Nick Towstopiat

Kish joined DJP&A in 2023 as a Researcher. She helps prepare environmental documents in accordance with CEQA and NEPA.

Kish has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies with English as a second major from Santa Clara University and a Master of Urban Planning Degree from the University of Southern California. While at the University of Southern California, Kish worked as a Research Assistant at the METRANS Transportation Consortium.

Outside of the office Kish enjoys baking, hiking, and trying new vegan foods.

Kish can be reached directly at (408) 454-3439 or by email.

Kristy joined DJP&A in 2003 and has a wide breadth of experience preparing environmental documents in compliance with CEQA. Kristy’s strong organizational and project management skills enables her to effectively manage complex projects. She was the Project Manager for several notable projects including the 2024 AEP Award Winning North Bayshore Master Plan, Moffett Park Specific Plan, Sunnyvale Downtown Specific Plan Amendments, Vallco Town Center Specific Plan, Main Street Cupertino, Gateway Crossings, Avaya Stadium, and Newby Island Sanitary Landfill expansion. Kristy also has experience preparing the environmental analyses for Election Code 9212 reports. Kristy is extremely responsive and strives to provide excellent client service.

Kristy graduated from both the University of California, Santa Cruz and San José State University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, going to the local farmer’s market, hiking, and volunteering.

She can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3428 or by email.

Amy joined DJP&A in 2016 after graduating from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning, focusing in City Regional Planning.

At DJP&A, Amy manages and prepares environmental documents for both private and public sector projects in compliance with CEQA. Amy has been the Project Manager for several notable projects throughout the Bay Area, including Fountain Alley Commercial in Downtown San José, 10th/Chestnut Commercial in Gilroy, and Fire Station 16 Replacement in San Carlos.

Her educational background, strong work ethic, and love of learning make her an asset to DJP&A.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys hiking, traveling, and visiting art exhibits.

Amy can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3423 or by email.

Connor joined DJP&A in 2019 after graduating from California State University, East Bay with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Before coming to work for DJP&A, Connor interned with the East Bay Regional Park District where he performed biological field surveys, worked on habitat restoration projects, and co-authored an article on California Red-legged Frogs that was published by the Western Wildlife Journal in 2019.

At DJP&A, Connor manages projects throughout the Bay Area to prepare CEQA and NEPA environmental review documents including Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies, Environmental Impact Reports, Environmental Assessments, streamlining documents, and more. Connor works with a wide variety of clients and his work experience includes residential development, office development, parks and recreation facilities, school improvements, and transportation projects. As a member of DJP&A’s Marketing and Business Development Team, Connor also manages the company’s LinkedIn content and collaborates with other team members on our email newsletters and website updates.

In his free time, Connor enjoys traveling, playing guitar, exercising, playing games, and spending time with friends and family.

Connor can be contacted directly at (510) 902-5856 or by email.

Nick joined DJP&A in 2021 after previously working in the public sector for multiple planning agencies in Santa Clara County. In his previous positions, he was responsible for processing planning permits, conducting plan checks, and providing excellent customer service to applicants. From this experience, Nick has become skilled at working with developers, public agencies, and other consultants. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning degree with an additional certificate in Environmental Planning from San Jose State University.

At DJP&A, Nick assists in preparing various environmental review documents ranging from Categorical Exemptions to Environmental Impact Reports. In his free time, Nick enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, sports, and reading.

Nick can be reached directly at (408) 454-3407 or by email.

Martha joined DJP&A in 1991 and is deeply familiar with the culture and operational aspects of the firm. She manages the firm’s finances, employee benefits, and office administration. She is responsible for all aspects of financial matters for the firm, which includes: accounts receivable, accounts payable, client billing, cash and accrual financial statements, payroll, and analyzing financial data. In addition, she is responsible for various human resources tasks, including purchasing and administering health insurance plans and administering the company’s 401k plan. Martha is also responsible for managing the company’s corporate insurance policies.

Outside of DJP&A, Martha’s interests include camping and spending time with her family.

Martha can be contacted by phone at (408) 248-3500.

