Our Staff
Our staff is comprised of well trained, well rounded, employees who share our company goals and philosophy. We hold degrees in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Biology, and Grounds Management. Our collaborative team approach to projects allows us to draw from the strengths of diverse backgrounds to deliver innovative solutions.
We strive to empower and uplift those who work on our team through ongoing training and education.
Liza Lightfoot - President/Landscape Architect
Liza brings over three decades in the green business direct to your doorstep. Raised internationally, Liza's focus is on sustainable landscapes blending responsibile living with broad aesthetic influence. From English Formal to Japanese Gardens and everything in between, Liza designs with the influence of the surrounding landscape and buildings, with an unparalleled knowledge of site-appropriate plants. No matter your style or budget, Liza will be an ambassador to your new outdoor living space.
Dan Schmitt - Landscape Designer
Dan is a 2009 graduate of the Landscape Architecture Program at University of Wisconsin - Madison, and is presently finishing his masters degree in the L.A. program. Dan's academic background is bolstered by years of on-the-ground experience - as far away as Honduras and as close as Miller Park. Dan provides "big league" support to our all-star Design Team..
Becky Kielstrup - Landscape Maintenance Manager
Becky has been in the industry for more than 20 years thus bringing to us a vast knowledge of landscape maintenance. Becky has an extreme passion for plants and turf and treats everyone’s as if it were her own. Customers love Becky's conversational approach to determining their needs and dreams. From turf-grasses to native prairies, let Becky help sculpt a comfortable outdoor space for you!
Carrie Portz - Nursery Manager
Carrie graduated from University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in German. She interned at Olbrich Garden and gained excellent hands on experience with plants of all kinds. Portz rooted in at Avant as the Nursery Assistant, eventually becoming the Nursery Manager.
Char Hinstorff - Office Manager
Char has over a decade of office management/bookkeeping skills and brings a very bubbly, energetic personality to Avant. She lives by Waterloo with her husband and three children, loves to travel, and is a sports fanatic. You will know immediately who she is upon walking into our office, just look for her smiling face!
Carrie Latham – Maintenance Foreman
Carrie graduated from UW-Madison with a major in Horticulture specializing in ornamentals and floriculture. She is dedicated to maintaining clients’ gardens as if they were her own.
