Wastewater and Onsite Programs Staff

Christina Stringer
Director of Wastewater & Onsite Programs
978-349-2513 | cstringer@neiwpcc.org

Christina oversees NEIWPCC’s work related to wastewater management, regional environmental training, environmental professional certification, onsite/decentralized wastewater, and underground storage tanks. She manages the development and revision of technical guidance documents related to wastewater, and serves as the technical adviser on program issues. Christina joined NEIWPCC in June 2018 as part of the Water Resource Protection division, and transitioned to her current position in January of 2021. She earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of South Florida. [Full bio]

Ryan Buckley
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2524 | rbuckley@neiwpcc.org

Ryan provides support to NEIWPCC’s training programs. He helps to coordinate virtual and in-person courses by hosting classes, providing technical support to students and trainers, maintaining course materials, and assisting with the development of upcoming training opportunities, initiatives, and resources. He also supports NEIWPCC’s certification programs as needed, with training and exam coordination and support. Ryan joined NEIWPCC in January of 2023, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Vermont.

Ashley Harrington
Information Officer
978-349-2052 | aharrington@neiwpcc.org

Ashley provides support to NEIWPCC’s training and certification programs. She helps to coordinate virtual and in-person courses by hosting classes, providing technical support to students and trainers, maintaining course materials, and assisting with the development of upcoming training opportunities, initiatives, and resources. She also supports NEIWPCC’s certification programs with training and exam coordination and support. Ashley joined NEIWPCC in October of 2021, and graduated from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, MA.

Victoria Helle
Environmental Analyst
978-349-4318 | vhelle@neiwpcc.org

Victoria provides support to NEIWPCC’s training programs. She helps to coordinate virtual and in-person courses by hosting classes, providing technical support to students and trainers, maintaining course materials, and assisting with the development of upcoming training opportunities, initiatives, and resources. Victoria joined NEIWPCC in May of 2022, and holds a Bachelors of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and Management with a minor in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island.

Michelle (Shelly) Jenkins
Information Officer
978-349-2516 | mjenkins@neiwpcc.org

Shelly coordinates the Massachusetts Wastewater Certification and Renewal Program and the Massachusetts Title 5 Certification Renewal and Training Program. She also coordinates with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Board of Certification on status changes and emergency applications and provides them with approved renewals and issues. Shelly processes applications and renewals for all Massachusetts Certified System Inspectors and Soil Evaluators, as well. Shelly first joined NEIWPCC in 2003 as an administrative assistant and was promoted to her current role in August 2019. She holds an Executive Secretarial Program Certificate from the Burdett School in Boston.

Jennifer Lichtensteiger
Environmental Engineer
978-349-2518 | jlichtensteiger@neiwpcc.org

As an Environmental Engineer, Jennifer identifies and addresses regional priorities for wastewater residuals with NEIWPCC’s Workgroup and Commissioners, sharing perspectives, collaborating, and engaging with stakeholders locally and nationally. In addition, Jennifer’s responsibilities include management training programs for the Massachusetts and Connecticut wastewater operators and municipal wastewater projects, such as revising technical guides. Jennifer joined NEIWPCC in July 2018. She holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire. [Full bio]

James Plummer
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2520 | jplummer@neiwpcc.org

James joined NEIWPCC’s Water Resources Protection Division in December 2017, and transitioned to his current role with Wastewater and Onsite Programs in 2021. Previously serving as lead on the Nonpoint Source workgroup and the Annual NPS Conference, James continues to manage NEIWPCC’s Tracking and Accounting Collaborative (TACo). James coordinates with EPA and state staff to plan national SRF workshops. James also provides administrative oversight for several staff in Maine’s Drinking Water Program and coordinates NEIWPCC’s Stormwater Workgroup. Before joining NEIWPCC full time, James worked for two summers as the coordinator for the Youth and the Environment Program. James holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Tampa. [Full bio]

Lillian Zemba
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2525 | lzemba@neiwpcc.org

Lillian manages NEIWPCC’s underground and leaking underground storage tanks (UST/LUST) programs. Working in coordination with the U.S. EPA, her efforts bring together federal, state, and tribal partners from across the country to improve the prevention and cleanup of releases from USTs. In this capacity, Lillian plans and implements the National Tanks Conference, oversees the production of the LUSTLine bulletin, coordinates UST and LUST trainings and webinars, and serves as the technical coordinator for the Tribal UST/LUST Workgroup and the EPA Region 1 UST/LUST Workgroup. Lillian joined NEIWPCC in July of 2022 and holds a bachelor’s in environmental science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. [Full bio]

Peter Zaykoski
NEIWPCC Program Manager;
South Portland Program Manager
207-253-8020 | pzaykoski@neiwpcc.org

