Our Team

Kathy Aalto brings nearly three decades of landscape architectural experience to her work as Principal Landscape Architect at Ceres+. Since 1996, she has helped shape the design legacy of the company through thoughtful client leadership, conceptual clarity, and a nuanced understanding of how landscape, architecture, and site can come into lasting balance. Kathy is especially drawn to the interplay of plants, grading, and built form—always studying how a landscape matures, reframes itself, and reveals new layers over time. With a background in landscape architecture and a career that has grown alongside the evolution of Ceres+, Kathy brings both artistry and experience to the work, along with a lasting curiosity about plants, hardscape, and the relational exploration of the built and natural environments. Outside of work, she’s often found trail running with her dogs, reading with a cup of coffee nearby, or drawn to the kinds of landscapes that surprise, delight, and stay with you.

Cait Stone joined Ceres in 2016 and brings a special blend of artistic vision, design instinct, horticultural knowledge, and relational intelligence to her work. As Garden Design and Enhancement Manager, she designs high-end residential gardens and enhancements, leads planting and enhancement sales, and serves as a connective thread between Ceres+ and Ceres Landcare—helping translate big ideas into deeply personal, site-responsive landscapes. With a background in fine arts, Cait thinks like a painter and designs like a plantswoman, approaching each project as a layered, living composition rooted in beauty, feeling, and place. She was drawn to Ceres by the exceptional quality and artistry of the work, and remains inspired by the depth of care, creative possibility, and shared commitment to building landscapes that feel both beautiful and alive. Outside of work, she is most at home in her garden, on a bike, wandering a mountain meadow or wooded trail, or laughing with her husband and kids in the midst of everyday life.

• BFA Fine Arts, University of Colorado

Chris Ponder joined Ceres in 2021 and brings a thoughtful blend of design vision, technical expertise, and on-the-ground project leadership to his work as a Landscape Architect and Project Manager. Working fluidly between Ceres+ and Ceres Landcare, he occupies a unique role that bridges landscape architecture and construction—designing beautiful, mountain-adapted landscapes while helping guide their realization with clarity and care. With his background in design and implementation, he helps shape a uniquely integrated design-build process that draws on the strengths of both. Guided by care and inspired by the ecosystems and outdoor environments of Colorado, Chris creates landscapes that embrace the natural character of place while inviting people into deeper connection with it. Beyond work, he is most often exploring wilderness trails with his wife Babette and their beloved dog Maggie, on foot or by bike, or finding grounding in the quiet beauty of a mountain stream, an untouched glade, or any landscape that deepens connection to the natural world.

• BEnvD, University of Colorado

Natalie Coleman has been part of Ceres since 2021, bringing curiosity, creative instinct, and a strong eye for refined landscape design to her work as a Landscape Designer. Trained in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia, she focuses on collaborative, elevated design that respects and complements the native environment while creating spaces that feel beautiful, functional, and deeply suited to the people who live in them. Natalie was drawn to Ceres by its high-end design, attention to detail, and the quality of the people behind the work, and she brings that same standard to every project through a mix of care, artistry, and imagination. Beyond work, she’s often drawing, reading, aerial yoga, baking, soaking up sunshine, or seeking out the kind of quiet meadow that makes the whole world feel a little softer.

Clint Granros has been part of Ceres since 2021, bringing thoughtful leadership, artistic depth, and a refined design sensibility to his work as Project Manager. Trained in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia, he specializes in new construction landscapes and works closely with architects, builders, and clients to carry projects from concept to construction with clarity and care. Clint was drawn to Ceres for its rare balance of elegant design and grounded values, and he continues to bring that same ethos to every project—shaping landscapes that dissolve the boundary between outdoor living and the native mountain environment. Deeply influenced by art, nature, and the dialogue between them, he sees landscape design as both a creative act and a form of stewardship. He aspires to continually create what nature does intuitively which for Clint is both inspiring and humbling at every turn. Outside of work, Clint finds grounding in painting, drawing, writing, and time on the basketball court—all practices that continue to inform his eye, his process, and his sense of beauty.

