PEPN™ Advisory Board
Meet the industry veterans, environmental scientists, and technical experts who guide PEPN's standards, governance frameworks, and protocol development across the environmental and restoration industries.
Experience Guiding the Standard.
PEPN's Advisory Board brings together decades of real-world field experience, professional education leadership, and standards-development expertise to guide the creation of rigorous, accountability-driven frameworks that promote consistency, elevate professional practice, and advance the environmental industry.
Standards Development
Shaping widely adopted industry standards in water damage restoration and mold remediation.
Professional Training
Educating and guiding professionals in mold assessment, remediation, and indoor environmental quality.
Governance Frameworks
Aligning technical execution with measurable performance and long-term industry advancement.
Strong standards require more than theory. They require science, field experience, professional judgment, and accountability.
Shaping the Future of Environmental Standards.
PEPN's Advisory Board unites policy architects, field practitioners, and technology innovators under a shared mission: advancing standards-driven frameworks that connect environmental conditions to measurable health outcomes.
Together, they bring governance experience, disaster response expertise, and cutting-edge purification science to every protocol PEPN develops.
Policy & Governance
Bringing standards-development experience, professional accountability, and governance perspective to the frameworks that guide environmental practice.
Field Experience
Grounding protocols in practical experience across environmental assessment, restoration, disaster response, and complex building environments.
Technology & Innovation
Evaluating emerging approaches in environmental measurement, purification, exposure reduction, and objective verification.
Bring the best of science, standards, technology, and field experience together to advance a more measurable and accountable approach to the built environment.
Policy&Protocol
Robert "PJ" Pettyjohn
Policy&Protocol
Robert "PJ" Pettyjohn is a veteran leader in mold, indoor air quality, and restoration, bringing decades of experience spanning environmental contamination response, mold consulting, professional training, and industry standards.
His professional background includes Pettyjohn's Cleaning & Restoration and Pettyjohn's Indoor Environmental in North Carolina, along with senior training roles with NORMI Pro.
IICRC Board & Executive Leadership
PJ is especially recognized for his leadership within the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Elected to the Board of Directors in 2016, he served as a board member from 2017–2018 and later as Secretary of the IICRC Board and Executive Committee during the 2021–2022 term.
These leadership positions placed him directly within the governance structure of an organization responsible for developing and maintaining recognized industry standards in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and related professional practices.
As PEPN's Policy & Protocol Advisor, PJ brings extensive experience in industry governance, professional education, restoration practices, and standards development to support the continued advancement of PEPN's environmental exposure framework.
Policy & Protocol
Ken Siders
Policy & Protocol
Ken Siders is a nationally recognized authority in environmental contamination, building science, and complex remediation strategy, bringing more than two decades of field and advisory experience.
His professional background includes senior leadership roles at ETA Environmental and HouseCheck Environmental Consultants. He is widely regarded for his ability to identify underlying environmental failure mechanisms where conventional assessment and remediation approaches may fall short.
Complex Environmental Assessments & Disaster Response
Ken has played a significant role in large-scale disaster response, with direct involvement in post-event environmental assessments following Hurricanes Michael, Florence, Dorian, and Ida.
His experience includes evaluating complex environmental conditions, identifying contamination pathways, and examining building-related factors that influence remediation strategies and environmental recovery.
His professional foundation includes extensive experience with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), along with advanced certifications across microbial remediation, hazardous materials, and environmental assessment.
Ken has also contributed to professional education through IAQ Radio and industry training programs, sharing technical knowledge and practical field experience with environmental professionals.
As a PEPN advisor, Ken brings extensive experience in environmental investigation, complex remediation strategy, disaster response, and building science to support the advancement of science-aligned environmental exposure practices.
Technical Advisor
Patrick Berryessa
Technical Advisor
Patrick Berryessa is the Chief Technology Officer for Extreme Microbial Technologies (EMT), specializing in Energized Hydrogen Peroxide (eH₂O₂) air and surface purification technologies.
Since 2019, he has led the development, validation, and deployment of active microbial reduction systems across residential, commercial, and institutional environments.
Advanced Air & Surface Purification Technologies
Patrick's professional foundation includes experience at Ecolab, where he developed expertise in infection control, applied chemistry, and environmental treatment technologies.
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, he worked alongside U.S. military and government entities to implement active purification strategies addressing microbial contamination in complex environments.
His technical background includes the development and application of Energized Hydrogen Peroxide (eH₂O₂) systems designed to support microbial reduction across air and environmental surfaces.
