Theme: What Now, Neighbor?

In a world marked by growing divisions, the question of how we relate to one another—how we connect across lines of difference—has never been more urgent. In “What Now, Neighbor?” TEDxWestminster’s speakers will explore what it means to be a neighbor in 2025 and beyond, encouraging us to rethink how we can bridge gaps between us.

TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. In our first TEDx, we will delve into the complexities of modern relationships within our communities.

Despite the divisions—or perhaps because of them—we’ll seek to highlight the importance of embracing all aspects of neighborliness: empathy, cooperation, and mutual support. TEDxWestminster is an opportunity to explore how small and large acts of neighborly kindness, dialogue, and understanding can transform not only our local communities but also the broader world.

As we face challenges that often seem overwhelming, “What Now, Neighbor?” calls on us to reconsider the values that underpin great neighborly relationships—kindness, responsibility, and solidarity—making this TEDx experience a crucial conversation about healing, unity, and action.

Carroll Community College
1601 Washington Rd
Westminster, Maryland, 21157
United States

April Herring

April is a healing and life coach certified in mind-body medicine and Internal Family Systems. With over three decades of experience in higher education, training, and consulting, she empowers educators to create grounded and inclusive learning environments. April holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania and serves as the Senior Director of Advising and Retention at Carroll Community College. Her passion lies in fostering safety and openness in community learning spaces, guiding clients to cultivate awareness and mindfulness for optimizing relationships with the populations they serve. Outside of her professional endeavors, April enjoys immersing herself in outdoor activities such as biking on rail trails and hiking. She finds solace in nature and often captures its beauty through photography. Additionally, April values meaningful connections and can often be found engaging in deep conversations over delicious meals, embracing moments of silliness, and indulging in a good book.

Cassandra Casey

Coordinator of Personal Enrichment & Youth Programs, is passionate about youth development, positive thinking, and community building. She spends her time with family, church, theater, and serving the community.

Eric Byrd

Pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd has been playing professionally for over 30 years. Along with the principles of swing and be-bop, rousing gospel-tinged chords and trilling blues lines are fundamental elements of his performance style. His improvisations are intense, soulful and romantic; he takes listeners on a joyride as his fingers create magical works of art. A Grammy Award voter, Eric has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Tim Green, Warren Wolf, Jeff Majors, Charlie Byrd, and Yolanda Adams to name a few. Along with his own recordings as a leader, he also appears on over 15 recordings by other artists. He graduated from and was a former music professor at McDaniel College where he completed his undergraduate degree An in-demand leader and sideman, active in both the jazz and gospel worlds, Eric is the primary composer for the group. Alongside saxophonist Tim Warfield, Eric served as an Artist in Residence at Messiah College in PA, where he directed the United Voices of Praise Gospel Choir. In 2021, he joined drummer Alphonso Young, Jr, on the jazz faculty of Shenandoah University as a private jazz piano instructor until the end of 2024. The Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music commissioned jazz big band arrangements of several of his compositions. Those arrangements were featured in a fall 2022 concert and at the Jazz Educators Network Annual Conference in January of 2023. He is currently the director of the Gettysburg College Sunderland Conservatory Jazz Combo and teaches History of Jazz. 2025 will see a brand-new initiative of Eric’s: the launch of his own nonprofit, The Frederick Jazz Society. The FJS is an advocacy arts program which will house jazz education, performances and awareness in and around Frederick County, Maryland.

Jake Danielson

Meet Jake Danielson, a motivational speaker, devoted mental health, wellness advocate, and insightful graduation coach committed to helping people unlock their potential. Mental health has been an ongoing topic of discussion with struggles becoming more prevalent on all communities. As someone experienced in combating mental health issues, Jake uses his unique testimony as a beacon of hope. Each battle he faced and conquered fuels his mission to empower others, transforming lives by teaching the art of self-care and the power of vulnerability.

Jayne Miller

Jayne Miller is the former Chief Investigative Reporter for WBAL-TV in Baltimore. She was a broadcast journalist for more than 45 years before her retirement from the station in 2022. She then hosted a weekly news and talk radio show on WBAL Radio. She now hosts a podcast, Maryland Capital, which focuses on policy and legislation addressing issues of the day. Her reporting throughout her career led to changes in legislation, public policy and private industry practices and standards. Jayne is a Penn State Alumni Fellow. Her work earned a duPont-Columbia award, an Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. She was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award by the Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) in 2022. Jayne lives in Baltimore. She serves on the boards of several non-profits and organizations including Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Leadership Baltimore County, the Canton Community Association, the Community Violence Intervention Advisory Board and the LGBTQ Commission in Baltimore City. She works independently on documentary projects and civic affairs.

