Meet the Mentors
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” – The Dalai Lama
Gary Penn
I joined Toastmasters in 2007 on a whim when a friend called me up and said, "What are you doing tonight?" and, honestly, I had nothing else to do. Decades later I can honestly say that Toastmasters changed my life for the better.
I have utilized my leadership skills to become a C-suite executive, I've used the confidence I built up to create my own business and I've used the risks that are inherent in the Toastmasters program to reach out and help others even when it feels out of my comfort zone. Yes, I still get nervous speaking and I've learned to transfer that nervous energy into energy I can output to the audience to bring them on a journey!
I've served as the co-founder and mentor for two corporate clubs, served as President and Treasurer for my former club, OCCN Toastmasters in Fountain Valley, been a club coach for a club in Escondido, and am a proud member of Encinitas TM since 2017 when I moved here. I am proud to have accomplished finishing my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) certification and am looking forward to serving a second time in the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) here in Encinitas, teaching young children to speak and lead with confidence. I've also competed at the highest levels in Speech Contests, winning accolades back in 2013 for making it to the Founder's District level competition for International Speech (still many steps from Best Speaker in the World but a good showing!).
I'm happy to be your Mentor. Just ask. Please don't be overwhelmed by my decades in TM but instead look at it as lots of feedback and hard-fought wisdom I may be able to share with you.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpenn/
Greg Burns
Hi, my name is Greg Burns. Public speaking has always been a big part of my life partly because my mother was an 8th-grade English and speech teacher. I have been in Toastmasters since 1995 - starting in Seattle.
I am retired now, but I used to be a visual designer for interactive products - mostly web-related. Many times at work, I would have to create presentations to explain my design choices to corporate managers under very short timelines. It was challenging!
In Seattle, I was a loaned executive speaker for the United Way because I have a child with a disability. I also did voice-overs with Topo Swope Talent. In 2013, I moved to southern California and eventually became an active Toastmaster in San Clemente club number 6463# where I competed in contests for Area G2 (Division G). During that time, I got to meet Craig Valentine, a big influence. I am also a TM Competent Communicator. I enjoy being a mentor.
How can I help you with your speech?
Katie McCabe
I joined Toastmasters in 2019 for two reasons—to get to know people in the Encinitas community and to improve my impromptu speaking skills. Toastmasters has come through for me on those and so much more. After taking months just to work up the courage to give my first speech, I now look forward to speaking!
My philosophy on public speaking is to work on one skill for each speech (body language, vocal variety, use of the stage, speech structure, etc.). After a while, your efforts compound and you have many skills under your belt. It happens in no time!
I currently serve as our club’s Vice President of Public Relations. My background in Marketing and IT helps with getting the message out about our club as well as writing compelling speeches. I’d love to share what I’ve learned with you and help you meet your goals!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemccabe123/
Keith Eck
Kiran Prasad
My Toastmasters journey began in 2016 and has taken me from shrinking violet to confident speaker and board member. I joined Toastmasters to overcome my fear of public speaking—a fear so great that I was even terrified to introduce myself at the first meeting. As shy as I was, I had huge aspirations of becoming a motivational speaker. I could never have imagined that this dream would start to materialize! It’s thanks to the great mentoring I’ve received here, and I want to pay it forward.
Having faced many relocations, I understand the trepidation of walking into a strange environment to learn new skills. That’s why I’m a passionate advocate for the needs of new members and became our club’s Newcomer’s Ambassador, VP of Mentorship, and finally a mentor myself. Despite my doubts that I could ever lead, Toastmasters has made a leader out of me! Now I look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming a confident speaker and leader. I’m especially eager to help those who may be totally new to Toastmasters or shy as I once was.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaskiranprasad
https://www.jaskiranprasad.com/
Pat Rarus
As a Distinguished Toastmaster since 2012—the highest level of achievement a Toastmaster can attain—I am most qualified and most willing to assist beginning speakers with organizing their speeches and delivering them to the best of their abilities. The primary goal for most Toastmasters in the workforce is to improve their self-confidence and enhance their presentation skills. These polished presentations are typically given to clients if you’re self-employed, or for senior management if you work for an organization.
