[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING SHELLEY DIEHL GEBALLE, JD, MPH ON THE OCCASION OF HER 75TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2025

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to Shelley Diehl Geballe--a dear friend, community 
leader, and advocate--as she celebrates her 75th birthday, marking a 
remarkable milestone in her extraordinary life. An attorney by 
education and training, Shelley has dedicated a lifetime to advocacy 
and mentorship, touching countless lives.
  Following her graduation from the University of Michigan, Shelley 
went on to attend Yale Law School, where she earned her Juris 
Doctorate, as well as the Yale School of Public Health, where she 
earned a Master of Public Health degree. She has used this unique 
educational background throughout her career to make a difference in 
the lives of others, particularly children.
  Shelley began her career as a civil rights attorney with the 
Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union where she 
served as counsel in a variety of federal class action cases, including 
representing the state's abused and neglected children in a challenge 
to Connecticut's foster care system. In 1995 she co-founded Connecticut 
Voices for Children, a state research and advocacy organization focused 
on improving the well-being of Connecticut's children and families, 
specifically those that have been historically disadvantaged. Shelley 
led the organization as its President for more than a decade during 
which time she focused her own research and writing on state and 
federal tax and budget policy, family economic security, child welfare 
and juvenile justice, and children's health and mental health. She 
remains a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Connecticut Voices for 
Children. In 2009 Shelley co-founded the Connecticut News Project, the 
parent organization of the CT Mirror, an early on-line news site that 
provides professional reporting about Connecticut government, policy 
and politics. Shelley continues to serve on its Board of Directors.
  Shelley has always felt a deep commitment to fostering the next 
generation of leaders. For 20 years she served as a Clinical Lecturer 
in Law at Yale Law School where she co-taught the Legislative Advocacy 
Clinic. There, under faculty leadership, students became familiar with 
the state legislative process and were able to work with non-profit 
organizations to advance their legislative agendas. Today, Shelley is a 
Professor in the Practice (Health Policy) at the Yale School of Public 
Health, the first Health Policy Professor to have held that title. In 
this role, she has developed and taught courses in Public Health Law 
and Health disparities while also directing the Health Policy 
Practicum. Since 2011, she has been voted best professor once, most 
inspiring teacher twice, and best mentor twice.
  Shelley's background, experience, and knowledge have combined to give 
her a unique voice as well as earning her the respect and admiration of 
leaders across Connecticut. Her advise and counsel is often sought. 
Shelley has served in multiple appointed positions in Connecticut, 
including on the Advisory Committee of the Office of the Child 
Advocate. She has been a consultant in diverse international contexts, 
including the role of the non-profit sector and public health law. She 
has also served on the boards of multiple state and national 
organizations, including the ACLU, Planned Parenthood of America's 
Legal Advisory Board, and the Melville Charitable Trust.
  Today, as Shelley reflects on her 75th birthday, she can be proud of 
her many accomplishments as well as her legacy of public service and 
invaluable contributions. I am honored to join her husband of fifty-two 
years, Gordon, as well as their three sons, Josh, Ben, and Dan, their 
nine grandchildren, and all of the extended family and friends who have 
gathered in extending my heartfelt congratulations to Shelley Diehl 
Geballe on her 75th birthday as well as my very best wishes for 
continued health and happiness. Happy Birthday.

                          ____________________