The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in a specialized field of arboriculture—tree risk assessment. The training portion of the program is delivered through credential holders who have gone above and beyond the requirements to earn and maintain this credential. They also have extensive experience in the practice of tree risk assessment and facilitation of professional training. Today, we are featuring two new Approved Instructors for the program.    

Kay Sicheneder  

An ISA Certified Arborist® since 1993, Kay Sicheneder is an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist® and Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified (TPAQ) instructor with decades of experience in both the field and the classroom. Her career has included roles as a sales arborist, plant health care manager, and city forester. Currently, she is a consultant specializing in risk assessment, appraisal, and expert witness work. A committed volunteer, Kay, has also served on the TREE Fund Grants Committee and on several industry boards, including ASCA. One of her most meaningful contributions was serving as a coach at the 2023 ASCA Consulting Academy.  

Todd Walker   

An ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® and ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist®, Todd Walker is a regional supervisor with Eocene Environmental Group. There, he manages multiple utility vegetation management program contracts across south-central California. Todd began his career as a groundsman for a small tree care company before steadily advancing to manage all company operations. He teaches Level 1 tree risk assessment principles and techniques to those pursuing careers in utility arboriculture. Todd is also an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist® and a UAA Utility Vegetation Management Professional.