Patrick later supported major hurricane recovery projects with RAM Restoration USA, applying environmental technology and contamination-control strategies in post-disaster settings.
A former U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company member, Patrick brings a mission-focused approach to technical problem-solving, operational execution, and the advancement of environmental technologies.
As PEPN's Technical Advisor, Patrick contributes expertise in environmental purification technologies, microbial reduction systems, and applied environmental controls to support the advancement of science-aligned, exposure-informed standards within the built environment.
Policy & Protocol
Jennifer Nitrio
Policy & Protocol
Jennifer Nitrio serves on the PEPN Advisory Board, combining extensive professional training with a unique personal understanding of indoor environmental quality and the challenges associated with environmental exposure.
She is a Certified Microbial Professional, Biotoxin Professional, and Remediator for Sensitized Individuals, with a focus on the complex relationships between indoor environments, biologic particulates, and moisture-driven contamination.
Biologic Particulates & Environmental Stabilization
Jennifer's expertise includes mycotoxins, bacteria, indoor particulate dynamics, and the environmental conditions that influence the persistence and distribution of biologic contaminants within occupied spaces.
Her professional approach emphasizes practical environmental stabilization, careful attention to moisture-related contamination, and the unique considerations involved when working with environmentally sensitized individuals.
Through her training and experience, Jennifer contributes insight into environmental cleaning, contamination reduction, and exposure-conscious remediation practices.
Jennifer is a member of ISSA and the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness, connecting her work with professional communities focused on cleaning science, indoor environmental conditions, and environmentally associated health concerns.
Having personally navigated a mold and environmental exposure crisis, Jennifer brings a compassionate, real-world perspective to her advisory work. Her experience informs her commitment to helping individuals better understand complex indoor environmental concerns and the steps involved in improving environmental conditions.
As a PEPN advisor, Jennifer contributes specialized knowledge in biologic contamination, environmental stabilization, and remediation considerations for sensitized occupants, supporting PEPN's mission to advance science-aligned, exposure-informed environmental practices.
Policy&Protocol
Jeffrey A. Oelrich
CIH • CIEC • CEAC
Policy&Protocol
Jeffrey A. Oelrich is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and founder of Environmental Hygiene Solutions, LLC (EHSolutions). He specializes in the assessment, characterization, and management of complex Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) challenges, with specialized expertise in exposure pathways related to Environmentally Acquired Illnesses (EAI).
As a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) and Certified Environmental Allergen Consultant (CEAC), Mr. Oelrich approaches indoor environments as dynamic, interconnected systems.
Rather than relying on isolated testing, he integrates detailed field observations, quantitative measurements, laboratory analytics, and building science principles to evaluate environmental stressors and potential occupant exposure pathways.
Systematic Environmental Investigation & Root-Cause Analysis
Having conducted thousands of environmental assessments, Mr. Oelrich employs systematic, multi-factor analysis to evaluate contaminant sources, transport pathways, environmental reservoirs, and occupant exposure potential.
His evidence-based approach moves beyond contaminant identification to investigate underlying causes, allowing him to develop clear, practical, and scientifically defensible corrective strategies.
His work emphasizes effective environmental management while accounting for the practical constraints of occupied buildings and complex building systems.
Key Areas of Expertise
Complex IEQ Diagnostics
Comprehensive evaluation of indoor air, moisture dynamics, and environmental stressors.
Environmentally Acquired Illness
Identifying and characterizing exposure pathways affecting environmentally sensitive occupants.
Applied Building Science
Analyzing HVAC performance, moisture transport, and building enclosure dynamics.
Root-Cause Remediation Design
Developing evidence-based corrective strategies and verifying remedial success.
Professional Affiliations & Credentials
- ISEAI — International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness (Professional Member)
- AIHA — American Industrial Hygiene Association (Professional Member)
- ACGIH — American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (Professional Member)
- ACAC — American Council for Accredited Certification (Diplomate / Board Certified)
- BGC / ABIH — Board for Global EHS Credentialing / American Board of Industrial Hygiene (Diplomate / Board Certified)
Advancing Science-Aligned Environmental Standards
In his Policy & Protocol advisory role, Mr. Oelrich brings extensive expertise in industrial hygiene, exposure characterization, applied building science, and evidence-based environmental investigation.
His technical perspective supports PEPN's mission of advancing science-aligned standards for identifying, reducing, and verifying biologically relevant exposure within the built environment.
His contributions emphasize objective measurement, defensible investigative methods, effective corrective strategies, and documented environmental verification.
Through his involvement with PEPN™, Jeffrey supports a more comprehensive approach to environmental health — one that connects scientific evidence, environmental investigation, building science, and measurable corrective outcomes.
