athenaeum, which honored his work on the World Trade Center’s Liberty Park with a Design  Excellence Award in Open Space Design. 

Tristan Porto, PLA, ASLA 

Tristan Porto is a Senior Associate with AECOM’s Landscape Architecture + Urban Design Studio  in New York City, where he leads projects at the intersection of placemaking and infrastructure.  With seventeen years of practice, he is recognized for creating resilient, innovative, and community centered public spaces that balance technical rigor with social impact. His experience includes  serving as Senior Project Manager for Design at NYC Parks, where he helped develop citywide  guidelines for accessible parks and contributed to the agency’s Flood Resiliency Guidelines. Today,  Tristan applies that expertise to parks, campuses, and urban infrastructure projects, integrating  ecological restoration and climate resilience into complex urban contexts. He is known for his ability  to collaborate across disciplines and deliver inclusive design solutions that strengthen communities  and create lasting public value. 

DEI: 

The project restores long-denied riverfront access in a historically overburdened, immigrant, working class community. Equitable design principles ensure inclusive programming, universal accessibility,  and opportunities for community events, job training, and environmental education; making the park a  catalyst for social and environmental justice.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

There was a shopping mall – now, it’s all covered with flowers! 

Malls are known for many things, but greenery is not one of them. An activity node surrounded by  a concrete desert, malls are their own kind of oasis. Yet this approach to suburban commerce has  proven unsustainable – for the businesses that call them home, the towns that host them, and for the  environment. 

When planning for the future of their dying malls, towns often focus on issues like economic  development, municipal finances, and affordable housing. However, recreating these spaces as a  green oasis of community activity is just as important for their viability. 

This session will examine redevelopment efforts for the Monmouth and Livingston Malls as case  studies in suburban greening, including not only the employed design solutions but the varied and  many voices that led to them, as well as the inter-sectional approach through which they address a  variety of aspects integral to the redevelopments’ success.  

Speakers: 

David Lustberg. LLA, PP 

David is a Landscape Architect, Planner and Urban Designer with more than 20 years of diverse  professional experience. This experience ranges from street and plaza design to bicycle/pedestrian  planning and redevelopment consulting. 

David is the founding partner of Arterial and under his leadership the firm has become recognized as  a leader in the field of planning, design and implementation of High Performance Streets – Streets  That Do More™. 

Marc Lincer, AICP, CAPM 

Marc Lincer brings a liberal arts background to the Topology, providing a skill-set well-suited to  hands-on learning. Over 6 years at Topology, Marc has taken on projects across the wide range of  Topology’s portfolio, from land use application review, redevelopment, master planning, ordinance  drafting, cannabis land use law, affordable housing, and public outreach. 

Notable projects include the 2024 Morristown Land Development Ordinance, Millburn Open Space &  Recreation Master Plan Element, and the Livingston Mall Community Visioning Project. Additionally,  Marc manages Topology’s procurement process, employing his position as a Certified Associate in  Project Management to steer projects efficiently and transparently. 

Marc graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Honors, Magna Cum  Laude. During his year abroad in Paris, Marc studied Parisian architecture with Hamilton College and  globalization and urbanization at Sciences Po Paris.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Storytelling as an Active Practice: Finding Clarity and Alignment in a Technological Era Storytelling isn’t about selling an idea-it’s about sharing understanding. It’s how we build empathy, reveal intent, and invite others to see what we see. In an era of Al-enhanced tools and rapid iteration, storytelling helps designers slow down, clarify intent, and find authenticity in the process itself. 

This session explores storytelling not as a polished presentation, but as a practice of design decision-making- one that helps design teams of any scale navigate complexity, communicate purpose, and stay aligned with shared values. From hand sketches to generative imagery, participants will gain insights into how different tools and processes can clarify ideas, support collaboration, and reveal how storytelling can bring clarity, alignment, and meaning to the evolving practice of design. 