• BLA Honors, Landscape Architecture, University of Georgia

Grace Holder has been part of Ceres since 2023, bringing design rigor, artistic sensitivity, and a strong ecological perspective to her role as Landscape Designer. Trained in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia, she works across garden renovations, planting design, design-build projects, and review board submittals, helping translate client vision into outdoor spaces that feel beautiful, functional, and lasting. Grace was drawn to Ceres by its craftsmanship, attention to detail, strong planting design, and the chance to work alongside talented, down-to-earth people. Inspired by the complexity of mountain microclimates and the evolving possibilities of water-wise design, she approaches each project with both artistry and care. Outside of work, she finds inspiration on hiking trails, through landscape photography, and in painting and drawing the wild places she loves most.

• BLA Landscape Architecture, University of Georgia

Jonas Root has been part of Ceres since 2011, bringing a grounded, adaptable approach to his role as Enhancements Department Manager. Drawing on a background in geography, environmental science, and life on a large agricultural farm, he brings a practical, place-based perspective to his work. He helps lead the day-to-day operations of the department through management, estimating, sales, and the many behind-the-scenes efforts that keep projects moving with clarity and momentum. Drawn to Colorado by the call of the mountains and to Ceres by its role in shaping some of the Vail Valley’s most inspiring landscapes, Jonas brings steadiness, capability, and a deep appreciation for the place we call home. Outside of work, he gravitates toward the natural world—gardening, aquascaping, cycling, and spending time in the kinds of open meadows and quiet landscapes that continue to shape his sense of beauty and place.

• BS Geography, Miami of Ohio

Jairus Romano joined Ceres in April 2023 and brings a thoughtful blend of design training, hands-on skill, and mountain landscape appreciation to his work. With a degree in Landscape Architecture, he contributes to perennial installations, holiday décor, and the day-to-day project management that help landscapes feel intentional, expressive, and well cared for over time. Drawn to Ceres by top-notch work and top-notch people, Jairus lives into care and capability in the field, always working to make each place more beautiful and more alive. Outside of work, you’re likely to find him on a soccer pitch, camping with friends, or spending time near a mountain stream—and, like any great plantsman, he’s always learning more about plants.

• BLA Landscape Architecture, University of Georgia

Jeremy Lewis has been part of Ceres since 2012, bringing deep field knowledge, practical expertise, and a steady commitment to water-conscious landscape care to his role as Irrigation Supervisor. Focused on irrigation and water savings, he helps guide the systems that support healthy landscapes while using resources thoughtfully and efficiently. Jeremy was drawn to Ceres by its reputation as the best landscape company in the valley, and he continues to bring that same standard of capability and curiosity to his work—always learning, always refining, and always looking for better ways to support the landscape. Outside of work, he’s most often found somewhere outdoors, hiking, camping, or exploring the mountains that first drew him to Colorado.

Koehler Baker has been part of Ceres since 2016, bringing local knowledge, technical skill, and a strong connection to the mountain landscape to his work in irrigation and construction. With QWEL certification and years of hands-on field experience, he helps design and install irrigation systems for new construction projects, supporting landscapes that are both high performing and built for the realities of this environment. Raised in the Vail Valley, Koehler knows these mountains as home, and that sense of place shows up in the way he works—practical, capable, and closely tuned to the landscape. Outside of work, you’re likely to find him skiing when the mountains are open, trail running through the summer race series, or enjoying the biking, hiking, and rafting that make mountain life so compelling.

Since joining Ceres in 2019, Sergio Luna has brought care, consistency, and a calm sense of focus to his role as Lead Irrigation Technician. Focused on helping oversee the irrigation department, he supports the systems work that keeps landscapes healthy, functional, and responsive to the conditions of the mountain environment. A Colorado native, Sergio brings a deep familiarity with place and an appreciation for the fresh air, expansive views, and everyday beauty of working in the high country. Outside of work, he enjoys baking for friends and family, spending time gaming with friends, and getting ready for the next DnD session.