Peter serves as the program manager for NEIWPCC’s South Portland Office. He oversees the NPS program, ME Certification and Licensing program, and NEIWPCC’s work supporting the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC). In this capacity, he develops and delivers environmental training programs and seminars, prepares and reviews reference materials, and provides support to the JETCC Board of Directors. Peter also serves as NEIWPCC’s Quality Assurance Program Manager, overseeing all aspects of quality assurance activities within the organization. Peter joined NEIWPCC’s Water Resource Protection Division in September 2018 and took on the role of South Portland Program Manager in May 2022. He received his master’s from Duke University in Environmental Management with a Geospatial Analysis Certificate. [Full bio]

Spring Connolly
NEIWPCC Administrative Assistant
207-253-8020 | sconnolly@neiwpcc-jetcc.org

Spring provides secretarial and administrative support for NEIWPCC’s South Portland Office. Her responsibilities include updating content on the JETCC website and designing many of the program’s publications, including the spring and fall training catalogs. She works closely with Maine DEP to maintain the Maine Wastewater Operator Certification records database and handles inquiries from Maine’s operators. Spring also coordinate’s NEIWPCC’s Training and Certifications Workgroup. Spring joined NEIWPCC in 2009. She’s a graduate of Kearns High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Linda Allen
NEIWPCC New York City CSO Project Director;
NYC CSO Monitoring Program
518-402-8234 | linda.allen@dec.ny.gov

A NEIWPCC employee since 2009, Linda monitors and reviews New York City’s efforts to comply with requirements of the city’s Amended Combined Sewer Overflow Consent Order. She reviews plans and specifications, engineering reports, studies, and analytical data associated with CSO abatement projects required under the order. Linda also reviews waterbody/watershed facility plans and long-term control plans to assess water quality standards compliance. She holds an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of California and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Indiana University and is a licensed professional engineer in civil engineering and mechanical engineering.

Daniel (Don) Flannery
NEIWPCC Environmental Engineer;
NYSDEC
718-482-6963 | daniel.flannery@dec.ny.gov

Don, who joined NEIWPCC in November 2017, monitors the progress of and reviews and comments on New York City’s efforts to implement capital projects required by the New York City Amended Consent Order (ACO).  ACO projects include large regional CSO abatement facilities and sewer separation and treatment plant upgrades.  Don reviews plans and specifications for compliance with ten state standards and NYS DEC rules and regulations and conducts field inspections for progress and final acceptance. Don holds a M.S. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University.

Debra Hanas
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
NYSDEC Onondaga Lake/Health & Safety Coordinator
315-426-7457 | debra.hanas@dec.ny.gov

Debra serves as the NYSDEC Division of Water Onondaga Lake Watershed/Health and Safety Coordinator. She oversees project schedules to verify compliance with Amended Consent Judgment milestones, assists with developing an Onondaga Lake Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), helps with Onondaga Lake watershed planning, develops health and safety policies, and implements safety training programs. A NEIWPCC staff member since 2004, Debra holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Yassir Soffan
NEIWPCC Information Officer;
NYSDEC
518-402-8162 | yassir.soffan@dec.ny.gov

Yassir provides desktop, network, and server support to end users, including workstations, servers, and peripherals. He diagnoses and troubleshoots hardware and software problems and coordinates problem resolution with other members of the NYSDEC Division of Information Services. Yassir joined NEIWPCC in 2002. He holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Westfield State College and is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer.

Shotoya Simmons
Assistant Accountant
845-340-7892 | ssimmons@dep.nyc.gov

Shotoya supports the Capital Replacement Program with NYCDEP by performing detailed financial processes. She prepares operations and maintenance (O&M) documents, reviews expenditures, tracks annual budgets, and performs reconciliations. She also prepares quarterly reports, maintains accurate documentation on accounts, and assists with meetings as needed. She joined NEIWPCC in June 2022, and holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from the University College of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Peter Bernard
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst
207-287-6471 | peter.bernard@maine.gov

As an Environmental Analyst for the Maine DHHS Drinking Water Program, Peter works with the Information Management Team to provide compliance support for the Drinking Water Program and the Subsurface Wastewater Unit. Peter assists with development, production, and distribution of DWP media and oversees the Subsurface Wastewater permitting process including communication and education with towns regarding issues and/or errors with permits or payments. Peter joined NEIWPCC in January 2016.

Gregory Connors
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst, Senior DWSRF Financial Analyst
greg.connors@maine.gov

Gregory supports Maine’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), helping to ensure safe drinking water and providing essential public health protection. Gregory plans, oversees, and approves project applications and related documents to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations and determines eligibility of grant and loan proposals. He processes payment requests for capital projects, grant awards and set-aside services providers, and drafts regulations and policies to administer a variety of DWSRF programs. Gregory joined NEIWPCC in June 2023 and holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Maine at Orono, and a master’s in public policy and management from University of Southern Maine.

