Conference Speakers

Kelly Billing

Aquatic Plant Specialist

Water Becomes a Garden

Kelly owns Water Becomes a Garden and specializes in creative, site-appropriate use of aquatic plants for ecological balance and display. With 40 years of experience in water gardening, Kelly promotes natural processes for healthy waterbodies. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, author of The Lotus, Know It and Grow It and Water Gardener’s Bible, and was inducted into the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society Hall of Fame in August 2025.

David Clement, Ph.D.

Extension Specialist, Plant Pathology
University of Maryland (UMD)
  
David L. Clement, Ph.D., serves as a statewide University of Maryland Extension resource in plant disease management and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). His work includes applied research on biological disease management, evaluation of new technologies (including drone research), and resistant cultivar assessments. David focuses on educating the Green Industry about diagnosing and managing plant diseases affecting ornamental crops, nurseries, landscapes, arboriculture, and turf.

Nathan Glenn, MBA

Agent
University of MD Extension - Howard County
Ag and Food Systems Program

Nathan is the Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension in Howard County. In this role, he provides education on a wide array of agriculture science and management topics including nutrient management and pesticide applicator training based on Maryland’s nutrient management guidelines. Nathan focuses on helping professionals understand practical, research-based practices that can be implemented in order to improve their profitability and/or conserve our natural resources. 

Stephen Goff

Agricultural Inspector III
Maryland Department of Agriculture

Stephen is an Agricultural Inspector and Pesticide Regulator at MDA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Washington College and is based in Annapolis, Maryland.

Laura Nixon Ph.D.

Extension Specialist Ornamental IPM
University of Maryland Extension

Dr. Laura Nixon is the new University of Maryland Extension Agent for Ornamental IPM and Entomology, based out of the Central Maryland Research and Education Center Clarksville Facility. Laura has over 10 years of experience working with invasive landscape pests, including the spotted lanternfly and brown marmorated stink bug. Prior to joining UME, Laura worked in post-doctoral positions based at the US Department of Agriculture Appalachian Fruit Research Station focused on insect pest monitoring and sustainable pest management in orchards, vineyards, and small fruit.

Shannon Rotella

Training Coordinator
MDA Nutrient Management Program

Shannon Rotella serves as the Training Coordinator for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program. She brings a strong background in training, curriculum development, and adult education to her role. Before joining the MDA, she coordinated mission-critical training for the Department of Defense, refining her skills in program management and instructional planning. Shannon later earned her B.S. in Agricultural Science and Technology with a specialization in Environmental Horticulture and her M.S. in Plant Science from the University of Maryland, where she conducted applied research in small fruit pathology and worked closely with growers through Extension. Her graduate work strengthened her understanding of nutrient use, environmental stewardship, and practical challenges faced by Maryland producers. In her current position, she develops and delivers nutrient management training to ensure that agricultural and turfgrass professionals understand and comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Shannon is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that supports both industry needs and the protection of Maryland’s natural resources.

Charles “Chuck” Schuster

Senior Agent Emeritus
University of Maryland (UMD)

Chuck Schuster has worked in horticulture for over four decades, including 30 years with UME. He holds an MS in Education from McDaniel College and a BS in Agriculture from the University of Maryland. Chuck is passionate about teaching and enjoys fishing in his spare time.

Heather Zindash

Professional IPM Consultant
The Soulful Gardener

Heather is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, ISA Certified Arborist, Medical Cannabis Agent/Consultant, Maryland Master Gardener, and Maryland Master Naturalist. Through her company, The Soulful Gardener, LLC, Heather provides IPM consulting services across the Mid-Atlantic region. Her mission is to bring people, plants, and nature together for health and well-being, using strategies that include cultural, mechanical, biological, and targeted chemical options.