Garrett is a certified Madison arborist with 13 years of experience within the tree care industry. Born and raised in Madison, he developed his love of the outdoors at a very young age. Whether it is was climbing the old crabapple tree in the backyard, or annual canoe trips to The Boundary Waters, he learned the importance of pursuing deep physical connections to the natural world. The field of arboriculture has allowed him to turn these interests into a career, and he is excited to share his passions and knowledge with customers and coworkers alike. 

Brent is a certified Madison arborist with 18 years of experience in the landscaping and tree care industries. Since high school he has pruned everything from small rose bushes to mature oaks. His favorite shrub/small tree is a serviceberry (great berries and fall color) and his favorite tree by far is the American beech. He and his grandfather used to collect and eat beech nuts in-between farm tasks as a child near Green Bay. These strong lifelong connections to the forest continue today in his more urban life, feeding his need to be outside getting dirty.

Francisco Aldana

I grew up in Santiago, Chile, and moved to Madison in 2012. I studied Agricultural Engineering at DuocUC University in Chile, where I also developed passion for the outdoors, especially rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering. Bruce Allison introduced me to arborism, and I have continued learning and enjoying. I started work for Heartwood because of their eco-conscious approach to tree care, trying to meet customer needs while also advocating for trees. Outside work, I spend my time with my wife, Anna, and my dog, exploring new places and learning new languages.

Rachel Brewster
Certified Arborist TX-4416A

It only took one year at a desk job after college for Rachel to realize she needed to change course. She moved out west and spent a couple years as a trail worker and wildland firefighter. When she discovered people could climb trees for a living, she immediately set out to do so.

Rachel landed in Austin, TX, where she worked for a local tree care company and learned how to climb and take care of trees. After sweating through eight years of the Texas heat, she decided to move back to the Midwest where she could experience four seasons again. When she’s not in the trees, you’ll likely find Rachel hooping, swing dancing, gardening, or hiking.

Mitchell Compton

I got a little tree care experience right of high school, but I stepped away for a while to do other work. A year later, the itch to get back to outside work began to grow, and that’s when I found Heartwood. I love being outside and working with my hands, so this is the perfect place.

I’ve alway had a passion for the outdoors and learning.  Heartwood has been a great place for me to exercise my passion for learning, since there is always something new each day.

Outside of work I enjoy sports, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

Hunter Gosda
Certified Arborist WI-1080A

Hunter studied urban forestry and soil science in college and has worked in the tree industry since 2012. He has valuable insight from working with trees around the country, under different management and forestry applications. Hunter has a deep appreciation for trees, the arborists who work on them, and the tools of the trade.

Hunter's professional interests beyond trees include fitness, machines, manufacturing, automation, urban planning, development, and public outreach. He is generally interested in the natural world and all the ways humans interact with it.

In his free time, Hunter enjoys spending time exploring nature with his wife (Rachael), daughter (Nora), and their dog (Cooper.)

Miguel Hernández

I have always enjoyed being outdoors, especially visiting national parks and camping. In 2019 when I had the opportunity to work at Heartwood, I was excited to learn about everything related to arborism.

The Heartwood team welcomed me and have taught me a lot about trees along the way. I am happy to say I learn something new every day.

Justin Joiner
Certified Arborist WI-1295A

Justin is a certified Arborist with 8 years of experience. He first started with tree care at Stevens Point when he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry in 2016. He loves climbing trees and connecting with his buddies at Heartwood. 

Justin lives on a small organic vegetable farm with his family, which includes a baby on the way, his girlfriend, an extra large wolf dog, three cats, and eight pigs. In his free time you can find him enjoying a beer and listening to local music. 

Peter Kaseman-Wold
Certified Arborist WI-0539A

Like many arborists, I didn't plan or prepare for a career working with trees. I did know enough to follow the call the second time Bruce Allison offered me a job, and had the good fortune to have him mentor me. When he sent me up that first sugar maple, he saw a future for me I hadn't considered.

Twenty-some years later, there's still plenty of challenge and so much to learn from collaborating with trees. Where trees are thriving, in good soil and the company of all their familiar companions, chances are it's a good place for people to live, too. After running Goodland Tree Works independently for many years, I’ve joined Heartwood to be part of a bigger team. I’m excited to bring my former Goodland clients into the Heartwood fold.

Tim Kuhn

My interest in trees started as a boy because I loved climbing. As I grew up and became an outdoor enthusiast, I jumped at the opportunity to work with one of my best friends, arborist Brent Valentine. After two years now at Heartwood, Brent and Mark have taught me the importance and many benefits of proper tree maintenance.  As a part time stay at home dad, Heartwood has given me the opportunity for interesting work while maintaining my family life.

Annalise Nordgren
Certified Arborist PN-9844A

I am originally from Chicago, but I have spent half of my childhood living outside of Viroqua, WI. I studied Environmental Studies at DePaul University and worked in an Urban Forestry research lab. After living and climbing trees in WA state for a few years, I am happy to be back amongst the oaks of the Midwest.

