Meet the Team

Mike came to San Luis Obispo in 1992 to get an engineering degree from Cal Poly and play running back for the football team…not necessarily in that order. Although he did enjoy his time playing for the Mustangs for 4 years, he was glad he continued to focus on his studies, since the NFL scouts did not seem to be knocking on his door. By the time he graduated with a BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1998, he was married to his High School sweetheart, and they decided to make a go of trying to land a job in SLO town. He started his career at Omni Design Group, a multi-disciplinary firm, and ended up at the structural engineering firm, Russ Feilzer and Associates, 2 years later. After getting his license in 2001, Mike decided to go out on his own, and Allshouse Engineering was born. In 2015, he converted Allshouse Engineering to Praxis Engineering, which now offered not just structural but also civil engineering. Mike has had the privilege to work with a lot of amazing engineers, architects, builders, and owners over the last 20 years. He loves to use his engineering creativity along with his vast project experience to collaborate with the team to move the project from concept to reality or from ideas into action. After 24 years on the central coast of California, Mike moved his family up to Sandpoint Idaho. He enjoys time with his wife and 6 kids, snowboarding on the nearby mountain, and soaking up the sun on the hometown lake.

Jens graduated from Arizona State university in 1998 with a BSE in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structures. He started his career with a small firm in Tempe Arizona called TOR Engineering where he worked on the custom residential, commercial, and work on the local Indian reservations. He worked with a variety of materials from your traditional wood, concrete, and steel… to adobe, hay bale, rammed earth and ICF. As his family grew, so did the need to live near family. He moved to Carpinteria, CA, where he established himself with Van Sande Structural Consultants. He became the lead engineer over many custom residential structures, commercial structures, many University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) jobs — including the $81 million Sierra Madre student housing and seismic evaluations of many of the UCSB buildings. Jens now brings his expertise to Praxis Engineering to head up the structural department and Santa Barbara office and apply his experience to the entire Central Coast.

Yosimar, known as Yosi, graduated from Fresno State University in 2014 with a BS in Civil Engineering and a minor in mathematics. He started his career with a small firm in West Covina by the name of DJP Engineering where he practiced surveying and general civil engineering for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. After about 2 years he began his focus on structural engineering at AD/S Companies, a signage company in Corona, where he was exposed to construction management. Ultimately becoming the lead engineer in charge of managing jobs from the bidding process following through to the final stage of installation. After about 3 years he realized his passion was in surveying and general civil engineering, thus beginning his 3-year journey at Coory Engineering in Orange County. Yosi is grateful to all the people and mentors he has met in this industry; they have helped shape him into the engineer he is today. After 8 years in the engineering field in Southern California, Yosi and his wife moved to Central California looking for new adventures and a change of pace. Yosi has now come to Praxis Engineering where he is applying his expertise to guide the civil department and contributing to the growth of the Central Coast. Yosi has been married to his wife, Susy, since 2017. Together they push each other into being the best version of themselves.

Ellie Matthews is a Midwestern native who moved to California in 2011. She received her bachelor's degree in Business and has been working for Praxis since 2015. She enjoys being with her family, trips to the beach, and everything about house plants.

Molly is a people-focused professional with a background spanning both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She holds a degree in Psychology from Seattle University and began her career in nonprofit work, where her contributions earned her a nomination for Employee of the Year among more than 250 colleagues, a recognition that reflects the collaborative, mission-driven approach she brings to every role. Over the course of her career, Molly has developed a broad perspective on organizational culture and human behavior, drawing on her psychology background to build meaningful relationships and drive results across diverse environments. Outside of work, Molly can usually be found propagating houseplants, experimenting in the kitchen for friends, or working her way through a good book.

Emmanuel moved to the United States at the age of 18 to study Architectural Engineering at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly, SLO). After graduating with his B.S. in 2017, he moved down to Santa Barbara, CA to start his engineering career in high-end custom residential construction at Van Sande Structural Consultants (VSSC). In 2020, more than a year after taking on more responsibility in a role as Project Engineer at VSSC, Emmanuel moved to Washington, D.C. to take on new structural challenges; he wanted to learn about multi-story residential projects, new materials, and higher wind and snow loads. After reconnecting with one of his former mentors from VSSC, Jens Amlie, Emmanuel has now brought all of his California and East Coast experience back to Praxis Engineering to support Jens in Praxis Engineering's Santa Barbara office. His current role is the bridge between the department manager, and the entry-level engineers in the office.

Sara graduated from Cal Poly SLO in 2021 with a BS in Civil Engineering. She grew up around construction projects since her dad is a general contractor. Inspired by seeing construction of houses and small buildings, she decided to learn more about how a building can stand, carry different loads, and withstand nature's harsh hand. She went to Cal Poly SLO to study Civil Engineering, with a focus in structural engineering. During Sara's stay in Cal Poly, she became the design captain for the Steel Bridge club. Sara and her fellow captains designed and fabricated a steel bridge. They won second place in regionals. In her free time, she likes to bake, hang out with family and friends, and be outside.

