Meet the Partners

  • Eric Belfi

    MANAGING PARTNER

    Accounting & Administration

    Contact Eric

    Eric started at Synertech as a part time administrative support person back in 1994. During that time, Eric received a crash course introduction into the world of environmental consulting, becoming familiar with the most common terms and issues surrounding asbestos and lead based paint. Eric was excited for the chance to eventually become a full time Synertech employee, and over the course of the next several years his role developed into an overall administrative manager position. He began taking on more responsibility by working directly with all of the client base by generating all invoices and assembling final reports, gradually assuming an active role in the day to day financial, regulatory licensing, and human resource activity.

    While Eric’s main role was always administrative, he does have some field experience. For several years he was Synertech’s Project Manager on the extensive lead in drinking water sampling project for the School District of Philadelphia. This was a hands on, in the field, assignment. He also acted as the liaison between the environmental consultants and city regulatory agencies during the culmination of the initial project.

    Eric is grateful to have had the chance to partner with his long-time colleagues and come together to purchase the company from the retiring owner, becoming one of the four Managing Partners. He not only has a deep respect for each of his partners, he considers them friends. They share the same vision, which is to continue and expand the thirty plus years of Synertech providing the Philadelphia Area with exemplary environmental consulting and testing services.

    On a personal side, Eric has been an advocate for animal welfare for many years, volunteering with many different non-profit dog rescue organizations. He was instrumental in starting two non-profit rescue organizations, one of which is still active, rescuing blind and visually impaired dogs nationwide. Since 2013 he has led a vegan lifestyle further expanding his animal advocacy. Eric’s stress release of choice is running. He has successfully completed fourteen half marathons and the 2015 full Philadelphia Marathon. Eric currently lives in Delaware County, PA with his wife, four blind dogs, and revolving door of senior foster dogs.

    Licenses:

    Philadelphia Asbestos Project Inspector API065-007

  • Bernard Bryson

    MANAGING PARTNER

    Asbestos, Design, CADD

    Contact Bernard

    Bernie earned his degree in Applied Science at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology in 1999 and joined the Synertech Team in June of 2002. Bernie began his tenure at Synertech as an Asbestos Project Inspector performing air monitoring and project oversight during asbestos abatement and remediation.

    As his knowledge and skills developed, Bernie began performing Environmental Impact Evaluations and hazard assessments including computer-aided drafting and design. Bernie is now in a management-role position at Synertech and shares responsibility for the supervision of licensed technicians in addition to a key customer service and technical guidance representative, as a Managing Partner.

    In his free time, Bernie enjoys traveling with his wife, caring for his animals, masquerading as a weekend mechanic and home improvement weekend warrior.

    Licenses:

    • Philadelphia Asbestos Project Inspector API031-0006

    • Philadelphia Asbestos Investigator AIC-0437

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Building Inspector License 037636

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Management Planner License 037636

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Designer License 037636

    • Certified Dust Sampling Technician

    • Certified Lead RRP Renovator

  • Ryan Hutsell

    MANAGING PARTNER

    Asbestos, Lead, AHERA

    Contact Ryan

    Ryan is a Project Manager and Managing Partner at Synertech Environmental LLC. He joined the company in 2015 after working in the industry in New York City as an environmental laboratory manager, conducting PLM, PCM and TEM analysis. Ryan currently manages Synertech's PCM laboratory and maintains its QA/QC program. He holds a B.S. in Geology and a B.A. in Geography and Anthropology.

    In his free time, he enjoys cycling, kayaking and camping.

    Licenses:

    • Philadelphia Asbestos Project Inspector API15-000011

    • Philadelphia Asbestos Investigator AIC15-000019

    • Philadelphia Asbestos Laboratory Microscopist ALL16-000002

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Building Inspector License 056574

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Management Planner License 056574

    • Pennsylvania Asbestos Designer License 056574

    • Pennsylvania Lead Risk Assessor License 059512

    • New Jersey Lead Inspector / Risk Assessor License R001663

    • Certified Dust Sampling Technician

    • Certified Lead RRP Renovator

Meet the Administrators

  • Marina Gustafson

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Contact Marina

    Marina started with Synertech in the beginning of summer 2021. Marina helps manage scheduling and calendar coordination, handles incoming calls and emails, prepare documents and reports, and assist with organizing files and project materials.

