Meet the team

Client-Centered Thinking™

  • Our Culture
  • Peter Verdicchio
  • Mark Baker
  • Ben DeBellis
  • Lori Martin
  • Amy Booth
  • Oksana Dziuba
  • Clay Elkins
  • Bailey Elliot
  • Stephanie Grimes
  • Shelia Johnson
  • Jacob Johnson
  • Gary Jueneman
  • Cynthia McCalmont
  • Amanda Ontrakarn, PLA
  • Heon Song
  • Oscar Trevino
  • Andrew Trimble
  • Leslie Garcia Vazquez
  • Edward Volk
  • Tanner White
  • Joel Wood
  • Brent Yezek
  • Nate Grant
Our Culture

Our Culture

Our culture is built on creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for meaningful design. At SEC Planning, every project is a reflection of the people behind it. Meet the visionaries behind the designs, the team that transforms ideas into places that connect people and community.

Our Culture
Peter Verdicchio

Peter Verdicchio

Principal

PLA, LEED AP, ASLA

A founding member of SEC Planning, Peter’s professional experience encompasses a wide variety of project types from master planned community design to implementing entitlement strategies. He is also a recognized expert in the field of active adult community design.

Throughout Peter’s career he has had the opportunity to work with leading home builders, providing design solutions to achieve project and land development goals. Possessing over fifteen years of national land planning and design experience, he recognizes the importance of influencing factors upon any project.

From anti-growth codes to challenging terrain, Peter knows how to find a balance that results in successful outcomes for each project. His designs, rooted in the core principles of good planning, bring together the natural features of the land with the desired experience of the end user, resulting in exceptional built environments.

Peter is a registered landscape architect in Illinois, Indiana, New Mexico, South Carolina and Texas.

Peter Verdicchio
Mark Baker

Mark Baker

Principal

As a co-founder of SEC Planning, Mark focuses on client relationships and managing complex land development
projects in various stages ranging from initial due diligence and entitlements through detailed design and
implementation. Through 30 years in the industry, Mark prides himself on seeking common ground between
development clients and municipalities in an effort to achieve the necessary approvals for successful projects.

Mark believes the landscape architecture and land planning profession are vital to the creation of beautiful communities
and special places that respect the natural environment while also understanding the development and financial goals of
our clients. Whether designing master planned communities, parks, campuses or mixed-use districts, Mark believes in
thoughtfully designing spaces that are welcoming, timeless and memorable. Mark enjoys collaborating with SEC’s
incredibly talented and creative staff to bring design visions to life and create desirable environments for our clients and
end users.

In his time outside of the office Mark serves on the Board of Directors for the Williamson County Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, Facilities Board for the Texas Baptist Children’s Home and is active in serving his church family at
First Baptist Church Round Rock. Mark’s hobbies include fishing, hunting, visiting untamed wilderness areas and
spending time with his family

Mark Baker
Ben DeBellis

Ben DeBellis

Director of Landscape Architecture

PLA, LEED AP, ASLA

Ben is the Director of Landscape Architecture at SEC Planning, where he guides a talented design team of creative landscape architects and designers in actualizing our client’s visions. He began his career with the firm in 2005, steadily advancing through every level to build a portfolio of over 20 years of experience on diverse projects across the county. He is a native Texan who grew up in the deserts of Far West Texas, which has helped him foster an appreciation for water conservation and use of native plants in a well-designed landscape. Ben is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is licensed in four states. Outside of the office you will find Ben hiking in a national park looking for the best views or hanging out with family and friends.

Ben DeBellis
Lori Martin

Lori Martin

Office Manager

Lori joined SEC Planning in 2007. She oversees the daily office operations, ensuring the team needs what they have to excel. From HR to accounting, IT to administrative services, Lori thrives to maintain a functional workspace and promote positive team dynamics.

Lori Martin
Amy Booth

Amy Booth

Project Manager

PLA, ASLA, LEED Green Associate

With eight years of experience at SEC, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University (2006) and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona (2013). Amy’s favorite part of her work is engaging with clients and guiding projects from the initial concept all the way to groundbreaking.

Amy Booth
Oksana Dziuba

Oksana Dziuba

Staff Designer

Oksana joined our team in 2023. She holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture in Ukraine. Oksana brings a unique viewpoint to every project, from detailed model park site plans to large-scale neighborhood designs, seamlessly integrating each with the surrounding environment. Outside of work, Oksana enjoys traveling and spending time with her loved ones.

Oksana Dziuba
Clay Elkins

Clay Elkins

Staff Designer

Clay joined our team in 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in landscape architecture, land planning, and golf course design. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University and is known for his proven creativity, adaptability, and collaborative approach. Outside of work, Clay enjoys following Texas Tech sports, as well as his favorite professional sports teams, playing golf, and an occasional dabble in Scottish Highland Games. Spending time with his three boys, family, and friends is a big source of joy and inspiration.

Clay Elkins
Bailey Elliot

Bailey Elliot

Staff Designer

Bailey Elliott earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Texas A&M University in 2019. During her time at A&M, she gained valuable experience through a six-month internship at SEC Planning. After graduation, Bailey joined our team full-time and quickly became a key contributor to a variety of projects. Her favorite projects are designing Amenity Centers and Parks, where she can create spaces that encourage community engagement and enjoyment. Outside of work, Bailey enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their son, exploring parks and playgrounds around the Austin area.