I love trees and working outside. I’m thrilled to continue growing and learning within this industry. When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading, knitting, and playing music.

Adam Rahim
Certified Arborist WI-1497A

As a native of California, I have always had an attraction to the outdoors. Rock climbing, camping, and sitting around a campfire with friends are just a few of the things that I enjoy. After rock climbing for 10+ years and living in Yosemite National Park for the past two years, I recently transplanted to Madison where I discovered a love for tree care while working for Heartwood Tree Company.

The arborist trade is an opportunity to turn my love of climbing into a profession. I hope to learn all there is to know about tree care, arborist work and urban forestry as a member of the Heartwood team. 

Pete Rabenstine
Certified Arborist WI-1128A

I began my arboriculture journey in 2005, just one year out of high school, and quickly discovered a passion for tree care. Over the years, I dedicated myself to upholding safe practices and highest standards. My ethos lay deeply rooted in tree preservation and finding ecological solutions for the urban landscape. I spent most of the 2010’s working for Goodland Tree Works and became a certified Arborist in 2015, with the help of owner Peter Kaseman-Wold.  

I enjoy volunteering my time and climbing skills towards supporting local neighborhoods, at-risk communities, and area wildlife and wildlife habitat. I participate annually in the Wisconsin Arborist Association day of service, Kids Climbs (including the tear-inducing Dream Night), and the Dane County Humane Society raptor re-nesting program. 

The most rewarding part of tree care for me is our impact on the future of the earth. Whether it be pruning to preserve or planting to produce, urban forestry can make a positive contribution every day of the week. 

Nicole Rago

I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, bussing around the city, reading barefoot in the grass at the big parks downtown, and picking fruit off my nona and nonno’s trees. After studying philosophy and creative writing in Florida, I worked in population health studies for two years and couldn’t deny what I really wanted was a hands-on, intimate, and (as much as possible) outdoor role in creating health and connecting with natural spaces. Company-wide sincerity and the opportunity to move around, touch trees, and connect with people on their intentions for their homes drew me to Heartwood where I'm gaining more natural world know-how and handy tricks every day.

In addition to tree work, I also work at a yoga studio, design music and visual arts events that explore human philosophies of home, and substitute teach K-12 students. In my free time, I like hiking and camping, reading and writing, frantic travel, and cooking while my two floppy-eared rabbits scamper around the house.

Zach Raymond
Certified Arborist WI-1552A

Born and raised in Baraboo, my love for the outdoors started as young as I can remember. Through hiking, camping, and exploring in the woods, any free time I had was spent outside.

Working outside was always my long-term vision, though in college I found myself on a different path. Graduating from UW Stevens Point in Health Promotion and Wellness studies, I quickly began to realize most of my time was ironically indoors, doing paperwork. I knew I had to change directions and go back to my roots. I found those roots at Heartwood, where I continue to learn everyday about the importance of tree care and how to be more eco-conscious. I look forward to pursuing and expanding my knowledge in arboriculture.

Jason Resch
Certified Arborist WI-0776A

I came to the tree care industry through a close friend, a third-generation arborist from the southeast WI. In the early 2000s, he invited me to work with their small, family owned company. I was lucky to be a part of that successful business, helping them grow for fifteen years. In that time, I gained an incredible respect for the vertical world. I am very grateful to have traveled the country, meeting other tree climbers from all over the world.

My wife and I moved our family to the Madison area in 2019. Now that my daughters are entering their teenage years, I am able to share my passion of rope access with them. My wife and I love taking them on adventures into Western mountains and Northwoods forests. I am grateful to continue my passions with Heartwood Tree Co. Future focus tree care is incredibly important because after all, “trees are life.”

David Rosenthal
Certified Arborist WI-1448A

David is a certified arborist and CTSP who has been working in the tree care industry since 2017. He was one of the first in the country to become a nationally recognized journeyworker in the trade of arboriculture by completing the Wisconsin Arborist Apprenticeship Program. The combination of challenging physical activity and connecting with nature in a work environment like Heartwood Tree Company, that fosters and encourages growth both individually and as a team, make this an ideal career for him.

A former executive chef, David does not miss working in the restaurant industry, but still enjoys cooking, especially for his fiancé Samantha. When he’s not working with trees or spending time with Samantha, David can be found engaging in many creative outlets, such as drawing, painting, skateboarding, and practicing Ving Tsun Kung Fu.

Josh Schueller
Certified Arborist WI-1616A

After graduating from UW - Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in biology, I began my tree care industry career and haven’t looked back. Along with experience in arboriculture, I also have experience in landscaping and ecological restoration. I enjoy the holistic and scientific approach when assessing tree care needs, and these values have led to a perfect fit with Heartwood’s tree care philosophy. I embrace the challenges and problems each day brings, and feel very fortunate to say I love what I do. 

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, backpacking and traveling with my wife. We have visited many national parks in the states, as well as trips abroad. I love incorporating my work passions into home life, and spend a lot of free time gardening and helping friends and family with their tree and landscape needs.