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/
Alistair Paterson
I have been a member of Toastmasters for over thirty five years and am a recipient of their highest ranking, the Distinguished Toastmaster award. I understand what it takes to be a top notch speaker and as a mentor I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned over the years.
My history with toastmasters has been very rewarding, both personally and professionally. When I lived in Hawaii I had the good fortune to win the State Championship of Public Speaking in 1990. This continued when I moved to Oregon and won the Area, Division and District Evaluation contests in 2009. Most recently as a member of Encinitas Toastmasters, I won all the lead up rounds to the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking, eventually making it to the quarter finals and earning a place among the top 128 speakers out of a starting line up of 30,000 contestants.
Encinitas Toastmasters has several highly qualified mentors willing and able to help you become very competent speaker and I am proud to be one of them.
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
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.
Donna Masterman
I first joined Toastmasters 20 years ago and took part in a closed club associated with my job in biotechnology. I learned a lot during those years, completed the Competent Communicator series and used these skills to gain confidence in my presentations at work and develop my executive presence.
It was several years later that I reconnected with Toastmasters and have been part of Encinitas Toastmasters since 2022. It had been such a positive experience, I knew I needed to get back into it. I loved the people I met from all walks of life. I re-joined Toastmasters not only to work on my formal presentation skills with a desire to take it to the next level, but I also to work on my impromptu speaking. Delivering a planned speech was one thing, but speaking off-the-cuff has always been a huge challenge for me. Being part of this dynamic and supportive club has been great. I plan to stretch myself and participate in competitions in the future.
I enjoy listening and developing people. I have done this in my roles at work as an associate professor in medicine and in leading large teams in biotech.
I look forward to becoming an active mentor in Toastmasters and helping others achieve their speaking goals.
Donna Masterman
