Theme: Where is There

TEDxBrookaleCommunityCollege will present topics that center upon the Brookdale tag line: “Here will get you there.” The talks are ideas, on a wide range of subjects, that will foster learning, inspiration, and wonder and provoke conversations that matter, all responding to the prompt “Where is there.” Where THERE draws attention to telling truths, getting to the essence of why the THERE story must be shared. Speaking for the voices that are often unheard or silenced by others.

Brookdale Community College Student Life Center (SLC)
765 Newman Springs Road
Middletown Township, New Jersey, 07738
United States

Anthony Lagaipa

Artist

Graphic Artist/Design Coordinator

Elaine Henry Oyaole

st poem, Geraldine Livingston Morgan Thompson 1872-1967: First Lady of New Jersey and First Lady of Brookdale; 2nd poem, An Odyssey of Teaching and Learning

Elaine Henry Olaoye, Ph.D., in Psychology. Research in essential hypertension and anxiety, depression, and anger. She grew up in Antigua and took English Literature at the college level as a student at the Antigua Girls High School. In the tristate area Dr. O was a professor of psychology at Brookdale for over 40 years and part-time at John Jay College of Criminal Justice for many years. Dr. O is also a poet. She presented her poetry at the International Council of Psychology 2022 Conference, and at the Manhattan Psychology Association ‘Chats’. Her 1980 volume Passions of the Soul will be re-published, and she is currently working on two new volumes of poetry.

Emma Cardillo

“You’ll Regret This!”

Emma Cardillo is a 20-year-old Honors Program member pursuing an associate degree in Humanities and Liberal Arts at Brookdale Community College. She plans to transfer to a four-year university in the fall to major in Communications and hopes to host her own talk show. Emma has presented at the Civic Engagement and Empowerment Conference twice and helped host a Mental Health in Education panel. As a Student Ambassador, she enjoys assisting fellow students and community members. Emma is honored to speak at TEDxBrookdaleCommunityCollege and thanks her family, friends, and professors for their unwavering support.

Geoff Shields

Host

Geoff Shields is a Colts Neck native who took his first acting classes at Brookdale Community College. Upon completion, he moved to Northern California to continue his studies at San Francisco State University, finishing with a degree in Theater Arts. Geoff stayed in San Francisco for another ten years, where he co-founded a theater company with several colleagues from SFSU. He went on to appear in many Bay Area theaters, including The Magic Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater and Marin Theater Company. Coming full circle, Geoff is now the Academic Tutor in the Brookdale Community College Speech Department and teaches Public Speaking at Montclair State University and Kean University. Here in Monmouth County, he has performed with Holmdel Theater Company, VanZandt/ Milmore Productions and Asbury’s own “Radium Theater Company,” at the historic Stephen Crane House. He can be seen locally performing his ever evolving one-man show, “JunkDrawer.”

Jesse Tango

There is Now

Jesse Tango is a second-year student at Brookdale Community College, completing her degree in Business Administration this spring, and is involved in the Pi Theta Kappa Honor Society on campus. During her free time, she enjoys activities of running, reading, and sitting in coffee shops chatting with friends. Her favorite place to be is at the beach, and she enjoys traveling whether it be to a major city, small town, or National Park. At 19 her proudest moments are going skydiving, cliff jumping at 40 ft in the Dominican, finishing the hike of Angel’s Landing at Zion, and running a half marathon.

Kim Fleming

A Challenge Worth Accepting

Kim Fleming, M.A. is a former music industry assistant turned academic. After earning her degree in communication and film studies from Rider University, Kim went to pursue a dream career in the music industry. Many concerts later, she left to return to her first love of learning. Kim went on to earn her MA in communication from Monmouth University. Her thesis explored the relationship between college students and leadership. Since graduating, Kim has been working as an adjunct professor for 10 years. Teaching concurrently at both Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University. Kim brings together her love for media and communication in unique ways like using reality dating shows as a tool for students to learn about interpersonal communication. Kim wants her students to be able to thrive in their personal relationships and better navigate the complex media landscape they interact with.

Marc Natanagara

Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Education

Marc Natanagara, Ed.D. For over 36 years as a teacher and administrator from kindergarten to college, Marc has promoted equity, authentic learning, career readiness, and informed uses of technology in schools through professional learning, program development, community partnerships, and grant writing.

Maribeth Edmunds

Giving Voice to Autistic Adults

Maribeth Edmunds, Ed.D. is the founder and Chief Learning Officer of Edmunds Out Enterprises, an educational consulting firm whose mission is to build understanding about the lives of autistic children and adults. She has extensive experience in education as a former teacher, elementary school principal, and central office director. Her work in supervision, curriculum, instruction, assessment, strategic planning, and talent management has included training programs to support co-teaching for special education and regular education teachers in middle and high schools. Dr. Edmunds is a published author and presenter who advocates for inclusion. She currently chairs the Special Committee on Aging and Medical Needs for the Board of Eden Autism. Dr. Edmunds is expanding her advocacy efforts by organizing the New Jersey Autism Think Tank whose work will connect expertise in autism around the state.

Marlena Brothers Frank

The Remarkable Simplicity of Happiness

With over 20 years of experience in psychology and personal well-being, Marlena has interned, studied and worked with renowned experts in the field, including Dr. Herbert Benson and Dr. James Gordon. She holds an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and is currently completing certification in executive coaching through the Teleos Institute.

Martin F. McDermott

Work is a Direction, Not a Destination

Martin McDermott, M.A., has taught presentation, interpersonal, and career skills as a Speech Communication professor for 27 years. He is also the author of Speak with Courage: 50+ Insider Strategies for Presenting with Confidence.

Matthew A. Kalos

Are We ‘There’ Yet? Finding Identity in the Archaeological Record

Matthew A. Kalos, Ph.D. is a tenure-track instructor of Anthropology and Human Geography at Brookdale Community College. After earning his PhD in Anthropology from Temple University, Kalos taught a variety of introductory and upper-level Anthropology courses at Millersville University. Focusing on the archaeology of the American Revolution, Kalos’ research seeks to interpret the connections between the cultural and conflict landscapes. Moreover, Kalos’ research at the Paoli Battlefield illustrates how archaeology aids in the understanding of memorial landscapes.

Sina-Imose Freihling

An International Student’s Story

Sina-Imose Friehling is a 19-year-old German Nigerian studying Liberal Arts and taking pre-med classes at Brookdale in the United States. She plans to study dental medicine in Germany and become an oral surgeon. Sina is highly involved on campus, participating in events and clubs including the Black Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mixed Martial Arts Club, International Student Association, Brookdale Cheer Team and has acted in Haunted Theatre. She was a panelist on several discussions including Social Media Around the World and Does Social Media Allow Free Speech Globally, during Civility Week on campus and the student panel for the faculty meeting following 2023 Spring Convocation. Has traveled extensively and speaks five languages fluently.