May Jackson joined Ceres in 2023 and brings artistry, instinct, and a vivid understanding of seasonal color to her role as Annual Containers Manager. She focuses on creating container plantings that soften architecture into the landscape, using flowers and foliage to add beauty, personality, and a sense of delight to the places our clients call home. Drawn to Ceres for its appreciation of both quality and people, May brings a rare combination of experience, color intuition, and creative energy to her work—designing with the kind of visual fluency that makes annual displays feel both expressive and deeply considered. Outside of work, she’s most often in motion outdoors—skiing, snowboarding, backcountry touring, riding bikes, or running in the mountains—where beauty, movement, and perspective all come together.

Diana Alamos joined Ceres in 2023 and brings care, clarity, and a strong client-centered presence to her role as Account Manager. With a background in client relations and operations coordination, she helps keep communication, contracts, and day-to-day details moving smoothly between our team and the properties we care for—so clients feel supported and landscapes are consistently well tended. Born and raised in the valley, Diana was drawn to Ceres by the pride and care behind the work, and she brings that same spirit to every relationship she helps steward. Outside of work, she’s most often exploring the mountains with her husband and boys, finding grounding in fresh air, open views, and the quiet reset that comes from time outside.

Ann Champigny joined Ceres in 2025, bringing with her a remarkable depth of experience, a creative eye, and a long-standing dedication to client care. Before joining Ceres, Ann spent 17 years building and leading Worker Bee, a respected fine gardening company known for thoughtful service and hands-on expertise. At Ceres, she serves as a bridge between relationships, landscapes, and the evolving needs of our clients—bringing a lifetime in the industry, a painterly approach to the garden, and a steady commitment to customer satisfaction. Drawn to the mountains decades ago and still inspired by them today, Ann brings both artistry and experience to her work, along with a deep curiosity about plants, place, and the many ways landscapes shape how we feel. Outside of work, she finds renewal in foraging, hiking, fishing, and exploring landscapes of all kinds, always learning from the beauty and meaning they hold.

Todd Cotton joined Ceres in 2023 and brings a deeply people-centered approach to his role as Account Manager. With three decades of experience in client relations, finance, and account management across multiple industries, he is focused on making sure clients feel supported, understood, and confident in their experience with Ceres. Drawn to the company through trusted relationships and quickly energized by the work, Todd leads with care above all—bringing warmth, responsiveness, and a genuine interest in understanding the people he serves. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his dog Nona, family, and friends, and is especially drawn to landscapes that feel colorful, clean, simple, and quietly luxurious.

Nat Hammerli has been part of Ceres across two chapters—first from 2005 to 2014, and again from 2018 to the present—bringing long-standing experience, practical field knowledge, and a steady client-focused approach to his role as Account Manager. With a background that includes both account management and irrigation, Nat is focused on helping deliver a quality product to clients while supporting landscapes that perform well in the realities of the mountain environment. He first came to Colorado for a season teaching snowboarding and found in landscape work a natural complement to mountain life, one that has kept him connected to both the outdoors and the evolving craft of the work. To this day, Nat still values the same thing that first drew him here: being outside, where every view feels a little different and a little inspiring. Guided by care and experience, Nat continues to push himself to learn, grow, and step beyond his comfort zone.

Jeff Kenney joined Ceres in 2026 and brings a thoughtful, service-oriented approach to his role as Account Manager. With a background in conservation biology, he focuses on helping clients feel well cared for and confident in the work our team delivers—building trust through responsiveness, follow-through, and a clear commitment to quality. Jeff’s path to Ceres was a natural progression, and he brings an appreciation for both the mountain landscape and the relationships that make this work meaningful. Outside of work, he’s most often found skiing, running, or biking, and finds grounding in daily dog walks and the clean air, wide views, and quiet beauty of the Colorado landscape.

Adam Price has been part of Ceres since 2008, bringing a steady, client-focused approach to his role as Account Manager. With a focus on sales, customer service, and quality control, he works closely with homeowners and property managers to help ensure expectations are met and the landscapes in our care continue to perform at a high level. Adam first came to Colorado to teach snowboarding and was drawn to Ceres by the chance to work outside in the summer; years later, he remains energized by the beauty of the mountain landscape and the outdoor lifestyle that comes with it. Outside of work, he’s most often on the mountain snowboarding or biking, or making the most of every season through golf, paddle boarding, and wakesurfing.

