About
What Is AEP?
It is a non-profit association of public and private sector professionals with a common interest in serving the principles underlying the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Who Is AEP?
We are over 2,000 individuals committed to improving the processing and implementation of environmental assessment, analysis, public disclosure, and reporting. Click on the sectors below to see some of our stories:
Private Consultants
Shauna Callery
Senior Supervising Environmental Planner
Rincon Consultants
I chose a career in environmental planning to address the critical intersection of development and sustainability. I am motivated by the need to balance human progress with environmental stewardship, ensuring future generations inherit a healthy planet. The opportunity to influence policies and projects that protect natural resources while supporting economic growth is both challenging and rewarding. The dynamic challenges and the potential for meaningful, lasting impact drive my dedication to this field.
Emily Parks
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Associate
PlaceWorks
I serve as an Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Associate, focusing on air quality, energy, and greenhouse emissions to ensure that projects comply with CEQA guidelines and other relevant air quality regulations. It’s my role to suggest mitigation measures, like best practices for dust control, energy efficiency, and the use of cleaner technologies, all in service of CEQA’s goal of protecting the environment and public health. I am deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and the impact of human activities on our planet. My involvement with the Los Angeles Chapter of Association of Environmental Professionals (LA AEP) has also been a great opportunity to engage with a network of like-minded professionals and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Public Sector
Travis Lee
Land Use Planner
City of Goleta
After taking AP Environmental Science in high school, I was inspired by my teacher, Dr. Walsh, to leave the environment better than I found it. After starting college as a pre-med student I quickly realized that I needed to change my major to environmental science. I am passionate about the environment and having representation in the field because people like me historically have not had a voice. I currently work as a land use planner at the City of Goleta where I enjoy tackling environmental problems while interacting with the community.
Environmental Law
In The Field
Donna Bedow
Senior Archaeologist
Harris & Associates
In my last semester of undergrad studies in History, I sat in a lecture on Central and South American cultures and pyramids. I was hooked! After meeting with the professor, he suggested I check out the Anthropology Department, and the rest is history! I finished my BA in History and pursued an Anthropology MA. That’s when I started my 20-year tenure at the County of San Diego and eventually landed a full-time job. Since retiring from the County, I’ve been working at Harris & Associates where my work includes local tribal consultations. I fell into planning, yet the journey has made me a better archaeologist.
Cameron Lukos
GIS Analyst & Biologist
GPA Consulting
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a scientist. But another reason I chose this field is because of my dad. He started his own company in this industry, and I saw the life he was able to give me. I wanted to follow in his footsteps by having a strong career and provide the life I wanted, but with my own spin on it. Joining AEP provided even more motivation, especially as a student liaison. Helping these students discover a career they enjoy, while giving back and teaching them just like my father taught me, has become a big motivator and a major source of joy.
Students
Xela Brainin Godinez, she/they
Student
CSU Channel Islands, Environmental Science and Resource Management
My love and respect for the environment was nurtured by my dad growing up and has always been an area in my life filled with pure fascination. Since his passing, my area of study has been that much more significant for me. When I connect with the environment, I am connecting with my dad, where I am continuing to nurture the passion that we both share. I am so grateful to be a part of various AEP Committees where as a collective we are having the conversations that will help this organization move towards uniting humanity through the experiences we all share. As a developing environmental professional, I am passionate about creating the infrastructure that will give indigenous communities the ability to claim their land back; protecting the animals and ecosystems within them. Learning alongside the incredible individuals in these committees has been such a blessing. It has filled me with confidence to ask questions, step outside my comfort zone, and continue to believe in myself. I am so excited to see what is to come as we continue to lead with humility, curiosity, and love.
Emeritus
Betty Dehoney, CEP
Private Consultant
When there was a controversial project or a project/program that had never been done before - I ran for the light even when it seemed impossible or like trouble. I’ve always loved problem solving, navigating challenging assignments with no map just the end point. Over 40 years I have worked on projects across the US and beyond, specializing in complex, complicated and controversial issues. Eventually I started Dehoney Consulting LLC, providing strategic guidance on environmental issues and training. I love working with new teams. That is why I got involved with consulting, teaching, AEP, NAEP, and ABCEP. I taught the Applied Environmental Assessment class at University of San Diego for many years. I also got involved with UC San Diego’s Extension/Extended Studies certificate program for the Management of Coastal Ecosystems and Project Management. Developing others is an honor and also why I’m proud to be an Emeritus AEP Member.