Speaker: 

Misa Chen, PLA, ASLA 

Misa is a landscape architect, founder, and studio director of Studio Edition. With over two decades  of professional experience, her work centers on reimagining outdoor spaces that enrich everyday  life with social, environmental, and cultural vitality. Her approach balances creativity with pragmatic  thinking, reflecting a belief that quality design can be both inspiring and grounded-achieved through  clarity, collaboration, and curiosity. 

Prior to Studio Edition, Misa was a Senior Associate at WRT, leading complex public realm,  institutional, and mixed-use projects across the East Coast and internationally. Drawing on this  expertise, she launched Studio Edition in 2021-a Philadelphia-based design practice focused on  shaping site-responsive landscapes that infuse artistic expression and foster a sense of well-being  and connection for the communities they serve. Misa holds a BLA from Tunghai University and an  MLA from the University of Pennsylvania. 

DEI: 

This session brings the perspective of an Asian-American, women-owned small practice, representing  the voices of designers in the majority of U.S. landscape firms, which typically operate as a single office, small team (ASLA 2024 Industry Report). By highlighting storytelling as an active design  process, the session demonstrates how visual and narrative strategies-through sketches, diagrams,  and generative tools-can make design thinking accessible and inclusive, fostering equitable  collaboration with clients, collaborators, and community stakeholders. The session also reflects on  how storytelling empowers designers at any stage to find their voice, navigate the profession with  confidence, and shape both the work they create and the designers they become.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

What makes a plant good for play? Plants in children’s play spaces should spark curiosity, encourage  imaginative storytelling, and withstand active use—without posing risks like thorns or toxicity. While  whimsical features such as topiary or edible gardens add charm, they often lack durability and year round appeal. 

Children’s gardens often feature novelties like topiaries or pizza ingredients. This session explores  how plants can do more than decorate—they can clean the air, reduce heat, and support mental well being. In areas where playgrounds may be the only green space, plant selection becomes even more  critical. Attendees will learn how to choose plants that engage the senses, support wildlife, and thrive  in urban environments, while also considering factors like size, habit, and safety. 

In this presentation, attendees will learn about plants that are suited to play spaces and discuss  what features to consider. These include habit, size, wildlife benefits, and sensory appeal. Plants’  adaptability to urban environments and potential hazards like toxicity will also be addressed. 

Speakers: 

Jane Beggs-Joles, Proven Winners ColorChoice Outreach Manager 

Jane Beggs-Joles brings over 30 years of experience in the wholesale nursery industry, where she  has played a key role in shaping North American horticulture through the introduction of exceptional  plant varieties. Her contributions include standout selections such as ‘Limelight’ and Little Lime®  hydrangeas, Low Scape Mound® Aronia, and Kodiak® Diervilla—plants that have become staples in  landscapes across the continent. 

As Landscape Program Manager at Spring Meadow Nursery, the woody ornamental partner of  Proven Winners®, Jane specializes in helping landscape professionals identify the right plants for  their projects. Her work focuses on using plants as practical solutions to design challenges, blending  horticultural expertise with a deep understanding of landscape needs. 

Laura Robles, Regional Product Manager, Walter Gardens  

With over 20 years of experience in the horticulture industry, Laura’s background includes a variety  of plant based knowledge. Prior to her current role, she served as Trials Manager at Walters Gardens  and led research and development at Mast Young Plants. Her deep understanding of perennial  production and plant performance has made her a trusted resource for growers and landscape  professionals alike. 

Laura holds degrees in Natural Resources from Cornell University and Horticulture from Michigan  State University. She has been recognized with the Perennial Plant Association’s Young Professionals  Award and was named to Greenhouse Product News’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2013

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Behind every thriving landscape is a foundation of well-crafted soil specifications. In this session,  Jake from Laurel Valley Soils will explore how thoughtful soil design can make or break a project’s  success. He will cover the important aspects of a comprehensive Bio-Retention Soil Specification,  and how covering all the bases up front helps alleviate surprises during installation and beyond. 

