Our Team

Ashlee Nowell

Login Technician

Erik Byrne

Laboratory Analyst

Hazardous Waste Coordinator

Gary DiRusso

Courier

Jean Cappello

Laboratory Technician

Willie Stone

Willie began his career in 2009, and has a broad knowledge of the Environmental Laboratory field. He joined our Portsmouth team in the summer of 2019 as an Inorganic Chemist, performing analyses such as BOD, COD, and Cyanide. When we began the quest to bring PFAS testing online, Willie was first to raise his hand and ask how he could be involved and was instrumental in bringing PFAS analysis online at our facility. With a unique approach to doing work, problem solving and chipping in wherever needed, Willie is a valued member of the team, and was promoted from analyst to Laboratory Supervisor in 2021.

Skyla Pratt

Skyla, better known as Sky, joined our Portsmouth team in 2019. Initially, Sky managed 6 analyses for one of our largest clients, and within a few months she was trained in all analyses and protocols within the Wetchem Department. In addition to her work in the lab, Sky is also our on site Safety Manager. Sky always enjoys putting a smile on her peers’ faces and decorating her desk in fun and unique ways. In her free time, Sky can be found spending quality time with her two younger brothers, or cruising the beach and listening to loud music with her husband. Sky loves her work in the lab and is excited for what her career has in store.

Sarah Burridge

Sarah graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont with a degree in Biology & Anthropology, and soon after, relocated to the NH seacoast where she worked at Strawbery Banke Museum, the John Paul Jones House, Digital Coyote, and was a group leader at Habitat for Humanity. Sarah joined our Portsmouth team in June of 2018 as a Laboratory Technician. With both field and lab experience, Sarah performs sample collection, lab extractions, login, customer service and is happy to help out wherever she can. When she’s not in the lab, you can find Sarah hanging out with her husband, new baby boy, and their many pets.

Olivia Langdon

Olivia studied Environmental Science at Southern New Hampshire University with a focus in wildlife conservation. She says a highlight during that time was backpacking in the Honduran rainforest to study herpetology (amphibians & reptiles). She joined our Portsmouth team in early 2022 to help out with sample receipt, and by 2023 was promoted to Supervisor of Sample Receiving & Customer Relations. Outside of work, Olivia is a PADI Certified Open Water Diver, and loves camping, hiking, swimming and just spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and her dog Gunter.

Lawrence Maciejewski

Larry graduated from Keene State College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and joined our Portsmouth team in 2004. He started out in extractions, and soon after moved into volatile organic compound analysis. Larry says that the challenge of managing a timely delivery of results to the end user, from the time we receive a set of samples through the preparation to the evaluation of data, is what has kept things interesting and motivating. Outside of work, Larry enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, puttering in the garden, or just taking in the great views that nature has to offer.

Jennifer Guerette

Jennifer has a BS in General Biology and a Minor in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire, and has been with us since 2001. She started as an analyst in the organics area of the lab, running a GC/MS, where she gained a tremendous amount of experience in understanding lab operations, procedures, and managing the various needs of our lab customers. Presently, Jen is our Quality Assurance Officer, and plays a critical role in our quality system. Her responsibilities include maintaining licenses and accreditations, performing internal audits, calibrating support equipment and providing QC data for our customers. Jen is passionate about maintaining our high standards of quality and keeps that priority at the top of the list in everything we do. What our customers love about Jen is when she says she will get them an answer, they can always count on her to follow through! Outside of work, Jen spends much of her time with family. She loves being a mom and is very proud of her son, Ryan. She enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and mountain biking.

Jean Gennaro

Jean joined our Portsmouth team in 2010 as the Director of Marketing. Jean has a BA in Communication from University of New Hampshire, and more than 30 years of media and marketing industry experience. Her broad experience includes news, advertising, television and video production, public relations, social media marketing and corporate marketing. Jean was the architect behind our name change, re-branding and growth strategy in 2010. Her creativity and broad experience have been instrumental in helping to shape our image brand and footprint in the marketplace. In her spare time Jean enjoys a busy life in Coastal Maine with her husband, 3 grown children, and 2 rescue dogs.

Jason Muchmore

Jason joined our Portsmouth team in August of 2013 as a  member of the Indoor Air Quality  Division. Jason studied Marine  Science and Geographic Information  Systems at the University of Maine at  Machias. Jason is an ACAC Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) and Asbestos  Inspector. Jason started out performing air monitoring, sample collection, and mold assessments for our clients. As a hard worker and quick learner, he was easily  promoted to Supervisor, and then Manager, of our Indoor Air Quality division. Jason now oversees all field activities related to our client’s indoor air quality concerns (mold, lead, asbestos, odors, allergens, etc.).  In his spare time, Jason can be found surfing the icy cold waters of the Maine coast. He also enjoys soccer, kayaking, hiking, camping, traveling, and picking on his guitar and banjo.

Donna Valley

Donna graduated from the University of New England in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science. After taking higher level chemistry labs, Donna quickly realized she wanted to make a career in the laboratory environment. She joined our Portsmouth team in October of 2017, primarily being a second set of hands in the wet chemistry and extraction departments. Since then, she has become a SVOA analyst primarily focusing on pesticides, PCBs, EPH and DRO while also maintaining her ability to run bacteria, anions and cover extractions when necessary. Donna is also now an essential part of our PFAS extraction and analysis team. Outside of work, Donna enjoys hiking, camping, biking and spending time with her family and yellow lab.