Tyler joined DJP&A in 2017. He previously worked as an intern for the City of Mountain View’s Economic Development Division, and as erosion-control inspector for the Town of Atherton. While in college, he worked as a GIS intern for a local agricultural nonprofit in San Luis Obispo.

At DJP&A, Tyler manages and prepares environmental documents for both private and public sector projects in compliance with CEQA and NEPA. His educational background, field experience at active construction sites, and public sector work experience make him an asset to DJP&A. Tyler has been the Project Manager for several notable projects including the Sunnyvale Downtown Specific Plan Amendments, 3896 Stevens Creek Boulevard Office/Commercial Project in San José, and the JESD Faculty and Staff Housing Project in Daly City.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys skiing, surfing, and traveling.

Tyler can be contacted directly at (510) 902-5854 or by email.

Fiona joined DJP&A in 2016 after graduating from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning. While attending UC Davis, Fiona interned for the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Program where she was able to work with others to develop an animal welfare curriculum. Her internship and prior involvement in Calpirg has provided her experience in research as well as working in a collaborative environment.

Since joining DJP&A in January 2016, Fiona has prepared numerous environmental documents in compliance with CEQA for a variety of residential/mixed-use, commercial/retail, and office projects. Fiona has been the Project Manager on several notable projects including CityView Plaza, Winchester Ranch Residential, and 200 Park Avenue.

Outside of work, Fiona enjoys photography, being a crafty lefty, and traveling.

Fiona can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3427 or by email.

Ryan joined DJP&A in 2018 and plays an integral role in the company as our Graphic Artist, Administrative Assistant, and as a member of our marketing team. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. He prepares all the graphics for our documents and manages their reproduction, maintains the website, works closely with our CFO on accounts receivable, and assists with marketing needs.

Outside of DJP&A, Ryan enjoys running, hiking, going to the gym, and being active in general.

Ryan can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3421 or by email.

Natalie Noyes joined DJP&A in 2017. She holds a Masters in City Planning from San Diego State University, and is a professional planner certified by the AICP. Natalie has over 18 years of experience helping clients navigate environmental regulations and managing the preparation of environmental resource studies and planning documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA throughout California. Her favorite projects are often those that challenge her the most. Natalie was the Project Manager for several notable projects including the El Paseo and 1777 Saratoga Avenue Mixed-Use Village project in San Jose and the Heritage House & Valle Verde Housing project in Napa.

When Natalie is not working, she spends most of her free time cheering on her three kids at their many sporting events. She enjoys hiking as a family in the Sierra foothills and getting outdoors whenever she can.

Natalie can be reached directly at (510) 902-5852 or by email.

Carolyn joined DJP&A in 2019. She is a professional planner certified by the AICP with experience preparing numerous environmental documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for development projects and planning policies throughout California. Carolyn also has experience providing contract planning services to local government agencies and assisting in the documentation and recordation of historic resources. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental History from University of California at Berkeley and a Masters of Urban Planning Degree from San Jose State University.

At DJP&A, Carolyn manages projects and prepares environmental documents in compliance with CEQA and NEPA for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. Her educational background, local government agency experience, and project management skills make her an asset to DJP&A. Carolyn has worked on several notable projects including Google Landings, San José 2030 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy, and 600 Ellis Street Office projects.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys backpacking, baking, and woodworking.

Carolyn can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3437 or by email.

Mimi McNamara joined DJP&A in 2022 after previously working as a technical CEQA air quality and greenhouse gas specialist for other environmental consulting firms. She has extensive experience with both subject areas and has prepared numerous technical reports to support environmental documentation prepared pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. At DJP&A, Mimi specializes in completing environmental review documents for data center facilities for the California Energy Commission and local lead agencies. Mimi has also prepared a variety of environmental documents for clients, such as Microsoft and GreenWaste Recovery, and Lead Agencies, such as the cities of San José, Mountain View, and Los Altos. In addition, she supports projects post-approval by assisting project applicants with completing their environmental requirements listed in the project’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Her goal is to see projects through entitlement and construction.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Davis. Outside of work you can find Mimi planning her next big travel, swimming laps, or watching F1.