Attendees will gain insights into the science and strategy behind soil specification development,  including how to align soil performance with project goals, site conditions, and sustainability  standards. Real-world examples will highlight common pitfalls and showcase how collaboration  between designers, contractors, and soil suppliers leads to resilient, high-performing landscapes. 

Speaker: 

Jacob “Jake” Chalfin 

Sales Manager for Laurel Valley Soils 

Jake Chalfin is the Sales Manager at Laurel Valley Soils, where he has been a driving force since  2003. With over two decades of experience in the compost, agricultural, and landscape industries,  Jake brings deep expertise in soil science and sustainable land practices. He is known for his  passion for soil and compost, and for developing tailored solutions that support ecological restoration,  stormwater management, carbon sequestration and of course beautiful planned gardens and  landscapes. In 2024 Jake and his team produced the engineered soil media used i the Longwood  Gardens new West Conservatory, Part of the monumental Longwood Reimagined project. Jake  holds a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and has collaborated with private  industry, nonprofits, educational institutions, and public agencies to advance the use of engineered  and bioretention soils—the fastest-growing product category In the manufactured soils production  industry.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

The session showcases a collaborative model for park design that intentionally centers the  work of youth exploring and/or pursuing design education, thus supporting and cultivating future  landscape architects. The session includes a design charrette that has participants role play as  park stakeholders to consider the needs and goals of a variety of potential park users. High school  students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT), led by Instructor Drew Holmes, will  lead and participate in the charrette and will share their work, together with community partners, to  design a site in the Southeast Inlet community of Atlantic City.  

This charrette marks the 4th year of 

NJASLA’s Diversity Initiative collaborating with ACIT. This year, the ACIT students are also working  with students in the Rutgers Landscape Architecture Program and this collaboration is cultivating  a career pipeline through increasing exposure to landscape architecture studies and building  relationships between high school and college programs in the state. 

Speaker: 

Drew Holmes, ACIT Instructor + ACIT Student volunteers 

An instructor in the engineering/CAD department of the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT),  Drew Holmes is a licensed teacher in the state of New Jersey. Drew’s design class, which helps  cultivate emerging landscape architects, has worked on various community-based projects such  as the design of a Veterans Memorial and outdoor classroom and Fisherman’s Park in Atlantic City.  His class was featured on Classroom Close-up and the Steve Adutabo program. Mr. Holmes has an  education background in design and horticulture with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning  and Design and an Associates Degree in Ornamental Horticulture. In addition to teaching design,  Drew has over 30 years of experience in the field of landscape design, designing and building and  residential projects.  

DEI: 

High school students join into a collaborative, real-world setting with seasoned professionals and  university students. The charrette fosters intergenerational dialogue, broadens access to mentorship,  and empowers underrepresented groups to see themselves as future leaders in landscape  architecture. This inclusive approach not only enriches the design outcomes with fresh perspectives  but also helps dismantle barriers to entry in the field, promoting equity in education and career  pathways.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

This session will provide an overview of key problems on two important genera in our landscapes, beech and hornbeam. In particular, beech leaf disease and hornbeam canker are emerging diseases that you must be aware of when planning for long term landscape features and maintenance requirements. We will cover signs and symptoms, then provide what is known of management tactics and their rationale. Our research team with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has been at the forefront of BLD management trials for years, learning from both failures and exciting successes as we developed two novel, nematicidal treatment programs now in wide use. Meanwhile, we cannot forget other emerging issues. A mysterious problem has been increasingly observed in European hornbeam, causing severe branch canker and dieback. For the emerging hornbeam canker issue, we will cover what is known of species and cultivar susceptibility. Nursery growers and clients seek answers, but the first step is figuring out what we are dealing with – and exciting work is underway. 

