Dakota County Library - November, 2016 to Present

Minnesota Department of Human Services Disability Services Innovations Grant - May, 2018 to Present 

  • Coordinator and Project Lead of Dakota County Library's Innovations Grant
  • Launched Library's Accessibility Team, which consists of two Subgroup Teams (Community Engagement and Awareness and Customer Experience Subgroups)
  • Implements training workshops about accessibility and inclusive customer service topics for library staff at all levels of the organization
  • Leads the design and planning of Calming Spaces at three newly remodeled Dakota County Library locations, including Galaxie (Apple Valley) Library Calming Space, Pleasant Hill (Hastings) Library, and Heritage (Lakeville) Library, in collaboration with community partners, such as Fraser and the Autism Society of Minnesota
  • Solicits inclusive program and service ideas and advises library staff on their development for people with disabilities of all ages
  • Oversees the development of program kits, tools, equipment, and helps lead marketing initiatives that aligns with the grant
  • Develops library social narratives, including Galaxie Library Social Narrative and Galaxie's Calming Space Narrative

Accessibility Projects

  • Coordinator of series of 4 staff training workshops in recognition of 2018 Autism Awareness/Autism Recognition Month entitled Autism Spectrum Disorder 101 featuring Autism Society of Minnesota (April, 2018)
  • Coordinated Staff Day workshop entitled Autism Spectrum Disorder 101 workshop with Dakota County Social Services and Autism Society of Minnesota (December, 2017)
  • In collaboration with Dakota County's Social Services Autism Grant, coordinated 4 focus groups from customers with autism, their families and community stakeholders about the accessibility and inclusion of customers with autism and their families at the Library (August, 2017)
  • In partnership with Autism Society of Minnesota, launched a monthly book club program for young adults with autism and other disabilities
  • Led the implementation of a county-wide online survey evaluating the accessibility and inclusion of customers with autism and their families in library programs and services (July, 2017)
  • Co-Chair of the Dakota County Social Services Innovations Group (June, 2018 - Present)
  • Trained and mentored two youth librarians and oversaw the development and launch of new monthly series of Sensory-friendly Saturday programs

Glen Ellyn Public Library - June, 2014 to October, 2016

Youth Department Remodel Project - June, 2014 - January, 2016

  • Collaborated with Executive Director, Architect Team from Product Architecture + Design, and Construction Management Team from Shales-McNutt Construction on overall vision for Building a Better Glen Ellyn Public Library during architectural design and construction meetings
  • Developed Youth Department space, including the creation of a new Middle School Room, an enhanced Play Space, a browsable picture book collection in bins, an Early Reader Nook, and an enlarged Youth Program Room
  • Advised on renderings, architectural drawings, design of custom millwork, selection of finishes and furniture, change orders
  • Performed walk-through inspections and addressed various issues during construction
  • Acted as Library's main media contact and developed promotional material, including a Youth Department Redesign video, to communicate project updates to the community
  • Devised plans for a temporary youth department setup in the library's meeting rooms and coordinated move and packing efforts

Accessibility Projects

Project Management

  • Implementation of library-wide Summer Meals Program
  • Project manager of annual STEAM Fair
  • Developed new youth department employee training program
  • Planned and coordinated of two staff in-service training days (April, 2015 & October, 2015)
  • Managed the creation and implementation of new library collections, including leveled early readers, categorized and browsable picture books, and middle school fiction
  • Developed content for new library webpages, including 3D Printing at the Library, Online Resources for Kids, and Youth Department Remodel
  • Led efforts among Management Team to draft and develop new library procedures and policies, including a building-wide Closing Procedure, an Unattended Child at the Hour of Closing Procedure, and a board-approved 3D Printer Policy

Glencoe Public Library - May, 2012 to May, 2014

Children's Department Enhancement Projects

  • Designed plans and reconfigured Children's Department space for new LFI shelving to expand space for collections
  • Developed new youth collections, including Junior High Fiction, Juvenile Book Discussion, Illinois Book Award Nominees, and Picture Books for Older Readers
  • Launched new circulating pre-loaded ebook collection for Glencoe cardholders
  • Launched new MacBook for in-house use by Glencoe middle school students
  • Developed content for new "Homework Help" and "Parent Resources" webpages for students and caregivers
  • Purchased new AWE Early Literacy computer station
  • Upgraded Picture Book Area with new sensory play cube and other manipulatives

Accessibility Projects

  • Developed inclusive Sensory Storytime program in partnership with National Lekotek Center
  • Developed new Sensory Friendly Family Film programs for children of all abilities
  • Supervised high school student with disabilities as library volunteer
  • Created curriculum for and led outreach visits and programs for local Educational Life Skills (ELS) Special Education students
  • Created a digital "This is My Library" Social Storytime
  • Launched new therapy dog program in partnership with K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore
  • Developed new "Library Program Request for Accommodations" form for children with disabilities

Project Management

  • Implemented new school library card intergovernmental agreement
  • Created new Kid Lit Picks Blog, featuring children's book reviews written by Children's Services staff
  • Coordinated author visit programs to local elementary, middle schools, and Glencoe Park District
  • Developed community partnership programs with the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe Chamber of Commerce, Glencoe Community Garden, Glencoe Public Safety, and Glencoe Rotary Club
  • Launched "Tech Talk" series of parent workshops on technology related topics. Programs featured guest speakers on internet safety strategies for parents, apps for children with special needs, and a discussion on learning technology through play

Deerfield Public Library - May, 2008 to May, 2012

Youth Services Redesign Project - October, 2011 - January, 2012

  • As Acting Head of Youth Services, collaborated with Executive Director, members of the Management Team and Architect Team from Dewberry Architecture Firm on the Interior Design Committee for the Deerfield Public Library remodel project
  • Attended monthly construction meetings, advised on renderings, architecture drawings, and selection of finishes for Youth Services space

Accessibility Projects

  • Developed and conducted award-winning Sensory Storytime program series for children with disabilities
  • Wrote and received Early Childhood Target Foundation grant to fund Sensory Storytime Program
  • Launched new Read to Rover storytime for children with disabilities--a partnership program with Adventures with Bailey
  • Conducted district-wide "Library Use Study & Survey" of 12+ library communities in North Shore area, in partnership with North Suburban Special Education District
  • Created curriculum for and led outreach visits and programs to local Special Education elementary and middle school students
  • Coordinated all-staff Disability Awareness Customer Service Training with JJ's List at library in-service
  • Created Library Family Tours service for families with children with special needs
  • Developed informal training session for Youth Services staff entitled "Tip for Inclusive Storytimes and Programs"
  • Developed new digital "This Is My Library" Social Story
  • Developed new pre-program "Request for Accommodations" questionnaire for children with disabilities
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