EILEEN MICHAELS — General Manager

Eileen started the company in 1988. She graduated from The University of Massachusetts and received an MBA from Boston University. After working in management for many years, she set out in 1988 to do something totally different by starting a landscaping business. Her love of plant life and problem solving were a good match for customers who were uncertain of how to redo their yards. Before too long, business was booming. Eileen attended Radcliffe Landscape Design program, RCC Horticultural program, numerous seminars and workshops and passed the voluntary certification test for landscape professionals in Massachusetts (MCLP).

Geovani Aguilar — Construction Project Manager

Geovani was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. in 1994 unable to speak any English. Starting off as a laborer, he worked his way up the ladder from first line Supervisor to Operations Manager and now to Construction Project Manager. He's attended numerous training seminars in pond building, tree climbing, rock wall building and lighting, and is certified by ICPI as a concrete paver installer. He teaches classes to Spanish speaking adults at the Arnold Arboretum. As a crucial member of our Leadership Team, he is presently working toward certification as an Arborist.

Laurel Halpin — Office Manager

Laurel will greet you when you call. She keeps the office running smoothly and will be the liaison between you and your project manager. Laurel is a graduate of Northeastern University and brings with her many years of management experience.

CAROLYN EDSELL VETTER — Maintenance Project Manager

Carolyn got the “green” bug as an Americorps volunteer at the East Bay Conservation Corps in Oakland, CA. She started with A Yard & A Half in 2000 as a maintenance laborer while she finished up her M.Div. A graduate of UMass Green School and a NOFA-accredited Organic Landcare Professional, she currently studies at the Landscape Institute. As Maintenance Project Manager, Carolyn enjoys helping customers to develop their outdoor spaces to meet their changing needs. She is passionate about sustainability and sacred spaces. Her 2-year old son has inherited her love of big trucks, dirt, and the natural world.

KOLETTA KASPAR — Planting Project Manager

Koletta started with the company in 1999 as a garden maintenance worker. Since then she has done just about every job within the company. As plant and material manager, she locates the plants and other materials needed for each company project and makes sure they are in place prior to the job start date. In addition, Koletta gets a kick out of hardy, tenacious plant material. When customers request designs and ideas for minimal maintenance, she knows the trees, shrubs, and perennials to recommend. She also enjoys the garden mentoring aspect of her work with customers who want guidance in learning about their gardens.

JOSE FLORES — Operations Manager

Jose started with the company in 1999 as a laborer. He worked his way up to Construction Supervisor and is now our Operations Manager. In this position he oversees four construction crews. He has attended workshops in paving installations, wall building and pond building.