Speaker: 

Dr. Matthew Borden, DPM 

Matt is a plant pathologist at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC. Current  work focuses on beech leaf disease, bacterial leaf scorch, and management of boxwood and other  broadleaf evergreens. He has experience in orchard and botanical garden pest management, plant  problem diagnostics, and writing for green industry magazines. Matt gained a deep appreciation  for integrated pest management while at Virginia Tech, followed by studies in landscape health and  sustainable management strategies at the University of Florida.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Join two innovative practitioners from Atlantic Highlands, NJ and Brooklyn, NY as they share their  journeys from experienced employees to independent business owners. Despite backgrounds  spanning public, commercial, and residential projects, both chose to focus their new practices  exclusively on residential clients and strive to incorporate sustainable design practices into their  processes. 

Discover how they launched their firms, evolved their design processes, and approach client  relationships differently than in their previous workplaces. They’ll share practical strategies for  integrating sustainable practices and addressing climate change concerns while creating beautiful,  resilient landscapes that delight clients. 

Whether you’re contemplating your own path or curious about applications in residential landscape  architecture, this lecture offers valuable insights into the practical, sustainable and entrepreneurial  side of our field. 

Speakers: 

Katrina Majewski, RLA; Founder and Principal, Prototype Design Group Katrina Majewski is principal + founder of Prototype Design Group; a landscape architecture and  urban design studio that focuses on thoughtful, purpose-driven, and ecologically-appropriate  landscapes. With over 17 years of experience in the field of Landscape Architecture, and a license in  NJ, NY and CA, Katrina has had the opportunity to collaborate on a diverse range of projects.  

Her design ethos / spirit / capacity / interests are a result of combined experiences of living and  practicing on both the east coast and the west coast. Katrina is a graduate of Rutgers University, is a  frequent guest critic and lecturer at design schools across the country, and is a Past-President in the  American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 

Liz Pulver, RLA, Principal, Liz Pulver Landscape Architecture 

Liz Pulver is a licensed landscape architect and principal of Liz Pulver Landscape Architect in  Brooklyn, NY, where she specializes in creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for her clients.  With over 25 years of experience, she has designed everything from NYC parks and developments to  intimate backyard retreats and large rural properties.  

Since founding her practice in 2017, Liz and her team have focused on projects throughout New  York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with a growing emphasis on projects outside NYC. Her work has  been recognized in Architectural Digest and the Wall Street Journal, and she was named to Luxe  Magazine’s Gold List in 2022.  

Licensed in New York, Connecticut, and California, Liz is a member of ASLA and taught landscape  design at the New York Botanical Garden. Her diverse experience spans from East to West Coasts,  giving her unique insights into regional design approaches and sustainable landscape solution

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Concrete is a ubiquitous building material, relatively economical, adaptable, and maintainable but  comes with a heavy environmental price tag. Since it’s not departing anytime soon, we need to be  smarter when designing with concrete and integrate practical steps that will reduce waste, improve  longevity, and include eco-friendly mixes into projects. 

Speakers: 

John Payne, RLA, ASLA 

John has worked on complex projects that include retrofits within historic landscapes and buildings;  extensive and intensive landscape installations over structures; and in projects with complicated  logistical, access and phasing constraints. His experience as a construction project manager and  certified arborist helps him bring a landscape builder’s lens to a project while also being able to  understand, communicate and preserve the design intent. John’s previous career as an Army leader  has instilled in him a firm belief in the power of teamwork to realizing a project to its full potential.  

Jenny Hamann, RLA, ASLA 

Jenny Hamann is a Landscape Architect with nearly 20 years of experience designing and delivering  complex, high-performance landscapes in urban and natural environments. Based in New York City  at Stantec and a graduate of Purdue University, she has led projects ranging from large-scale on structure developments to community playgrounds. Her work includes the World Trade Center parks  and plazas, Pacific Park open spaces in Brooklyn, and the Tottenville Shoreline Protection project in  Staten Island. 

Jenny combines strong technical expertise in grading, stormwater management, and structural  coordination with a passion for sustainable design. She believes successful landscapes emerge  through collaboration among designers, engineers, and community stakeholders—creating spaces  that enhance user experience, preserve ecosystems, and adapt to climate challenges. 