Zac Veres joined Ceres in 2025 and brings a strong service mindset, seasoned field experience, and a sharp eye for detail to his role as Maintenance Account Manager. With more than two decades of experience in both the field and the office, he serves as a steady point of contact for his clients—helping ensure their landscapes are cared for with attentiveness, consistency, and pride. Drawn to Ceres by the quality of the work and its attention to detail, Zac is energized by the evolving challenges of mountain landscapes and by the opportunity to keep learning within them. Outside of work, he’s most often found in the mountains in any weather, grounded by morning workouts, music, and time at the rodeo, and inspired by lush landscapes rich in color and texture.

• Turf & PHC licenses, Colorado Landscaping Certificate

Margarito Luevano has been part of Ceres since 2002, bringing decades of field experience, practical wisdom, and a deeply steady presence to the work of construction. In his role in project supervision, he helps guide crews and support the progress of work in the field, drawing on experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to seeing projects through from beginning to end. Margarito was drawn to Ceres by its spirit of innovation and finds lasting satisfaction in the process of building—imagining what a place can become and helping bring that vision into being. He lives into care, artistry, capability, and experience all at once, with a growing focus on how he supports the people around him and contributes to a strong team environment. Drawn to Ceres by its innovative ideas and the quality of the work, Margarito approaches each day with curiosity, humility, and a desire to keep learning. Beyond work, he enjoys baseball, family time, and the kind of perspective that comes from faith, gratitude, and time spent in the mountains.

Jeremy Hardison joined Ceres in 2026 and leads our PHC and Arbor divisions with a clear focus on tree health, risk awareness, and long-term landscape vitality. As PHC / Arbor Manager, he brings ISA Certified Arborist credentials, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, and a practical, field-based approach to all things trees—helping clients and teams make informed decisions that support healthier, safer, and more resilient landscapes. Jeremy came to Colorado for a fresh start and a meaningful opportunity, and he continues to be inspired by the natural beauty and wildlife of the mountain environment. While Jeremy was drawn to Colorado by the promise of a new chapter, he remains motivated by the beauty, wildlife, and constant opportunity for discovery found in the mountain landscape.

Shad Blakey joined Ceres in 2024 and brings great tree-care experience, practical knowledge, and a solid sense of purpose to his role in Arbor Sales. Focused on tree health and care, he is helping build and shape Ceres’s tree division with a long-view commitment to the landscapes we steward and the clients we serve. Originally from Virginia and drawn west after college, Shad brings capability, care, and a mindset of continual learning to work that is never quite the same twice. Outside of work, he’s most often found skiing, cheering on his kids at sporting events, and enjoying the time with family that keeps him grounded.

• BS, Radford University

Nicole Heredia has been part of Ceres since 2010, bringing steadiness, care, and a deeply people-centered approach to her role as HR Manager. Focused on human resources and onboarding, she serves as an important bridge between the company and its employees—helping support the culture, communication, and day-to-day connection that allow teams to thrive. A Colorado native, Nicole was drawn to Ceres by its family-oriented culture and friendly, grounded work environment, and she continues to bring that same spirit of care to the people around her. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, walking and hiking with her dogs, and enjoying landscapes that feel natural, textured, and alive.

Kim Bryant brings steadiness, care, and a deep sense of continuity to her role as Accounting Manager at Ceres. After 18 years with the company, she returned in September 2024 and now supports the team remotely from Wilmington, North Carolina, focusing on accounts receivable and accounts payable while helping ensure both vendors and clients are cared for with responsiveness and clarity. Kim was first drawn to Ceres by the people, integrity, and commitment to excellence, and she continues to be inspired by that legacy today. She lives most fully into care—supporting the team, continuing to learn, and helping uphold the quality and service clients have come to expect. Outside of work, she finds grounding in yoga, meditation, time at the beach, long walks with her dogs, and gathering with family and friends.