Panelists:

Edward M. Gomeau

Edward Michael Gomeau is an adjunct professor in the Department of Philosophy at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he teaches courses in ancient, medieval, and modern philosophy.  He has a master's degree in philosophy from Fordham University in New York, a master's in international relations from Boston University, and an undergraduate degree in journalism and international relations from Boston University.  He has served as a John M. Olin Fellow at the Center for Defense Journalism at Boston University, a research assistant and administrator at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and an adjunct professor in the philosophy departments of Manhattan College and Long Island University in New York. Mr. Gomeau has also taught U.S. foreign policy in the history department of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He most recently received the Howard Born Scholarship for German language study at Middlebury College's German School in the summer of 2008, and plans to begin his doctoral work in philosophy in the fall of 2009, focusing on both ancient and German philosophy.

Dr. Jeffrey Klass, ND

Dr. Jeffrey Klass received his doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon.  Dr. Klass maintains a general practice treating both acute and chronic ailments through natural therapies. He has had experience treating Lyme disease patients for over 15 years. Dr. Klass has served as an instructor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Connecticut Society of Naturopathic Physicians.  He plays an active role on legislative committees focusing on naturopathic medicine at both the state and national levels.  He has lectured at universities and medical symposiums on alternative medicine and biological terrain. Dr. Klass maintains a private practice in Guilford, Connecticut where he incorporates VEGA testing and darkfield analysis and is a certified Biological Terrain instructor.

Dr. Kirby Stafford

Dr. Stafford is a medical-veterinary entomologist whose research focuses on the ecology and control of the tick, Ixodes scapularis, that transmits the agents of Lyme disease, human babesiosis, and human ehrlichiosis. He also has expertise in the biological control of fly pests of livestock and poultry pest management.  Dr. Stafford works for the Department of Forestry and Horticulture Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.  Dr. Stafford received his Ph.D in Medical Veterinary Entomology at Texas A&M University.

Poet

Gerard Feeney

Gerard “Gerry” Feeney is a retired Professor of English.  He has been an educator for forty years and has taught in schools and colleges across the nation.  For his final twenty years he served as Department Head of Humanities at Thames Valley State Technical College in Norwich, Connecticut.  He is an author of short stories and poetry.  His work has appeared in such publications as Writer’s Digest and the Connecticut River Review.  He established the River Writers group, a consortium of professional and amateur writers in 2003 who regularly meet in Deep River Library.  Professor Feeney resides in Chester, Connecticut.

Toastmaster Facilitators

Lynnea Mahlke

Ms. Mahlke is a communication professional and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Cornell University.  Her company, Impact-e English Training, provides management skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) training for foreign-born professionals.  Her business and training skills have added value to many major firms and she has over a decade of experience in international communication skills, as well as, presentation, negotiation and facilitation expertise.  Ms. Mahlke has been an active leader in Toastmasters for six years, serving in a variety of leadership roles including past president of the Niantic Toastmaster’s club.  She now presides as an area governor and also gives speeches and implements training sessions at the district level, serving clubs in Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts.  Ms. Mahlke holds honored designations as a Competent Communicator and Competent Leader from Toastmasters.

Eva Menon

Ms. Menon, a registered nurse for 32 years, received her nursing degree from Temple University.  She has worked as a cardiac nurse, med-surge nurse and home care nurse with a focus on teaching and rehabilitation education. Ms. Menon has been an active volunteer for the RED Cross for 25 years where she teaches first Aid and CPR and is involved in disaster planning, training and assessments on both the state and national level. In addition, for the past 8 years, she has been an instructor and facilitator for the American Lung Association Smoking Cessation Programs.  Ms. Menon’s passion and training in health and wellness has encouraged her to start a nutritional supplementation business.  Ms. Menon is a trained Community Conversation Moderator by the CT. League of Women Voter. She has had experience implementing and moderating public discussions on topics such as “Physical, Social and Emotional Safety within the School Environment” in East Lyme.  Ms. Menon holds an honored designation of Competent Communicator from Toastmasters.  She currently serves as the President of the Niantic Toastmasters. 

CPAB Director

Becky McClain

Ms. McClain is a scientific professional with extensive laboratory research experience in the academic and pharmaceutical industries for 23 years. She has engaged in animal and human medical research using molecular experimental skills to develop leading edge technologies within a variety of scientific disciplines.  Her working background includes embryonic stem cell technologies, human molecular genetics, neurobiology, developmental biology, vaccine design, target validation and quality control drug development.  Ms. McClain has a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.  Her interest in bioethics stems from her broad experience in science and  biotechnology.  She is founder and director of CPAB.