DEI: 

All communities benefit from public open space and deserve beautiful, maintainable, and enduring  outdoor experiences regardless of economic or structural inequities. Like most things considered  to be ‘new and improved’, access to materials pushing the boundaries on sustainability may not  always be within reach for projects with limited budgets, which is synonymous with most public open  spaces. For public open space to remain affordable, exciting and long-lasting, while balancing afford ability and sustainability, we need to evaluate the materials, like concrete, we design with and look  at common-sense changes that help us move the dial on sustainability for our standard building  materials.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Play is one of the best investment we can make in public health. Research shows that play gets  people to move more, connect more, and spend more time outdoors, laying the foundation of a  lifetime of health and happiness. Regardless of age, ability, or background, everyone deserves a  great place to play! But how we design for play matters. Learn best practices in play design from key  findings from the National Study of Playgrounds, the London Study of Playgrounds, and the New York  City Study of Play Features and Value. Combined, these studies have data on over 60,000 people in  100 play environments in the US and UK, and is the largest data set on play behavior in the world. 

From these findings, our team has developed a checklist for a great place to play that can be used to  design play spaces at all scales, from neighborhood parks to schoolyards to destination playgrounds.  Great play happens in spaces that are well designed, feel good to people, and support all ages to  play together. 

Speaker: 

Meghan Talarowski, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, Founder and Executive Director of Studio Ludo Meghan is the founder and executive director of Studio Ludo. She has degrees in architecture and  landscape architecture, is a certified playground safety inspector, and a licensed landscape architect. 

Her research focuses on how the design of play environments impacts physical health and social  behavior, and has been presented at conferences worldwide. To date, she has collected data on  over 60,000 people in 100 play environments around the world. This research informs all of her play  designs. She has designed over 30 destination play environments across the US and has provided  play safety and risk guidance for over 40 play installations and children’s museums around the  country and world. 

She is a training instructor for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector course through the National  Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Her work has been featured by The New York Times, The  Atlantic,Curbed, Dwell, Popular Science, Landscape Architecture Magazine, and more. 

Taryn Dalius, PLA, CPSI  

Taryn is a Senior Designer at Studio Ludo, where she brings over a decade of experience in  landscape architecture and community-focused design. She believes that all communities deserve  sensitively designed spaces that foster stronger connections to the outdoors.  Her diverse portfolio includes public playgrounds in Philadelphia, town greens in Vermont, waterfront  resiliency parks in central China, and recreation planning across the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Taryn’s work  is grounded in a people-first approach, emphasizing clear communication and inclusive community  engagement. 

Emily Galfond, AICP, CPSI 

Emily Galfond is a Designer at Studio Ludo, where she brings a multidisciplinary background in  architecture and urban planning to the design of playful public spaces. She is a Certified Playground  Safety Inspector and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

As cities confront the urgent challenges of climate change, public health, and equity, infrastructure is being redefined-not just as a system of utilities, but as a platform for resilience, connection, and community. Landscape architects are increasingly central to this transformation. No longer peripheral contributors, they now shape how infrastructure performs, integrates with its surroundings, and serves people over time. 

This panel will explore how landscape architects are leading interdisciplinary teams to deliver infrastructure that is ecologically grounded, socially responsive, and future-ready. Attendees will  examine how shifts in project delivery models (such as Design-Build), expanded funding for green infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on community reconnection are creating new opportunities and responsibilities for landscape professionals. Panelists will share strategies for embedding landscape-forward thinking into the core of infrastructure design and delivery. 

Speakers: 

Katie Theis, RLA, AICP, ENV SP, LEED AP 

Katie leads the Planning & Environment group at HNTB. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of policy, planning, and landscape architecture, she specializes in guiding complex infrastructure initiatives that drive meaningful change. Her work is rooted in public sector consulting, where she helps transform infrastructure investments into catalysts for social opportunity, economic vitality, and environmental resilience. As a Registered Landscape Architect (NY/NJ), AICP Certified Planner, ENV SP, and LEED AP, Katie brings a multidisciplinary lens and a deep commitment to building stronger, more sustainable communities. 

