Where did you grow up?
Chicago—my dad used to push my stroller around Wrigley Field, so I had an
early indoctrination into being a Cubs fan!
What year did you begin working for GSLIS?
In the fall of 2005.
Where did you work prior to GSLIS?
Westview Elementary School in Champaign as a school library media specialist;
before that I worked at an instructional television specialist at WILL-TV, a
PBS-affiliate in Urbana. And before
THAT, I taught 5th-6th grade classrooms in Illinois and South Dakota, and
worked as a library media specialist in Iowa.
What do you do at GSLIS?
In my position as the K-12 Library Information Specialist (LIS) Certification
Program Coordinator, I work with GSLIS students who are interested in the
challenging, never-dull career of school librarian/library media
specialist. I advise them on course
selection, program requirements (of which there are many!), field experiences,
job hunting, etc. I also act as their
University supervisor during practicum and student teaching, and occasionally
teach an LIS course.
What do you like best about your job?
Meeting and advising the amazing variety of graduate students at GSLIS who are
interested in working in K-12 school libraries. Also, working with awesome
school librarians from every grade level throughout the state of Illinois by
visiting them and our students at their K-12 schools.
What is your proudest accomplishment on the job?
When I get feedback from students and librarians who let
me know I am contributing in a positive way to their professional
development. Seeing our graduates start
working in their own school library with so much enthusiasm and energy!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Reading books in the grade 5-12 range; gardening;
watching romantic comedy movies.
Favorite food?
Pasta!
Favorite book?
I can only answer with "current favorite" which is the Bloody Jack
series by L.A. Meyer.
What is your favorite musical or play?
My favorite musical is West Side Story—I love all the
dance scenes!
Is there any particular advice you would like to share
with students?
I always encourage our graduates to have a life outside
of your job! Make sure your time is not consumed by media that tries to take
the place of face-to-face time with live people. Personal and professional relationships are
more important than the "to do" lists we all have.