About Me

I earned my MLIS in 2008 with a degree from Dominican University in Illinois via their partnership with St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.

I spent March 2009-August 2012 as the Youth Services Librarian and Assistant Director for a small rural library in a city of 8,000 serving a population of about 21,000.

In September 2012, I became a part-time Children's Librarian for a large metro library in Minnesota.
In February 2014, I was hired as an independent contractor for the role of Project Manager in the creation of Once Upon a Reader, a statewide one book/community reads program aimed at families with children 0-6. Learn more about Once Upon a Reader here.

I am also:

• An organizer of the Flannel Friday community.
• Creator of the Everyday Diversity Project.
• A contributor to Storytime Underground.
•  Reviewer for School Library Journal.  

I love sharing ideas, and would love to present at your conference or workshop. I am passionate about using social media for professional development, early literacy and storytime, passive programming, and being a diversity ally. Below are some examples of presentations I've done.

Kansas Library Association "Weave a Tale" Preconference, 2014, Wichita, KS
A three hour workshop focused on using manipulatives to create engaging early literacy storytimes. Includes a hands-on component for workshop attendees, and a separate public performance at the Wichita Public Library, Wichita, KS

Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference, 2014, Mankato, MN
Diversity! Books for a Better Today
Panelist focusing on diversity in picture books
Attendance 30-40 

Wisconsin Library Association YS Pre-Conference 2013, Green Bay, WI
Engaging Early Literacy Storytimes: Flannelboards, Props, Puppets & More
Attendance 57+

Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference 2013, Green Bay, WI
Creating a Professional Playground: Using Social Media to Create a Personal Learning Network
Co-Presenter Sara Bryce
Attendance 68

Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference 2013, St. Cloud, MN
Flannel: Not Just Your Gramma's Pajamas
Co-Presenter Monica Stratton
Attendance 20-30

Branch Out 2013, Maple Grove, MN
Social Media and Reader's Advisory
Two Sessions, attendance 40-50 and 10-15

Minnesota Library Association Reader's Advisory Round Table Spring Retreat, 2013 Roseville, MN
Social Media and Reader's Advisory
Co-Presenter LeeAnn Suchy
Attendance 15-20

Michigan Library Association Spring Institute 2013, Lansing, MI
Time Crunch Librarian: Low-Cost High-Yield Programming to Save Your Sanity
Co-Presenters Anne Clark and Sara Bryce
Attendance 50-60

Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference 2012, St. Paul, MN
Beyond the Social Media Buzz
Co-Presenter Sarah Wethern
Attendance 40-50

Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference 2012, LaCrosse, WI
Stop Duplicating Efforts: Creating a Unified Community Calendar
Co-Presenter Sarah Repp
Attendance 30-40