Chelsea Kilburn, ASLA, WEDG 

Chelsea brings a background in both landscape & architecture to her professional practice, & is a Senior Associate at Stoss. She holds an MLA from the Harvard Graduate School of Design along with a BArch from Virginia Tech. She previously worked as an architectural designer in both Chicago & Los Angeles, where she enjoyed working with both commercial & residential clients. Prior to joining Stoss, Chelsea interned at the Friends of the Los Angeles River where she spent time learning about the ecology & geomorphology of an urban infrastructural river & got to know river-adjacent communities through a policy & advocacy development program. Chelsea’s work at Stoss focuses primarily on larger-scale public resiliency planning as well as institutional & cultural projects with a specialty in equitable engagement & placemaking. She leads projects across the firm that consider how to reinforce & expand a resilient public realm while mitigating the challenges of urban infrastructure. 

Eric Mattes, RLA, WEDG 

Eric Mattes is the Chief of Landscape Architecture at NYC Parks. He oversees a staff of over 30 Landscape Architects and Resident Engineers that design and oversee construction for all construction contracts in the Borough of Queens. Throughout Eric’s 35-year career in both the private and public sector, his primary focus has been on urban parks and recreation areas. His past collaboration and teamwork include the Reconstruction of City Hall Park in lower Manhattan, Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn and Highland Park, the Ridgewood Reservoir Site in Queens. His design team is currently working on a new 16-acre park development on undeveloped land that was formerly a rail yard called Gwen Ifill Park in Southeast Queens. Eric feels that his creativity as a Landscape Architect is centered on understanding and implementing the wishes of a diverse set of project stakeholders while not sacrificing design excellence and adhering to agency/client goals. 

Leah Wener, RLA, WEDG 

Leah is a landscape architect and resilience planner with expertise in the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management of public space at various scales. Leah’s background in landscape architecture grounds her understanding of resilient adaptation strategies, having led the incorporation of resilience and sustainability priorities into agency capital planning for the MTA and the US Navy. Leah leads the landscape architecture and urban planning section at HNTB, where she focuses on centering placemaking and community priorities in large-scale transportation infrastructure projects. 

DEI: 

Case Study on Gwen Ifill Park will focus on heavy community engagement within an under-served  community to ensure equity.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

SITTING STILL is an original documentary that focuses on one of the world’s most preeminent  landscape architects and his profoundly social vision. Hailed as a modern-day Olmsted, Laurie Olin  has helped transform the design of public space, revitalize the American city, and pave the way for  future design leaders. This portrait of an artist is told through a prism of issues which have defined  Olin’s life and work for the past fifty years: urbanization and our lost connection to nature, economic  marginalization, and the grave importance of humanity in design. 

Speaker: 

Gina Angelone, Director of documentary, Sitting Still 

Gina Angelone has lived, worked, and traveled the world as a film director, producer, and writer.  Gina’s TV work is the recipient of two Emmy awards and multiple nominations. Her documentaries  have garnered top festival prizes and notable grants from the NEA, Philadelphia Foundation, William  Penn Foundation, Graham Foundation, New York Women in Film, and The American Academy of Arts  and Letters, among many others. Her credits include founding Producer of “Inside the Actors Studio” (BRAVO), Writer/Director of the original series, “Defining Beauty” (Disney), and creator of acclaimed  documentaries “Connections: Preserving America’s Landscape Legacy” (PBS), “René & I”  (NBC), and “Itʼs Better to Jump” (Al Jazeera). 

SITTING STILL is Gina’s most recent feature documentary, “SITTING STILL,” is her eighth film  dealing with themes of urbanism, landscape architecture and design.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

In this session, participants will explore how the principles of golf course design—particularly grading  and drainage—can be applied to residential landscapes and turfgrass areas in parks. Taught by a  seasoned golf course landscape architect, the course highlights practical strategies for managing  water flow, preventing erosion, and creating sustainable outdoor spaces. 