Co-Founder & PEPN-HEART™ Protocol Developer
Skip Jankoski
Co-Founder & PEPN-HEART™ Protocol Developer
Skip Jankoski is President of Purified Environments, a Santa Barbara, California-based company specializing in indoor environmental assessment, biologic contamination characterization, indoor air quality management, and exposure-focused environmental intervention within water-damaged and environmentally compromised buildings.
He is the developer and author of the PEPN-HEART™ Protocol (Health & Environmental Assessment for Recovery & Tolerance), an operational framework integrating principles of healthcare diagnostics, exposure science, contamination control, aerosol physics, and objective environmental measurement into the occupied built environment.
The PEPN-HEART™ Protocol
The PEPN-HEART™ Protocol evaluates buildings as interconnected exposure systems in which air, dust, surfaces, furnishings, HVAC systems, moisture dynamics, and occupant interaction collectively influence environmental exposure.
Rather than focusing exclusively on visible contamination or structural correction, the framework emphasizes systematic environmental investigation, exposure characterization, contamination reduction, and objective verification of environmental change.
Its operational approach incorporates measurable environmental conditions, documented corrective actions, and verification principles intended to support more consistent, accountable environmental practices.
Skip is also Co-Founder of PEPN™ (Purified Environments Provider Network™) , an emerging independent governance alliance dedicated to advancing environmental health through professional education, standardized methodologies, quality assurance, objective verification, and professional accountability.
More Than Two Decades in Healthcare
Before entering the environmental health profession, Skip spent more than two decades working in healthcare, including medical therapeutics, implantable medical devices, laboratory diagnostics, and biotechnology.
This experience shaped an evidence-based approach that applies principles of clinical diagnostics—including objective measurement, exposure characterization, verification, and data-driven decision-making—to environmental health.
Scientific & Technical Focus
Exposure Science
Characterizing biologically relevant environmental agents, reservoirs, and occupant exposure pathways.
Bioaerosol & Particulate Dynamics
Understanding microbial ecology, aerosol behavior, fine particulate transport, and indoor distribution.
Building Systems & HVAC
Evaluating HVAC performance, moisture dynamics, and interconnected environmental conditions within buildings.
Environmental Measurement
Applying objective sampling, quantitative analysis, and verification to evaluate environmental conditions and corrective outcomes.
His professional interests include microbial ecology, bioaerosol dynamics, particulate transport, HVAC performance, environmental measurement, and the influence of biologically active environmental agents—including microbial fragments, endotoxins, actinobacteria, β-glucans, and fine particulate matter—on occupant exposure within the built environment.
Today, Skip focuses on integrating building science, exposure science, aerosol physics, environmental measurement, and healthcare principles into a practical operational framework for environmental health.
Through the PEPN-HEART™ Protocol and PEPN™ Governance Alliance, he is advancing an approach in which environmental success is measured not only by structural correction, but also through the objective characterization, meaningful reduction, and verification of biologically relevant environmental exposure within occupied buildings.
Founder & Operations
Chris Thomas
Founder & Operations
Chris Thomas is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PEPN™ (Purified Environments Provider Network™) and Owner of Vital Environments™, bringing executive leadership, operational expertise, and a deeply personal commitment to advancing indoor environmental health.
Chris's passion for environmental health was shaped by his own family's journey through complex health challenges associated with indoor environmental exposures. Experiencing firsthand the uncertainty, frustration, and difficulty of navigating environmental concerns while seeking answers for loved ones gave him a perspective that extends beyond professional practice.
A Personal Journey That Became a Professional Mission
For Chris, environmental health is more than an industry. It is personal. His family's experiences revealed the challenges individuals face when trying to understand the relationship between their living environment and their health.
That journey inspired a commitment to helping bridge the gap between environmental professionals, healthcare providers, and the individuals and families searching for answers.
He believes people deserve more than conflicting opinions and temporary solutions. They deserve clear information, scientifically grounded practices, measurable environmental outcomes, and professionals who understand the human impact behind every assessment.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting.
Chris is a MICRO™ CEEP™ Certified Environmental Exposure Professional, reflecting his commitment to science-aligned environmental assessment, exposure characterization, contamination reduction, and objective verification within the built environment.
Turning Scientific Frameworks Into Practical Systems
With an extensive background in executive leadership and business operations, Chris applies a systems-based approach to organizational development, translating complex environmental frameworks into structured, scalable, and repeatable processes.
His experience across multiple industries supports the development of operational infrastructure, professional education systems, quality assurance processes, and organizational accountability.
