Presenter Biographies

The Featured Presenters of N.E.S.E.C. Inc. are both life-long educators who have dedicated their lives to educating the adults and youth of America and beyond. Their passion for quality professional development and their belief that only through education can the institutions of learning thrive and be renewed, makes their professional development workshops and seminars a must-see event. From the University level to the High School and Middle School level, these dynamic presenters are lauded by those educators they have inspired.

Thomas E. Haren

Whether he is hiking to Lake Louise in the Wind River Mountains, air boating across the Everglades, or hiking the gorges of Tasmania, Tom Haren lives for adventure and shares his many valuable experiences with audiences around the world. From Australia, Japan, throughout the United States and beyond, when you experience one of Tom’s presentations you will quickly understand why he is such a dynamic presenter and educator.

“I always enjoy sharing my passion for science and nature with students. Lessons have so much more impact when you can relate your own personal experiences. At NESEC, Inc., our presentations impact many people around the world. One person at a time brings change and one person can do so much.”

Tom has inspired students from middle school to university levels. He has taught Advanced Biology, Environmental Science, Anatomy-Physiology, and Botany-Zoology. He has motivated students to organize ecology clubs, to become finalists in national science competitions and to conduct scientific research and win state science fairs. He has taught Evolution & Environment and Human Biology courses at Kent State University.

“I want my own son to have the great experiences that I enjoyed when I was young growing up outdoors. This is why our presentations are so important. We need everyone everywhere to respect and preserve our environment for future generations.”

Tom has been honored by the National Association of Biology Teachers as the Ohio Biology Teacher of the Year in 1994, Ashland Oil Teacher Achievement Award for Ohio in 1999, Tandy Technology Scholars Outstanding Educator Award in 1999, the College of Wooster’s “Excellence in Teaching” award in 1999, the Canton Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year 1997, and the Kent State University Stark Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996.

Furthermore, Tom has received numerous fellowships including the Fulbright Memorial Fund Master Teacher Program 2005, Fulbright Memorial Fund 2003, the American Physiological Society National Fellowship 1996, Wake Forest/NABT Neuroscience 1992, and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation’s Institute of Biology at Princeton University 1991.

Neil A. Parrot

Neil's passion for professional development is evident in his seminars and in the responses of the educators who attend his workshops. "When I began my career, I was simply a teacher of facts. Today, I am a passionate educator who instills a commitment of life-long learning to everyone I encounter. I love sharing my passion and enthusiasm with other educators. Since I am still directly involved in the classroom, I make certain everyone who attends my professional development workshops comes away with real activities that can be directly applied in their school system. No matter if you're an administrator or a classroom teacher, you'll never wish you were somewhere else while you're attending one of our workshops!"

A world traveler and avid advocate for the National Parks of the United States, Neil shares his numerous adventures with his workshop attendees. Neil's professional yet easy going manner and sense of humor are always well-received by those in attendance.

For over ten years, Mr. Neil Parrot has been an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. At Walsh, his outstanding student evaluations have led to a classroom full to capacity, and many times beyond capacity.

In addition, Mr. Parrot has served as an Adjunct Professor of School Law as well as an Adjunct Professor of Graduate Technology Courses at Malone College in Canton, Ohio. These high-powered graduate courses were completely developed by Neil. The courses ran for a duration of 7.5 consecutive hours for six consecutive Saturdays. While most people would dread the thought of such a course, one look at Mr. Parrot's course evaluations reveals that his students loved the courses!

Furthermore, he has been a Teaching Fellow for Physics Education through the Northeast Ohio Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher Education and Kent State University. This fellowship helped young science teachers gain valuable real-world and hands-on experience so they could pass that know-how on to their students.

Additionally, Neil has taught science at a number of the best high schools in Northeast Ohio. Currently, he teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Science of Sustainability. In the past he has also taught AP Physics, Advanced Physics, Physics, Chemistry, and Advanced (Honors) Chemistry.

Neil's students are successful inside and outside of the classroom. Groups of Mr. Parrot's students have competed in national science competitions and scholarship competitions. Among these successes is a group regional winner of the Toshiba Exploravision NSTA national competition as well as a Council of American Engineer scholarship recipient.

Schedule your workshop today so that Neil can help you become one of the many satisfied and inspired participants.