    Apart from socializing with friends and family, Marina enjoys walking around the city to look at the extensive mural arts, kicking back to watch reality television, and attending live concerts and sporting events.

  • Allison Hufnagle

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Contact Allison

    Allison joined Synertech in November 2025. As part of the administrative team, Allison helps provide daily support to ensure smooth and efficient office operations, handling incoming calls and emails, prepare documents and reports, and assist with organizing files and project materials helping maintain workflow. Originally from northern New Jersey, she holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. After spending the past three years in Vermont, she chose to make the move to the Philadelphia area!

    In her free time, Allison enjoys reading, relaxing with her cat, and exploring the outdoors—whether hiking or kayaking—with her husband!

  • Libby - Chief Feline Officer (CFO)

    Every great office needs a steady paw at the helm, and at Synertech Environmental, that guiding presence is Libby, our beloved Chief Feline Officer. Libby joined the team after the passing of Eric’s parents, bringing with her a gentle spirit, a watchful eye, and an impressive ability to elevate office morale with a single slow blink.

    With unmatched dedication, Libby oversees all daily movements within headquarters—from strategically positioning herself for optimal sunbeam coverage to monitoring employee productivity with dignified strolls and occasional desk inspections. She takes her supervisory role seriously, ensuring all team members stay focused, hydrated, and aware that snack time is, in fact, whenever she decides it is.

    When she’s not performing critical quality-control evaluations (read: sitting on important paperwork), Libby can be found curled up in her executive lounge chair, thoughtfully contemplating workflow efficiency. Her leadership style is calm, observant, and intermittently cuddly.

Meet the Field Team

  • Brian Berryman

    Brian was born in Philadelphia but grew up in Somers Point, New Jersey. Brian has been in the industry since 1986 and with Synertech since 1996.

    Brian’s hobbies are woodworking, going on cruises and going to the Outer Banks. In his spare time he loves sitting around the pool with his wife and grand babies.

  • McKenna Andrews

    McKenna joined Synertech in October 2024 after completing her B.S. in Environmental Science and Psychology in Phoenix, Arizona. Her current certifications include the OSHA 10-hour general industry,  lead-safe certificate (lead dust sampling technician), and lead RRP certification. She is enthusiastic about advancing her career with Synertech by becoming a certified building inspector, lead inspector, and asbestos inspector. Additionally, she looks forward to contributing to the expansion of the company's indoor air quality testing services. 

    Outside of her professional role, McKenna enjoys teaching fitness classes at a local studio and spending ample time outdoors hiking, running, camping, and biking. She has a passion for cooking and baking  (and loves bringing her baked goods to work) and is always busy with house projects and new crafts. Since moving to the East Coast, she has embraced exploring the region and looks forward to continuing adventures.

  • Matias Reinoso

    Matias Reinoso

    Matias joined Synertech in 2025 as Industrial Hygiene Technician & CAD Operator after completing a Certificate of Completion in Industrial Hygiene & Hazardous Materials Management from Ocean County College. He has a B.S. in Physics from Rowan University and holds several accreditations in asbestos, lead, and mold. 

    Matias also enjoys performing weddings & parties and recording music as a professional guitarist and saxophonist.

  • Bart McMahon

    Bart has been dedicated to the Environmental Consulting Field since 2019, serving as a Lead Risk Assessor, Asbestos Building Inspector & Asbestos Project Monitor, in addition to holding several other accreditations in asbestos, lead and mold.

    Bart looks forward to working with you on your next abatement project.

  • John Kaminsky

    John joined Synertech in December 2024 with a B.S in Environmental Resource Management and 5 years experience as an asbestos project inspector in Philadelphia. His certifications include 40-hour HAZWOPER, Philadelphia API, NIOSH 582, PA Building Inspector, and PA Lead Risk Assessor. John’s primary focus at Synertech is conducting ventilation system assessments for the School District of Philadelphia. In his free time, John enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, and playing guitar.

  • Matt Morgan

    Born in South Jersey, I earned an associate’s degree in environmental science before attending an electrical trade school, which launched my professional career. Today, I work as a CAD Operator at Synertech, where I enjoy applying my technical training and attention to detail to support Synertech's design projects.

    Outside of work, I enjoy working out, socializing with friends and family, being active outdoors and going to the beach. I love traveling and exploring new places, and I also participate in a local soccer league and play guitar to unwind.