Attendees will learn how techniques used on large-scale golf courses can be adapted to  smaller residential settings to improve lawn health, reduce maintenance, and support long-term  environmental resilience. Whether you’re designing a backyard or a community green space, this  session offers valuable insights into building landscapes that work with nature, not against it. 

Speaker: 

Stephen Kay, FASGCA; Principal, Stephen Kay Golf Course Architect, LLC Stephen Kay is a licensed landscape architect in New York and New Jersey who has specialized  in golf course architecture for over 40 years. He has designed 20 original courses and restored  or remodeled more than 250, with a focus on grading, drainage, and preserving classic design  principles. His work includes renovations of historic courses originally designed by legends like  Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast.  

Stephen is also a longtime educator, teaching Golf Construction, Drainage, Surveying, and Design  History at Rutgers for over three decades. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Golf Course  Architects and holds degrees from Syracuse University and Michigan State University. His designs  are known for blending environmental sensitivity with strategic playability.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

NJASLA’s Executive Committee will be hosting an open session meeting where conference attendees  can participate, listen in on and contribute ideas. Join NJASLA’s open session and gain insight into  leadership and planning, offer up your comments and ideas, and learn about our strategic direction  for the future of our state ASLA chapter. NJASLA’s Executive Committee will review topics that will  help influence the chapter and the profession, and hear your ideas and comments. Whether you’re a  vendor or a sponsor, whether you’re a seasoned professional or student, you have an opportunity to  voice your visions with members of the NJASLA’s Executive Committee. All are welcome to learn, ask  questions, and be a part of the conversation that drives our profession forward. 

Speakers: 

NJASLA Executive Committee Members: 

President: Jan Saltiel Rafel, ASLA, LEED AP 

President Elect: Christopher R. Gammons, LLA, ASLA 

Immediate Past President: Jonathan Misrahi, PLA, ASLA 

1st Vice President: Richard Asirifi, AICP, Assoc. ASLA 

2nd Vice President: Kevin Perry, PLA, ASLA 

Secretary: Jing Fan, PLA, ASLA 

Treasurer: Tom Salaki, PLA, ASLA 

Trustee: Anthony Parziale, PLA, LLA, ASLA

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects 
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

As urban areas grow denser, landscape architects face the challenge of integrating meaningful play spaces within limited and unconventional environments. This session will explore innovative strategies for designing compact yet impactful playgrounds that maximize space, promote accessibility, and serve multiple generations. From rooftop playgrounds to repurposed urban lots, we’ll discuss creative solutions, including vertical play structures, modular designs, and multi-use features that enhance community engagement. Attendees will gain insights into balancing safety, sustainability, and play value while transforming small spaces into vibrant, interactive environments that support urban livability. 

Speaker: 

Avery Croteau, Director at Berliner Play Equipment 

Avery Croteau is the Director at Berliner Play Equipment and a passionate advocate for inclusive, engaging play and recreation spaces. With over a decade of experience in the recreation, aquatic, and fitness industries, he brings a thoughtful blend of creativity and compliance to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, where he honed his passion for community-focused design. Avery is dedicated to advancing the standards of play through education, collaboration, and a deep commitment to meaningful community impact. 

DEI: 

This session promotes Diversity. Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Parks and Recreation by advocating  for play environments that are accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. By emphasizing  the need for diverse, intergenerational play spaces, the presentation seeks to dismantle ageism and  create parks where people of all abilities can enjoy recreational activities. It highlights research that  shows how inclusive design not only improves health and happiness but also fosters social equity by  ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has access to meaningful play experiences. 

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

In today’s crowded digital landscape, businesses struggle to stand out and attract the right clients.  Many design firms still rely heavily on referrals or outdated websites, leaving significant growth  opportunities untapped. In this session, Nicholas Kraus, author of The Sharkbite Method and CEO  of Kraus Marketing, will share a proven framework for building a digital presence that not only gets  noticed, but consistently generates business. Attendees will learn how to transform word-of-mouth  momentum into a scalable marketing system that drives leads, builds credibility, and positions their  brand above the competition. 