I’ve worked in both the corporate world and now as a writer-editor-blogger for my own company, Marcom Consulting Group. I’m familiar with the challenges that people—especially introverted types such as some tech workers—face when having to communicate clearly without jargon and with enthusiasm and vigor.
My best advice is to be yourself when you speak—and make sure that you are your VERY BEST SELF when giving presentations. Everyone has a different speaking style. Some people are naturally extroverted, funny, and even outrageous in front of an audience. Other equally good speakers (in my opinion) are less dramatic yet project sincerity, empathy and competence. They communicate their message well with minimal theatrics.
I have been a Toastmaster for 40+ years. Obviously, I love this organization. I believe that you will, too. Encinitas Toastmasters is the top club in North San Diego County. Please get involved as much as your schedule allows and see how your life changes for the better!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrarus/
https://www.marcomconsultinggroup.com
Terrie Price
My toastmaster journey started in October 2017, and on my first night, I couldn’t even participate in table topics because I was so terrified! Since I joined, I have learned a lot and love to pay it forward and help new members succeed. My goal in mentoring is to help members achieve their speaking and leadership goals. This looks different for everyone.
I am a Distinguished Toastmaster and served as President, VP of Education, VP of Mentoring, and Secretary in our club. I have also served as a club mentor for a new club and as Area Director in our district. I have participated in and led our Youth Leadership Program working with 5th to 8th graders. Playing improv with students while helping them gain lifelong speaking skills has been one of my favorite toastmaster experiences! I have also won multiple speech contests.
Outside of toastmasters, I am a motivational speaker and have a business in the health/wellness industry. I am a coach focusing on plant-based edutainment, yoga, meditation, and creating an unstoppable mindset. I am a published author working on my second book about plant-based wellness. I understand how challenging it is to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, and I will help you overcome your challenges and succeed.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrieprice/
https://www.globallydelicious.com/
Manjul Mishra
I became a member of Toastmasters in August 2022 with the intention of refining my communication skills. As an engineer by profession, I have always valued effective communication as a key component in both personal and professional success. However, my Toastmasters experience has exceeded my expectations by going beyond the development of communication skills. It has provided me with an invaluable community that has nurtured me in various aspects of my life. In addition to being an engineer, I wear multiple hats as an Ayurvedic health counselor and a yoga teacher. Toastmasters has proven to be a catalyst in enhancing my abilities in these domains as well. Whether it's delivering presentations on Ayurvedic principles or conducting workshops on wellness through yoga, the skills and confidence I gained from Toastmasters have been instrumental in my success.
Now, as a club officer, I have the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of our club. One of my primary motivations as a mentor is that I can deeply relate to the challenges faced by new members embarking on their Toastmasters journey. The initial excitement mixed with trepidation is not unfamiliar to me, and I am committed to guiding and supporting new members with the knowledge and experience I have gained. I believe in the importance of personalized guidance and tailoring my mentorship approach to meet the unique needs of each mentee. Whether it's assisting with speech development, offering constructive feedback, or providing a listening ear, I am committed to helping new members navigate their way through Toastmasters.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/manjul-mishra-9160541/
Margarita Y Pinhas
I joined Toastmasters in 2020, intending to be part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Interestingly, I never felt insecure when speaking in front of a camera where it seemed like "no one could see me," but the prospect of speaking in front of a live audience was genuinely intimidating.
Today, I proudly serve as the President of the Leadership Builders Toastmasters Club, hold the position of Area 17 Director, and am honored to be a leader in District 5.
One of my most significant recent accomplishments was delivering a TEDx talk, where I shared my message about the importance of belonging. It was a transformative experience, and I'm eager to help others embark on their speaking journeys.
If you're looking for a mentor and a nurturing environment to find your voice, I'd be thrilled to guide and support you.
