OBOT Local Event - Expert Panel: How Our Lives are Changing Using AI

We read Culpability by Bruce Holsinger as our One Book One Town (OBOT) 2026. Bruce visited Fairfield on March 4, 2026. Now let's talk about the reality of AI in our lives with a local panel of experts. 

Join us for a lively panel discussion as they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping our everyday lives. Panelists from a range of professional backgrounds will discuss what AI is, how it’s being used in our community, and the opportunities and challenges it presents. Topics will include practical applications of AI, ethical considerations, impacts on work and education, and what the future may hold. The program will include time for audience questions and open discussion. No technical background required—just curiosity.

Panelists:

Anthony A. Cernera is a trauma-focused psychotherapist who works with children, teens, and adults. He specializes in trauma, PTSD, attachment wounds, and grief, integrating EMDR and parts work to help clients heal deeply and build resilience. A longtime nonprofit leader and researcher in habit formation and behavior change, Anthony also brings personal experience as a hospice volunteer and three-time altruistic organ donor. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, Men’s Health, and Apple News.

Curtis Ferree serves as Associate Dean for Public Services and Coordinator of the Academic Commons Partnership at Fairfield University's DiMenna-Nyselius Library. As part of a three-person Leadership Team, he is directly involved with the Library's overall administration, including policy development, strategic planning, assessment, and personnel matters. Recently he chaired a Library working group that evaluated AI supported research tools, resulting in a Library sponsored trial of scite.ai for the University community. His department hosts AI Salons which provide a space for students, faculty, and staff to gather and discuss how AI is impacting their work and their lives. He is currently a member of a University-wide AI task force exploring the implications of AI on teaching, learning, and research, and is chairing a faculty learning community exploring the potential for AI in academic research.  Additionally, Curtis also has over 25 years of teaching experience, and currently serves as adjunct faculty in Fairfield's English Department, where he teaches a course on comic books and graphic novels.

Dr. Varghese "VJ" John is a teacher, coach, and speaker dedicated to helping people think more clearly, learn more deeply, and perform at their highest level. His work spans mathematics, physics, technology, and leadership, where he designs learning experiences that cultivate curiosity, rigor, and confidence. With a background as a physicist and technologist, VJ has developed creative solutions to complex scientific challenges and led sophisticated technology initiatives for leading financial institutions. Today, he brings that same analytical precision and thoughtful innovation to education -  helping learners move beyond memorization toward genuine understanding. A key aspect of his current work is guiding people to use artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly, emphasizing human judgment, critical thinking, and practical application over hype. Through interactive talks, workshops, and coaching programs, VJ engages audiences of all ages in exploring complex ideas with clarity and confidence, encouraging resilience, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Melissa Murphy is a seasoned psychotherapist and group facilitator, and the founder of Growth & Resilience Group. With extensive clinical experience, she specializes in supporting young adults, women, and families navigating transitions, emotional overwhelm, and healing from eating disorders and attachment wounds. Known for her caring yet grounded presence, Melissa integrates psychotherapy with trauma-responsive, holistic approaches that help clients reconnect with themselves and live more authentically.

Gary Webster, a Fairfield resident, is a dynamic technology integrator, industrial designer and certified teacher, developing and teaching technology and design for the classroom. He’s had over 15 years’ experience creating and training teachers in diverse technology resources for schools, and shaping curriculum, using technology in all 16 Fairfield County school districts and throughout the state. He’s taught web design, page layout, podcasting, movie making and photo editing at Southern Connecticut State University.

This program is a companion to our One Book One Town author event. With thanks to The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library for sponsoring all OBOT events.