Jarred is a structural engineer who grew up on the Central Coast. He graduated Cal Poly in 2021 and started working for Praxis in 2022 to develop his engineering career. In his spare time he enjoys getting out and traveling or staying in and exploring the gaming world.

Michael graduated from Cal Poly SLO in 2020 with a BS in Architectural Engineering. He began at Praxis in 2021. At Praxis, he is developing and diversifying his skillset within the overall field of civil engineering. Michael enjoys skiing, playing piano, and watching movies that are either really good or really bad.

Tristan Aranda was born and raised in Fresno, California. He first drew an interest in building things from a young age, from LEGO, to Bionicles, to Minecraft. He studied Architectural Engineering at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in the fall of 2024. While at Cal Poly SLO, Tristan created a community for himself through the SEAOC Club and the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Before graduating, Tristan completed 2 summer internships with Advanced Structural Design, Inc., located in Fresno, CA. He also completed a summer internship with Praxis, before transitioning into a full-time role in January 2025. When away from work, you can find Tristan playing basketball, enjoying nature, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Shawn Chasten grew up in southern New Jersey, where his early love for building LEGO sparked a lifelong interest in engineering. He graduated from Cal Poly in 2021 with a degree in Civil Engineering and spent the next two years building tiny homes and working on remodels. In 2024, Shawn joined Praxis Engineering, where he applies his practical experience to a variety of structural projects along the Central Coast. When he's not on the job, you can find him playing guitar and singing at gigs throughout the area.

Dakota was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, where her love for engineering began from a young age. She recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in the fall of 2024, where she specialized in structural design and developed a strong foundation in innovative problem-solving. Outside of her professional life, Dakota enjoys exploring the outdoors through surfing and hiking, as well as trying new recipes in the kitchen. Her diverse interests and hands-on approach reflect her commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Prior to engineering, Carrie was a paramedic in a busy 911 system. She was the owner/builder of her own residential home and ADU remodel in Ventura, which ignited her passion for structural engineering. She graduated from Cal Poly SLO in 2019 with a BS in Civil Engineering, with a focus in structural and bridge engineering. While at Cal Poly, she was an outreach coordinator for the Society of Women Engineers. She helped organize and run events like Girl Scouts Day and Middle School day, with activities for girls and children to engage with STEM fields. She was also the Chi Epsilon Social Pledge Chair. Carrie loves walking with her dogs, snorkeling and kayaking in the Channel Islands National Park, and gardening.

Sebastian is a Central Coast native who graduated from California State University Fullerton in May 2023. After briefly working in Orange County, he decided to return to the Central Coast and continued his career with Praxis in 2024. In his spare time, he likes to watch movies and hang out with his family.

Walter was born and raised in San Jose, California, and graduated from Cal Poly SLO in 2026. He decided to study civil engineering after Henry David Thoreau's Walden convinced him of the importance of thoughtful design in the built environment. Walter's favorite part about working for Praxis is that he can apply his skill and passion to the design of buildings which help make his community beautiful and safe. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, and writing.

Amando is a civil engineer, where he focuses on stormwater management and utility design for projects across the Central Coast. A proud Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, Amando brings the university's Learn by Doing spirit to his work, whether he's designing drainage systems that protect a site for decades or coordinating utilities that quietly make a project function. He enjoys collaborating with clients and teammates alike, and believes the best engineering solutions come from asking good questions and listening well. When he's not at his desk, you'll find Amando snowboarding, working on his golf game, or tinkering with the latest AI tools.

Cory grew up in sunny San Diego, and moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly for Agricultural Engineering. In college, he gained experience with surveying, irrigation, and fabrication as well as engineering. He has enjoyed applying this knowledge to civil engineering projects at Praxis. Outside of the office, Cory spends his time at the beach, playing pool, and camping.

Luke Reilly was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where his experience in school gave him a love for all things engineering. Throughout his time at Cal Poly SLO, he refined that interest into a passion for structural engineering. He served as a captain on the AISC steel bridge team for three years, as well as submitting two academic journal papers on structural engineering. In 2026, Luke graduated with his M.S. in Civil Engineering, having written a thesis on mid-story seismic isolation. He also completed an internship with Praxis Engineering and officially joined the team in June of 2026. Outside of work, you will find him playing video games, going on runs, and learning Japanese.

Brandon Bomberger was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Team sports were a big part of his childhood, shaping a work ethic and collaborative mindset that defines how he approaches both work and life. His interest in building and design took shape in high school, where he pursued an engineering pathway and spent time in woodshop classes honing his hands-on skills. He is currently studying Civil Engineering at California Polytechnic State University and is set to graduate in the spring of 2027. Brandon joined Praxis as an intern in the spring of 2026 eager to contribute to real-world projects. He looks forward to learning and growing as a civil engineer and is driven by a genuine passion for problem-solving and finding creative solutions. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys playing basketball, hiking, traveling, and taking photos along the way.

Maria grew up in Carpinteria, CA in Santa Barbara County. She is currently pursuing a Civil Engineering degree with a minor in Architecture at the California State University of San Luis Obispo. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.