Mimi can be reached directly at (408) 454-3430 or by email.

Demetri graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Ecology and Systematic Biology. Working as a Biological Technician for the National Park Service out of college, he transitioned to a career in planning with DJP&A in 1998. His diverse project experience includes environmental review for transportation projects, schools, field and stadium lighting projects, quarry and other industrial development, commercial/retail projects such as IKEA, and General Plan amendments. He is one of DJP&A’s in-house experts on interchange, bridge, and other transportation-related projects. With his background in systematic biology combined with his planning expertise, Demetri approaches his projects in a holistic manner that ensures a comprehensive and thorough environmental analysis.

Demetri is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys biking, fishing, hunting, golfing, and hiking.

Demetri can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3422 or by email.

Mike joined DJP&A in 2006 after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Since then, he has prepared environmental documents in compliance with both CEQA and NEPA for highly complex projects, including the Communications Hill Residential Development in San José, which consists of 2,200 residential units and 1.44 million square feet of industrial uses, as well as single-use bag reduction ordinances that cover San José, Alameda County, and West Contra Costa County.

Aside from typical residential and commercial/retail projects, Mike specializes in solid waste infrastructure projects such as landfills, material recovery and recycling facilities, and waste to energy facilities. Many of these projects are located near sensitive habitats adjacent to the San Francisco Bay and environmental review requires special knowledge of the laws and regulations governing these areas. Mike also has expertise in completing environmental review for large data center facilities, which house computer servers in secure and environmentally controlled structures and present unique environmental challenges related to energy use and emissions of air quality pollutants.

Mike can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3401 or by email.

Maria joined DJP&A in 2019 after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a concentration in Environmental Policy. Her studies allowed for a hands-on experience in environmental analysis, with projects that included preparing a mock impact analysis for a housing development project and a proposal to assess impacts on bird populations from a large-scale solar power facility. During her time as a student, she interned at Templeton Community Services where she developed and oversaw water conservation and recycling programs. Prior to starting with DJP&A, Maria worked at Family Supportive Housing where she gained a greater knowledge of community issues along with experience in public outreach and event coordination.

At DJP&A, Maria works closely with staff researching and preparing environmental review documents. Her educational background and excellent communication skills makes her a valued team member at DJP&A. Maria has worked on a variety of projects, including residential/mixed-use developments, commercial/office developments, parks, and data centers. She also has experience working on larger-scale program-level documents. Notable projects Maria has worked on include the Lillian Commons Medical Campus in Morgan Hill and the San José Flea Market Rezoning Project.

Outside of work you can find Maria lifting weights, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Maria can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3426 or by email.

Patrick joined DJP&A in 2019 and works closely with staff to prepare environmental documents. He has experience writing CEQA and NEPA reports on freeway projects, railroad grade separations, California High Speed Rail projects, affordable housing, and a variety of development projects. He also has experience with field monitoring and research from his previous work at the Santa Clara Valley Water District and Jet Propulsion Laboratories.

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Protection with a minor in Water Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Outside of work, you can find Patrick hiking, golfing, painting plastic models, playing board games, and swing dancing.

Where do we start with John Hesler? John is DJP&A’s third employee, and joined in 1982 after he completed his undergraduate studies in Environmental Planning at San José State University. John immediately developed a focus on transportation, from roads and highways to transit and airports. With a 43+ year tenure at DJP&A, John is our “transportation guru,” and boasts successful environmental review for hundreds of projects including the construction of the 18.7-mile California State Route 85, conversion of SR 237 and SR 87 from expressways to freeways, construction of the VTA Light Rail system, and expansion of CalTrain. John is one of DJP&A’s primary points of contact for on-call environmental consulting services to the San José Mineta International Airport, San José Department of Transportation, Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

John is a recipient of the Al Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Environmental Professionals.

Aside from his unparalleled transportation experience, John brings to the table a light-hearted energy that prioritizes building and maintaining professional relationships. Though this comes naturally to him, he has also found that positive interactions among team members facilitates compromise and results in better projects.