Bailey Elliot
Stephanie Grimes

Stephanie Grimes

Administrative Specialist

Stephanie is the newest member of the SEC team, having just joined in November of 2025! Stephanie’s experience encompasses business development, business operations planning, human resources and more. When not in the office, she loves spending time with her family.

Stephanie Grimes
Shelia Johnson

Shelia Johnson

Administrative Coordinator

Since joining in 2022, Shelia has enjoyed providing vital front office and administrative support to management and staff to ensure the office runs smoothly. When not in the office, she loves to unwind with gardening and family time.

Shelia Johnson
Jacob Johnson

Jacob Johnson

Staff Designer

Celebrating 6 years with SEC, Jacob joined in 2019 after earning his Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University. Recently licensed as a Landscape Architect, he’s contributed to a variety of projects across the country, focusing on creating sustainable, livable communities. On top of his professional achievements, Jacob recently became a dad, so he’s learning how to joggle both diapers and design plans – and so far, he’s crushing it at both!

Jacob Johnson
Gary Jueneman

Gary Jueneman

Senior Project Manager

Gary grew up in a small town in rural Kansas where he learned to appreciate nature and the shaping of environments
through his family’s construction business. Graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State
University and joining SEC Planning in 2006 were the start of a 20-year career helping grow Central Texas and beyond.
Outside of work Gary continues his weekly noontime basketball pickup games at the local YMCA and trying to keep up
with the never-ending sports schedules of his two children. Other hobbies include woodworking, hiking, fishing and
everything K-State!

Gary Jueneman
Cynthia McCalmont

Cynthia McCalmont

Senior Project Manager

With 18 years of experience at SEC, Cynthia leads multidisciplinary teams and mentors junior staff. A Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University (2007), she excels at building strong relationships with clients, jurisdictions, and contractors. Her collaborative approach ensures projects are successfully brought from concept to completion. Cynthia is passionate about teamwork and creativity, and she values seeing design visions realized in the built environment.

Cynthia McCalmont
Amanda Ontrakarn, PLA

Amanda Ontrakarn, PLA

Senior Project Manager

Amanda has been a member of the SEC team since 2013. Growing up in Northern New Mexico, where water is a treasured resource, she developed an appreciation for the beauty of native landscapes that conserve water. This foundation inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture at the University of California, Davis. While at Davis, Amanda explored cemetery and memorial garden design, an area she finds especially meaningful, and she has since contributed her expertise to the design of several columbarium memorial gardens. Beyond her professional work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her three sons—often at the baseball field—and discovering new restaurants with friends.

Amanda Ontrakarn, PLA
Heon Song

Heon Song

Staff Designer

Heon joined our team full time after earning his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 2025. He previously completed an eight-month internship with our firm in 2024, where he demonstrated his strong attention to detail and passion for design. Outside of work, Heon enjoys golfing and other outdoor activities.

Heon Song
Oscar Trevino

Oscar Trevino

Staff Designer

Oscar recently joined SEC Planning after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University in 2025. He previously completed three internships with the firm, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of projects. Oscar is particularly interested in amenity centers, parks, and sustainable design practices, and enjoys developing creative solutions that thoughtfully connect projects with their future users.

Oscar Trevino
Andrew Trimble

Andrew Trimble

Project Manager

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. He combines strong design leadership with advanced 3D rendering expertise to bring projects to life. His ability to visualize spaces in detail helps clients and teams see the full potential of each design from concept to completion. In his free time, Andrew enjoys working on old cars and playing with his dog.

Andrew Trimble
Leslie Garcia Vazquez

Leslie Garcia Vazquez

Staff Designer

Leslie joined our team after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University in 2024. Originally joining us as a six-month intern, she quickly transitioned into a full-time role through her strong work ethic and enthusiasm for design. Leslie is passionate about expanding her expertise across a variety of projects and brings added value to our team as a bilingual professional.

Leslie Garcia Vazquez
Edward Volk

Edward Volk

Staff Designer

Edward joined our team in June 2024 after earning his Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas A&M University. Since then, he has contributed to a range of projects, particularly residential developments across Texas. Edward excels at creating detailed conceptual, lotting, and landscape framework plans. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

Edward Volk
Tanner White

Tanner White

Staff Designer

Tanner joined our team in 2021 after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. Originally from Iowa, he brings a thoughtful approach to every project, from detailed amenity center site plans to large-scale neighborhood designs, seamlessly integrating each with the surrounding environment. Outside of work, Tanner enjoys being outside and hanging out with friends.

Tanner White
Joel Wood

Joel Wood

Project Manager

Joel has been a valued member of the SEC Planning team for six years, bringing over two decades of experience in landscape architecture and project design. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in 2003 and became a licensed landscape architect in 2012. Throughout his career, Joel has led and contributed to a variety of projects across Texas, taking pride in transforming each client’s vision into a thoughtful, functional design.

Joel Wood
Brent Yezek

Brent Yezek

Graphics Manager

Brent has been a part of the SEC team for 21 years now. Brent combines deep experience with a passion for visual storytelling. He holds degrees in both Community and Regional Planning & Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. Brent enjoys transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging graphics that bring projects to life. When he isn’t working he enjoys oil painting and spending time with family.

Brent Yezek
Nate Grant

Nate Grant

Landscape Architecture Intern

Nate is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. He is joining the SEC team as a Landscape Architecture Intern, from August 2025 to July 2026! Originally from South Bend, Indiana, he brings a new perspective to every project. His favorite things he has been involved in so far include park concepts, graphics, and Friday sketch sessions. Outside of work, you can find Nate enjoying DJ-ing, trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends.

Nate Grant