About Us

Our Team

Scott Palermo

Founder of Talk About Safety

I started my martial arts studies in 1999. I earned my 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree Black Belts under Mr. Gary Ronemus. I was an instructor with Mr. Ronemus until his retirement. Mr. Ronemus retired as a 9th degree Kenpo Black Belt. I am currently a 5th degree Black Belt  and have been an instructor for many years teaching all ages from pre-school through adult. 

 

Certifications

PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check,
PA Mandated Reporter Training, FBI Fingerprinted and Darkness to Light:
Stewards of Children Training.

Laurie Vaden

Secretary

Laurie is a mother of a teenager, a first responder for multiple agencies and a dog addict. She was born in northern New Jersey and lived a few places before settling in York. She has known Mr. Scott for several years while taking self defense herself and enrolling her daughter. She was an enthusiastic supporter of his idea for Talk About Safety and thrilled when he asked her to them help out.

Certifications

Member Search 93 – South Central Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, K9 Captain Search 93, NREMT/ PA EMT, Certified Dog/Handler Team – TDI (Therapy Dogs International), Water Rescue and Emergency Response Certified, CERT certified – Community Emergency Response Team, Fire Police and Ground Support for local Fire Dept., PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check

Patrick Potter

Treasurer of Talk About Safety

Patrick Potter (Mr. “Pat”)  earned his black belt in August of 2014. 

He is a first degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate. Mr. Pat brings a lot of energy and creativity to the team.

 

Certifications

PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Mandated Reporter Training, FBI Fingerprinted and Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children Training.

Image of Keith Vaden

Keith Vaden

Facilitator of Talk About Safety

He was born in Manassas, VA and moved to Winterstown, PA where he graduated through the Red Lion School system. After graduation he joined the US Army as an Armor Crewman and is a Desert Storm Veteran.
Keith met Mr. Scott while studying American Kenpo with his family and found a kindred spirit in both Talk About Safety and Self Defense Academy. He is the father of a teenage daughter and has experience teaching youth classes over the years.
Keith is a first responder and teaches at Self Defense Academy

 

Certifications

Assistant Chief Search 93 – South Central Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, CERT certified – Community Emergency Response Team, Wilderness First Aid & First Aid/ CPR /AED Certified, Water Rescue Awareness Certified, Certified Search Manager, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check

Steven Palermo

Facilitator of Talk About Safety

Steven is a first degree brown belt in American Kenpo Karate. He is a regular instructor in both the kids’ and the adult classes.

Steven has a Bachelor Degree in Video Game Design and has been working in the industry for 7 years. He is the owner and lead designer in his own gaming company. Stellar Knights.

Certifications

PA Child Abuse History Clearance

Angela Palermo

Facilitator of Talk About Safety

Miss Angela has been part of the Talk About Safety Team since the concept phase. She fills in wherever needed. Whether the photographer, instructor or organizer.

Certifications

PA Child Abuse History Clearance, Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children Training.