Chuck Leahy

Chuck became a member of our Portsmouth team in the fall of 2015. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BS degree in bioscience technology. Chuck returned to the environmental laboratory setting after several years of being a stay-at-home dad to his three busy sons. Chuck has a technical background and previously held laboratory-based positions including working in organic extractions, as an analytical chemist in a volatile organic laboratory, and also has experience working in a virology and waterborne disease laboratory. Outside of work, Chuck loves spending time with his family… outside. He enjoys exploring places both near and far with his wife, Alison, their sons, and yellow Labrador retriever.

Cathy DeWees

Cathy holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire. Cathy joined our Portsmouth team in May 2015 as Administrative Assistant and soon moved over to our Project Management Division. Cathy’s extensive experience in HR and Finance as well having spent five years as an Assistant Project Manager have made her such a valuable member of our team.  In 2020, Cathy was promoted to Business Administrator. Her vast skill set, positive energy, and enthusiasm to take on any task make her invaluable in so many areas.  When not at the office, Cathy can be found in her flower gardens, watching the diverse wildlife in her neighborhood and canoeing on Ayers Lake with her husband.

Alison Keith

Alison received her bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of New England, and joined our Portsmouth team in May, 2006. As an organics extraction tech, Alison worked with semi-volatile solids and waters, including DRO, PAH, ABN, PCB, and Pesticides. Alison has always had a strong interest in environmental science and laboratory work, and is particularly proud of her role in helping to implement the methods using microwave technology, which reduces the environmental impact of the extraction process and greatly reduces turnaround time. Alison is also responsible for pioneering our in-house mold and asbestos capabilities. Alison transitioned from lab work over to the IAQ team in 2017, where she is now an ACAC Certified Mold Inspector (CMI), Asbestos Inspector, Lead Inspector, and Field Analyst. Alison loves being in the field helping customers tackle their IAQ issues, and her smart, friendly demeanor puts everyone at ease. In addition to all of this, Alison is also a Site Safety Health Officers (SSHO), managing and maintaining safety protocol on our projects. When Alison isn’t at work, she enjoys hiking and mountain climbing, running road races, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Alex Alterisio

Alex has been a part of our Portsmouth team since 2015, after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Alex began his time with us as a technician, working both in the lab and on the road, performing sampling and courier services.

Alex now works full time in the laboratory as an analyst, and in 2021 was promoted to Laboratory Supervisor. Alex was instrumental in bringing our PFAS capabilities online, making us become the first commercial laboratory in NH to receive accreditation for EPA method 537.1 and Isotope Dilution analysis of both potable and non-potable waters. In addition to PFAS analysis, Alex operates and maintains the gas and ion chromatographs used for petroleum, PCB, pesticide, and anion analysis. Alex’s quest for learning makes him an ideal employee, as he is willing and able to fill in wherever needed.

Alan Naber

Alan graduated with a BS in Industrial Chemistry from Keene State College in NH. He has over 30 years of environmental laboratory experience. Alan has performed metals analysis using graphite furnace, cold vapor AA, ICP-OES, specializes in ICP-MS, and has served in capacities from Lab Analyst to Inorganics Manager and Laboratory Director. Alan joined our Portsmouth team in the summer of 2017, and spends most of his time on what is now his third ICP-MS instrument. In his time off, Alan likes to hike, camp and volunteer with the AMC to maintain hiking trails of the White Mountain National Forest.

Aaron DeWees

Aaron has been with our Portsmouth team since 1999, and has directly contributed to the success of the business on many levels. Starting as an intern in the extractions department during his college days at the University of New Hampshire, and filling almost every role here at one point or another, Aaron’s hard work, dedication and vast understanding of day-to-day operations have led him to his current position as Chief Operating Officer. Along with his responsibilities of overseeing daily operations, Aaron is also accountable for researching and implementing new methods and technologies as the environmental testing field evolves. Aaron has extensive hands-on experience using GC/MS, GC/ECD, GC/FID, ion chromatography, ICP, cold vapor AA methodology, as well as various wet chemistry techniques. Aaron is the “Captain” of the lab, and has become known for finding creative solutions to every challenge brought to his attention. The company would not have developed with such success without Aaron’s inspirational insight, guidance and “can do” attitude.

In his free time, Aaron can be found running 5K road races with his wife, camping with the family, snowshoeing, brewing tasty ales and working on home improvement projects.

Cliff Chase

Cliff is the Vice President and Director of Technology for our Portsmouth team. Cliff reviews and approves the equipment we buy, the methods we use, looks at a fair bit of data and introduces us to new and upcoming technical issues that affect our work.  In addition, he is responsible for our information systems.

After receiving his degree in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire, Cliff has been working in the environmental field since the 1980s.  He has bench level experience with almost every method we perform at the laboratory.  His project experience includes responsibility for analytical data in response to EPA Superfund investigations, municipal wastewater permits, groundwater investigations and various federal environmental clean-up projects.

Much of the work Cliff does is behind the scenes, improving data handling systems, and finding ways to get the job done more quickly and easily, with ever improving quality.  As you will see when you work with us, Cliff achieves these goals on a continuous basis. In his spare time, Cliff is a marathon runner, mountain and road biker and a proud husband and father.