  • Brandon Dunning

    Brandon was born in the Poconos in Northeast of PA. He attended Wallenpaupack High School and graduated in 2003. He started with Synertech in 2021 serving as an Asbestos Project Inspector and RRP Technician. He also holds several other environmental accreditations.

    Brandon enjoys video and tabletop games and disc golf/hiking. In his spare time Brandon likes being the master of mystery.

  • Shamia Brown

    Shamia is an industrial hygienist who joined Synertech in July 2022. Since joining the team, she has continually gained certifications and holds City of Philadelphia API and Investigator Licenses.  She holds PA Asbestos Building Inspector, Management Planner, and Lead Risk Assessor Licenses.  Shamia has her NIOSH 582 Certification and is on her way to obtaining a Philadelphia Analytical License. She studied Building Maintenance at New Orleans Technical College, where she developed a strong passion for the environmental side of home repair and restoration. In her free time, Shamia enjoys tackling home improvement projects and reading.

  • Shalone Callahan

    Shalone joined the Synertech team in the fall of 2022 after a career hiatus to be a full-time parent. Prior to that she worked as a Human Resources professional, specifically in Learning and Development. Shalone thoroughly enjoys her new role at Synertech and looks forward to gaining greater knowledge about the Environmental Health and Safety industry. In addition to cherishing time with her family and beloved house and foster cats Shalone is an avid gardener, hobby beekeeper and never passes up a good yard sale.

  • Saheed Apenaola

    Saheed Apenaola is an Industrial Hygienist with more than five years of hands-on experience in asbestos project inspection, building assessments, and lead hazard evaluation. His work is rooted in strong environmental health practices, detailed analytical inspection, and full adherence to state and federal safety regulations.

    He earned his degree in Environmental Science from West Chester University, where he cultivated his foundation in environmental risk reduction, occupational health, and sustainable safety practices. Saheed is recognized for his thorough inspection process, strong documentation skills, and commitment to helping organizations maintain safe, compliant, and healthy spaces.

    Beyond his professional work, Saheed enjoys staying active — frequently training at the fitness center and playing soccer in his free time.

  • Ash Rebong

    Ash joined the Synertech team in Summer of 2025.  After attaining certifications as a Lead Dust Wipe & RRP Technician, Asbestos Building Inspector, and Management Planner they help manage many lead stabilization projects.  Ash is a die hard Flyers fan. While not cheering on their favorite team, Ash enjoys painting miniatures, horror movies, and learning as much as they can about public transit.

  • Sherif Apenaola

    Sherif joined Synertech in June 2025 with a M.S. in Environmental Health Science and 7 years' experience as an Asbestos Project Inspector & RRP Technician with a strong commitment to workplace safety and health in Philadelphia. His skills as an Industrial Hygiene Technician are effective communication with team members, identifying & controlling potential workplace hazards, and maintaining a safe work environment resulting in client satisfaction. 

    His hobbies are spending time with his kids, listening to music & meditation.

  • Hailey Hodges

    Hailey graduated with honors in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. She has explored several different disciplines within the field of biology, including working at a zoo, being a freshwater mussel technician, and teaching biology labs at Texas State. She moved to Philadelphia in October of 2024 and has assumed the role of Lead Based Paint Program Support. Hailey is responsible for assisting both the School District of Philadelphia’s lead department and Synertech administratively, as well as regularly interacting with other consulting firms to ensure project reports are done correctly and efficiently.

    While relatively new to the world of Environmental Health and Safety, she is eager to learn more about the industry and is excited to work with the Synertech team.

    In her free time, Hailey enjoys crocheting, exploring new coffee shops around Philly, and performing with her professional marching band group on the weekends. She also has a polydactyl cat and 2 snakes that she loves very much!

  • Zachary Rebong

    Zachary joined Synertech Environmental in July 2023 and has quickly become an integral member of our AHERA Management Planner office. Since stepping into his role, he has earned multiple key credentials, including Lead Dust Wipe and EPA RRP certifications, as well as Pennsylvania Asbestos Building Inspector and Management Planner licenses.

    Zachary supports a wide range of asbestos and lead-based paint compliance projects, contributing to inspection accuracy, regulatory documentation, and the development of effective management plans for our clients. His commitment to professional growth and detail-oriented approach make him a valued part of the Synertech team.