When not working on a deadline at DJP&A, John enjoys volunteering for a number of local non-profits.

To experience John’s good nature, give him a call directly at (408) 454-3424. If his line is busy, try his email.

Shannon is an experienced Project Manager who has been in the environmental field for over 25 years. She graduated from San José State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and worked for another environmental firm before joining DJP&A in 2001. Since then, Shannon has managed the environmental review for many iconic projects throughout Silicon Valley, including the 49ers Levi’s Stadium, popular Santana Row shopping center, and bustling San Pedro Square Market. Other notable projects Shannon has managed include the Santa Clara Downtown Specific Plan, CityView Plaza development in Downtown San José, Santa Clara University Five-Year and 10-Year Master Plans, and the Santana West office development.

In her spare time, Shannon enjoys gardening, traveling, home improvement projects, and volunteering in her local community.

Shannon can be contacted directly at (408) 454-3402 or by email.

Desiree joined DJP&A in 2018 after graduating from Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a concentration in Wildlife Biology. Her education provided her with hands on experience with local city projects and environmental issues.

At DJP&A, Desiree helps prepare various environmental review documents including Categorical Exemptions, Small Power Plant Exemption Applications with the California Energy Commission, Initial Studies, and Environmental Impact Reports. Her diverse project experience includes transportation projects such as the Amendment to the San José Airport Master Plan EIR; utility and infrastructure projects including various Data Center projects; and community development projects such as the Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center/YMCA project in Redwood City. Desiree is a positive and diligent Associate Project Manager who excels at providing clear communication and quality environmental review.

In her free time, Desiree enjoys camping, traveling, and volunteering with wildlife rehabilitation centers and the Native Plant Society.

Desiree can be contacted directly at (510) 902-5853 or by email.

Akoni joined DJP&A in 2010, after working for the City of San José for 13 years, most recently as Principal Planner, where he was responsible for the City’s preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents, as well as managing the City’s environmental review, historic preservation, urban runoff management, and green building policy programs. During his time with the City, he managed the preparation of over 40 program- and project-level Environmental Impact Reports, and participated in the preparation of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan.

Akoni has overseen the environmental impact analysis of hundreds of projects in dozens of jurisdictions, including: the City of Santa Clara General Plan 2010-2035, Samsung Office North San Jose Campus, Bay 101 Casino, North First and Brokaw Corporate Campus, Morgan Hill Downtown Parking Garage, Daly City Westlake Mixed-use Project, City of San Mateo E. 4th Street Mixed-use Project, Redwood City 2580 El Camino Real Mixed-use Project, Mountain View 580 Clyde Office (Samsung) Project, Palo Alto 3223 Hanover Office Project, Valley Fair Mall Expansion, Santana Row Expansion, and the Silicon Valley Clean Water Wastewater Conveyance and Reliability Project.

Akoni earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University, and the degree of Master of City and Regional Planning (Environmental Planning emphasis) from the University of California, Berkeley. In his free time, Akoni enjoys fishing, hiking, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and many pets. He can be reached by phone at (408) 454-3406 or by email.

Will joined DJP&A in 2003 and has a deep understanding of CEQA and NEPA and has extensive experience preparing Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), Initial Studies, and Environmental Assessments. Among his many achievements, he was the Project Manager for the preparation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan EIR which required substantial coordination with City Staff, various service providers, and other City consultants to ensure the EIR was completed on time and under budget. Will has also served as Project Manager on other important planning endeavors including the Morgan Hill Downtown Specific Plan, which planned for increased density and mixed uses in a 20 block area adjacent to the City’s Caltrain Station. Since 2016, Will has managed projects out of our Oakland office.

Will is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Planning Association, and Association of Environmental Professionals. He holds Bachelor degrees in Environmental Studies and Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

In his spare time, Will enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, gardening, and watching the 49ers.

Will can be contacted directly at (510) 902-5851 or by email.

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David J. Powers & Associates, Inc.

San Jose (Main) Office

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