Ellen Daly
NEIWPCC Assistant Environmental Analyst
207-287-4484 | ellen.daly@maine.gov

Ellen works with the Data Management and Program Support Team providing data entry, research, and analysis. As a Data Specialist, she adds and maintains inventory data in the Maine Drinking Water Program’s database and provides quality control in the document management system. In addition, she assists data management staff with monthly public water systems sampling compliance. Ellen joined NEIWPCC in October 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University).

Sofia Licht
NEIWPCC Assistant Environmental Analyst
sofia.licht@maine.gov

Sofia works with the Maine Drinking Water Program’s Public Water System Inspection Team. She provides technical, operational and compliance assistance to Public Water Systems (PWS), participates in field inspection visits, preforms research, and assists with various data improvement projects within the department. She also provides hands-on technical assistance and education to promote compliance and increased technical, managerial, and financial capacity of PWS owners and operators. Sofia joined NEIWPCC in November 2022 and earned her M.S. in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire.

Martha Nadeau
NEIWPCC Assistant Environmental Analyst
207-287-5683 | martha.nadeau@maine.gov

A NEIWPCC employee since 2009, Martha works with the Maine DHHS Drinking Water Program’s Information Management Team to provide technical support to the program’s Compliance and Enforcement Team. Martha holds an A.A.S. in Business Administration and Management from Central Maine Technical College.

Elizabeth Pellegrino
NEIWPCC Assistant Environmental Analyst
207-287-5681 | elizabeth.pellegrino@maine.gov

Elizabeth provides support to the Subsurface Wastewater Unit within the Maine DHHS Drinking Water Program. She oversees the permit/fee reconciliation process, communicates with towns regarding permit status and assists to resolve permitting issues. She also assists with data improvement projects, providing QA/QC oversight of data entry processes, and participating in field visits as needed. Elizabeth joined NEIWPCC in November 2021 and holds a M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana.

Paulo Ribeiro
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst
paulo.ribeiro@maine.gov

Paulo is responsible for determining public water system compliance with the state of Maine and federal safe drinking water regulations. He assures that compliance monitoring schedules are entered and maintained in the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) database and that they are correct, complete, and consistent with rules regulating public water systems. As a Rule Specialist, he also communicates regulatory requirements to staff and public water systems through training and direct meetings. Paulo joined NEIWPCC in March 2023 and holds a B.S. in environmental science from Towson University.

Christina Trufant
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst
207-287-4458 | christina.trufant@maine.gov

Christina joined NEIWPCC in June 2017 and is responsible for determining public water system compliance with the state of Maine and federal safe drinking water regulations. She assures that compliance monitoring schedules are entered and maintained in the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) database and that they are correct, complete, and consistent with rules regulating public water systems. As a Rule Specialist, she also communicates regulatory requirements to staff and public water systems through training and direct meetings. Christina holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine.

Kyle Wright
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst
kyle.wright@maine.gov

Kyle provides assistance to the Maine Drinking Water Program’s rules and regulations compliance efforts. He tracks drinking water sample results and performs research to help determine compliance with drinking water regulations. He assists with compliance notifications and other documents to communicate standards and expectations and provides technical assistance to internal and external partners on compliance and regulatory requirements. He also assists with various data improvement projects within the department. Kyle joined NEIWPCC in December 2022, and earned his B.S in Wildlife Biology from Unity College.

Bethany Mong
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
RIDEM UST Program
bethany.mong@dem.ri.gov

Bethany assists Rhode Island’s Underground Storage Tank (UST) program with implementation aimed at the protection of human health and the environment from leaking underground storage tanks. She conducts compliance reviews and inspections, reviews reimbursement applications, oversees project budgets, maintains Quality Assurance Project Plans and Standard Operating Procedures, and collaborates with research and government partners. Bethany joined NEIWPCC in August of 2023, and earned a B.A. in Biology from Brown University.

Katerina Peña
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
RIDEM UST Program
katerina.pena@dem.ri.gov

Katerina assists Rhode Island’s Underground Storage Tank (UST) program with implementation aimed at the protection of human health and the environment from leaking underground storage tanks. She conducts compliance reviews and inspections, reviews reimbursement applications, oversees project budgets, maintains Quality Assurance Project Plans and Standard Operating Procedures, and collaborates with research and government partners. Katerina joined NEIWPCC in July of 2023, and earned a B.A. in Environmental Science from Rhode Island College.