Speaker Spotlight & Resources | Mental Health and Wellness

November 25, 2025

Mr. Glenn Gomez

Mr. Gomez joined Rotary in 2004 and is a member of the Granada Hills, California club. He has held various roles including Club President and Treasurer, Assistant Governor, Rotarian of the Year and was most recently the Chief of Staff to DG Albert Hernandez. He is currently the Endowment Chair for District 5280 Rotary Foundation, a position he has held since 2023. He’s also been a member of the Paul Harris Society and Polio Plus Society since 2014.

Topics: Rotary Rose Parade Committee & Ambassadorship

https://www.rotaryfloat.org

Rotary Foundation

https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

PolioPlus Society

https://www.rotaryzones3334.org/polioplus-society/

October 14, 2025

Mr. Justin Lam

Topic: The Four Way Test Essay

Justin Lam is a recent graduate of Alhambra High School, with a strong passion for mathematics, public speaking, and literature. Justin will speak on his recent essay contest submission to the Rotary Club of Montebello on The Four Way Test. Known for his enthusiasm and leadership, he was actively involved in a wide range of clubs, sports, and student activities throughout his high school years. A proud Eagle Scout, Justin also served as Senior Patrol Leader of his troop, where he gained hands-on leadership experience and built lifelong memories—from late-night conversations on camping trips to challenging mountain hikes. He lives by the quote, "Do what you love and love what you do," a philosophy that drives his commitment to everything he takes on. Whether solving complex problems or connecting with others through presentations and storytelling, Justin brings energy, passion, and purpose to every experience.

September 23, 2025

Mr. Allen Kanerva

Topic: Veterans and PTSD; INSPYRED Angels: Healing Trauma with Survivors of Human Trafficking

www.inspyrd.com

Allen Kanerva is a leading voice in trauma recovery, human resilience, and transformation. A former military pilot and humanitarian worker, Allen has operated in some of the most high-stress environments in the world - witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of trauma and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. His personal journey of overcoming trauma fuels his life’s mission: to empower survivors, train professionals, and drive systemic change. Allen brings a powerful blend of expertise, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to helping the traumatized. His presentations are calls to action, urging individuals, organizations, and policymakers to rethink trauma recovery and invest in solutions that truly work.

September 9, 2025

Mr. Alex Parajon, District Governor

Topic: Joint District Governor's Visit with Rotarians in Service for Equality (R.I.S.E.)

https://www.rotary5280.org/page/governor-s-line

District Governor Alex Parajon was born in Leon, Nicaragua. From an early age, he has consistently embodied the values of service, teamwork, commitment, action, and leadership—principles that have guided his personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavors.
Professionally, Alex has a background in accounting and has been a prominent business owner in Glendale, CA, for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Woodbury University.

In 2012, following the passing of his mother, Alex joined Rotary, marking a significant turning point in his life. His involvement in Rotary during this challenging period underscored the importance of serving others, especially during their most vulnerable times. Throughout his
Rotary journey, Alex has held various leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including serving as Chief of Staff for District Governor Olivia Patterson Ryans in 2023–2024. Alex is a Major Donor, a past recipient of the District Rotarian of the Year Award, and is the Rotary Rose Parade Float Ambassador. Beyond Rotary, Alex is a dedicated civic and philanthropic leader within the Glendale community. He actively participates in several nonprofit boards and city commissions focused on education, the environment, youth, and homelessness.

Alex cherishes his family life with his wife, Judith A. Verduzco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, children's book author, charter board member, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Mental Health and Wellness. He is also a proud father to his stepson Johnathan and two senior dogs, Pinot and Geo. In his leisure time, Alex enjoys traveling, bowling, playing softball, watching baseball and football, and spending quality time with family and friends.

He continues to lead with purpose, guided by the belief that even small acts of service can create lasting change.

August 26, 2025

Ms. Lynn Miller

Topic: Using WRAP® An Evidence-Based Everyday Tool for Navigating Life’s Challenges & Living a Self-Directed Life

Illnesses and Living a Self-directed Life

What is WRAP®?
WRAP is a self-directed process that empowers individuals to:
✅ Create a vision for the life and wellness they want
✅ Recognize what supports their well-being
✅ Identify what may throw them off track and how to respond
✅ Build a personalized plan for staying well through life’s challenges

About the Speaker — Lynn Miller
Director of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) — an evidence-based program that has transformed lives around the world.

📅 20 years of WRAP leadership, with initiatives in:
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
🏥 Pennsylvania Department of Health & Human Services
👵 Pennsylvania Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition

July 22, 2025

Dr. Francis Lakor & Dr. John Mugisa

Topic: Mental Health Support for Adolescents in Ghetto Communities [MSAG] Project in Uganda