Speaker: 

Marc Kraus, founder and CEO of Kraus Marketing 

Nick Kraus is the Founder and CEO of Kraus Marketing, a creative agency specializing in strategic  marketing solutions. Under his leadership, the agency has grown steadily and earned recognition for  its work, including multiple appearances on the Inc 5000 list. 

In addition to his role at Kraus Marketing, Nick contributes to the broader business and marketing  community as an author and speaker. He shares practical insights and industry trends aimed at  helping professionals navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and business strategy. Nick’s approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and results-driven thinking—qualities that continue  to shape the agency’s work and its impact on clients across industries.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

This session explores the collaborative design process used by Engineering Ministries International  (EMI) Mexico in the development of schools and camps across the region. Multidisciplinary teams— including architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects—work together to create  comprehensive site master plans that address both functional needs and community aspirations. The  presentation will highlight the Rancho Génesis Master Plan in Uruapan, Mexico, a summer camp  designed to provide a safe and enriching environment for orphaned children. Key phases of the  process, including site analysis, programming, site planning and design, architectural coordination,  and utility planning, will be discussed. 

Speaker: 

David Troast, PP, AICP, LLA 

David Troast has over 40 years of experience as a New Jersey licensed Professional Planner  (AICP) and as a licensed New Jersey Landscape Architect with additional certifications in Municipal  Administration, Redevelopment Planning and NJ Courts Civil Mediation. His experience includes City  Management, Redevelopment, Master Planning Communities, Site Planning, Streetscape Design,  and Park Design in both in public and private practice. David has been a speaker at conferences for  NJ Land Use Law, NJ Tax Assessors, NJ, NY League of Municipalities, NJ Planning Officials, and NJ  Futures Conference. His professional goals are to continue providing realistic planning and design  solutions while mentoring and passing on his knowledge to younger professionals to promote good  design for a world in need. 

Volunteering with EMI over the last eight years has instilled a new passion for David in designing for people especially children in poor countries to provide educational opportunities, a safe – healthier communities providing hope for the future through design. 

DEI: 

The project addressed designing a specific camp site for chilren with disabilities. The Camp experience was for over 6,000 orphans in the State of Baja Mexico to experience nature, the outdoors, sports in a loving and safe environment. The design team included both men and women of all ages from 21 years old to 82 years from Mexico, Eygpt, USA and from New Zealand (5 – different US States). The diversity of the team has been the strength and sucess of the final plan.  Language barriers evaporate with drawing, calculations, pictures, all focused on the purpose of the  trip to help those in need through design. 

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions 

Landscapes are more than physical spaces, they are places of emotional response. This session  explores how insights from neuroscience and post-occupancy research can guide more inclusive,  restorative designs. Through case studies ranging from healthcare gardens to urban parks, the talk  highlights strategies for creating landscapes that support diverse neurological and emotional needs. 

Speaker: 

Emmett Gregory, PLA, ASLA 

Emmett Gregory is a Senior Associate at Mikyoung Kim, where he leads projects and research at  the intersection of landscape architecture, health, and neuroscience. He oversees the studio’s health  and wellness research, using post-occupancy studies to understand how design affects emotional  and physical well-being. Emmett holds a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of  Georgia and is passionate about creating landscapes that foster inclusivity, resilience, and healing. 

DEI: 

This session addresses DEI by exploring how landscapes can be designed for diverse neurological,  emotional, and physical needs. It highlights inclusive strategies that ensure public, healthcare, and  residential spaces serve all communities equitably. Case studies include projects in historically  underserved areas and spaces for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ seniors, demonstrating how  intentional, research-driven design can promote social equity, well-being, and community inclusion.

New Jersey Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
2026 Annual Meeting Program Educational Sessions