Kelly Frager

Kelly Frager is the owner of Kelly Frager Professional Development & Training, where she helps organizations across the country unlock the power of their people through tailored training and professional development. Known for her real-world insights, dynamic delivery, and authentic approach, Kelly makes professional growth both impactful and fun. With 30 years in human resources, training, and development—and 16 as a business owner—Kelly has spent these last 7 years focusing on behavioral intelligence, primarily for professional service firms. Her mission is to equip professionals and teams with skills that drive individual and organizational success. The same energy and engagement Kelly delivers to her clients and audiences, she also brings to her community. She is currently serving her second, governor-appointed, six-year term on the Board of Trustees at Carroll Community College, where she was formerly an adjunct faculty member. She served three terms on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley and recently completed two terms on the Penn State Parents Council. Kelly keeps close ties to her beloved Penn State and currently serves on the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society Board. Kelly received a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University (We Are!) and earned a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified professional in DISC, Driving Forces, Emotional Intelligence, and Working Genius. She happily lives in Mt. Airy, MD with her husband Todd and Goldendoodle Rosie. Her favorite title in life is being called “Mom” by her three grown & flown adult kids who keep her “hip” to the ways of the contemporary work world.

Laurel Brennan

Laurel Brennan transformed her own multiple sclerosis diagnosis and the loss of her mother to dementia into a mission to revolutionize brain health. As founder of RootCauseology, she pioneers a root-cause approach to reducing and reversing dementia risk, drawing from both her personal journey and professional expertise as an occupational therapist and functional medicine practitioner. After choosing to address her 2006 MS diagnosis through root cause resolution rather than just traditional medication, Laurel's path intersected with her mother's battle with dementia and chronic fatigue syndrome. This powerful combination of personal and professional experience drives her work helping women optimize their brain health through therapeutic partnerships. A licensed occupational therapist with a master's degree from Texas Woman's University, Laurel combines her formal education with certifications in health coaching, functional medicine, yoga, and ReCODE 2.0 brain health protocols. Her approach creates the "Just-Right" challenge for clients – balancing scientific expertise with compassionate guidance. She developed the PlusOne MinusOne Behavior change model to reduce the risk of overwhelm and support ongoing positive growth. She is a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for preventative brain health. When not working with clients, Laurel can be found hiking trails or walking around town with friends, seeking the next biohacking device or protocol, and discovering daily moments of joy with family and her dog, Rocco.

Mel Brennan

Mel Brennan has led women and men for thirty-four years; from confidential investigation to FIFA World Cup execution to university teaching to municipal recreation/camps leadership to for-profit location-based entertainment, court compliance, and fifteen years in the C-Suite of local and global nonprofits, Mel brings local-to-global experience from across multiple business sectors to bear in the forging of insights and solutions. Mel is a 1996 graduate of Western Maryland College and began his professional career with The City of New York as a Confidential Investigator with the Civilian Complaint Review Board, then spent time in general management for for-profit endeavors like Sega GameWorks, WWFE and the Walt Disney Company, where he focused of games, attractions, and restaurant development. A transition to global sport governance saw Mel lead teams, students and project development at FIFA, CONCACAF, and the University of Stirling (Scotland, UK). Mel returned to the USA in 2005 to teach at Towson University and curate the first TEDTalk in Baltimore City, TEDxBaltimore. While abroad Mel pursued a PhD (ABD) focusing on sport and human rights while attending and teaching at the University of Stirling. Mel remains a global thought leader on sport governance, corruption, transparency solutions and protections for the most vulnerable, with specials on Netflix and BBC Panorama, German public television, and Sky Sports News, as well as radio interviews with outlets from NPR to Australian and Canadian public radio. He is the co-author of Sport, Revolution and the Beijing Olympics, with Grant Jarvie and Tony Hwang, and is currently finishing Fixing Football (or Saving Soccer), about the work of forging great sport governance as the FIFA World Cup approaches our shores in 2026. Mel served as CEO of the Fuel Fund of Maryland, CEO of United Way of Southern Maryland, VP of the Y in Central Maryland and statewide VP of the Maryland Food Bank, among other nonprofit leadership roles. Mel serves today as the Director of Energy Programs for Civic Works, and leads Permanent Platform and SAVE Sport as Founder and Trustee. Mel enjoys fellowshipping with family and friends, art, travel, PC gaming, “spinnovating” (spinning up transformative projects that change lives), and watching his favorite soccer clubs; most importantly, Mel lives and loves at home in Westminster with his wife Laurel, three children, and one rescued dog; his favorite motto was handed to him by his father: “everything - every single thing - educates; are you student enough to listen and learn?”

Paul Hylenski

Paul Hylenski is a Marine Corps veteran, executive coach, and founder of Quantum Leap Academy, where he specializes in transforming leaders by improving communication, emotional intelligence, and influence. With five authored books, including two bestsellers, and three impactful TED Talks under his belt, Paul is an authority on leadership and innovation. He’s a pioneer in leveraging AI to enhance productivity and the creator of Vet Mentor AI, a groundbreaking platform that helps veterans optimize their VA claims. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Paul is dedicated to fostering environments where individuals can thrive through personal growth and systemic change.

Wasurut Vihokrut

From rural Thailand, Wasurut Vihokrut (Mack) is a former Buddhist monk, higher education advocate, and researcher. Raised with a strong foundation in mindfulness, Mack helps students from underrepresented backgrounds find their path. With experience at Johns Hopkins University and New York University, Mack's expertise includes education, healthcare, and research. Having overcome personal traumas, Mack raises awareness on mentorship, empathy, and mental health services for young people. Mack is also a sought-after author, with his upcoming book "Unreasonable Empathy" exploring radical compassion in education and beyond.