At PEPN™, Chris has helped develop provider education programs, professional standards, and quality assurance systems designed to support consistent application of the PEPN-HEART™ Protocol.
Leadership & Operational Focus
Professional Education
Developing structured training programs that translate environmental science and protocols into practical professional applications.
Standards & Accountability
Supporting consistent methods, quality assurance, and professional accountability across the PEPN provider network.
Operational Infrastructure
Building scalable systems, organizational processes, and resources that support environmental professionals.
Collaboration & Advocacy
Connecting environmental practitioners, healthcare professionals, and families through education, shared standards, and exposure-informed environmental practices.
Through his leadership at PEPN™ and Vital Environments™, Chris works to advance an approach to indoor environmental health that considers both the scientific complexity of the built environment and the real-world experiences of the people living within it.
His mission is to help build a professional community where scientific evidence, meaningful collaboration, operational consistency, and objective environmental verification replace uncertainty with greater clarity and accountability.
Founder & Vision
Shelley Federico
Founder & Vision
Shelley Federico brings more than 16 years of experience at the intersection of environmental health, military housing, medicine, and public policy. Her journey began when her own family experienced serious health challenges while living in water-damaged military housing — a personal crisis that became the catalyst for a lasting commitment to environmental health and housing accountability.
Through her family's experience, Shelley witnessed the challenges faced by individuals navigating environmental contamination, complex medical concerns, and systems that often operate independently of one another. Those experiences shaped her determination to advocate for greater scientific accountability, meaningful environmental standards, and improved protection for affected families.
From a Family's Experience to a National Mission
Shelley's personal experience with water-damaged military housing became the foundation of her advocacy for families affected by environmental conditions within the built environment.
She recognized that environmental concerns could not be adequately addressed when medical professionals, environmental assessors, remediation contractors, and housing stakeholders operated without a shared understanding of exposure and environmental recovery.
Her commitment grew from helping her own family into a broader mission to connect environmental science, human health, and professional accountability.
Shelley's federal lawsuit, Federico v. Lincoln Military Housing, incorporated NeuroQuant and NeuroGage neuroimaging evidence in presenting her family's claims concerning environmental exposure and associated health impacts.
The case reflected her commitment to incorporating objective, data-driven medical evidence into discussions about the consequences of environmental conditions in residential housing.
Advancing Awareness of Military Housing Conditions
Shelley has worked to bring attention to environmental concerns affecting military families, engaging with national media and advocating before Congress for greater accountability and systemic improvements in military housing.
Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of recognizing environmental conditions that may affect occupants, improving investigative practices, and strengthening accountability for corrective actions.
Through this work, Shelley has supported broader conversations about the relationship between housing conditions, environmental exposures, and the needs of affected families.
Through her experiences in environmental advocacy, Shelley identified a critical disconnect between medicine and environmental remediation. Healthcare providers were addressing patients' health concerns while environmental professionals were often focused primarily on structural conditions, leaving families without a coordinated framework for understanding environmental exposure.
This recognition helped shape the vision behind PEPN™ (Purified Environments Provider Network™) : connecting environmental professionals, healthcare practitioners, and affected occupants through science-aligned methodologies, education, objective measurement, and professional accountability.
Vision & Leadership Focus
Bridging Medicine & Environment
Encouraging collaboration between healthcare providers and environmental professionals to improve understanding of indoor environmental exposure.
Objective Environmental Verification
Advancing measurable, evidence-informed methods for evaluating environmental conditions and verifying corrective outcomes.
Occupant-Centered Standards
Supporting environmental practices that recognize the experiences and needs of individuals living in affected buildings.
Professional Accountability
Promoting education, consistent methodologies, transparent documentation, and meaningful verification across environmental services.
Shelley's vision supports the advancement of the PEPN-HEART™ Protocol, an operational framework informed by published scientific research and centered on environmental exposure characterization, contamination reduction, and objective verification.
The framework seeks to move environmental practice beyond visible contamination and structural correction alone, emphasizing measurable changes in biologically relevant environmental conditions. Environmental verification complements clinical evaluation without substituting for medical diagnosis or demonstrating individual health recovery.
To build a meaningful bridge between human health and the built environment — one grounded in scientific evidence, objective measurement, environmental stabilization, and the belief that safe housing is fundamental to human well-being.
The Future of Environmental Practice Will Be Built Together.
PEPN™ is bringing together environmental professionals, healthcare providers, educators, technical experts, researchers, and industry organizations who believe environmental practice can be more measurable, science-aligned, and accountable.