MLA 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Marian Tripplett, LMSW-C, M.Ed., IHHW
Faculty Specialist II and PhD student Organizational Change Leadership, Western Michigan University School of Social Work

Marian Tripplett, LMSW-Clinical, M.Ed., IHHW is a tenured Faculty Specialist II at Western Michigan University's School of Social Work, award-winning educator, and licensed clinical social worker. A doctoral student in Organizational Change Leadership, her work centers equity, holistic wellness, and community impact. She serves on the boards of Berrien CMH Authority, CASA SW Michigan, and the Mamie L. Yarbrough-Benton Harbor Public Library

Carlton D. Jones
Executive Director, Talent Development Group, Inc. (TDC)
Trustee, Pontiac Public Library Board
Workforce Development Strategic Partner, Hand Up Resource Center, Inc.

Carlton D. Jones is Executive Director of Talent Development Group, Inc. (TDC), where he advances workforce development, organizational capacity, and community resilience through cross-sector partnerships. A Pontiac Public Library Trustee, he builds practical pathways connecting residents to training, service, and employment. Carlton collaborates with Davina J. Jones and New Buildings Institute on community-centered resilience hub development in Pontiac, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a focus on library partnerships, workforce integration, and sustainable implementation.

Davina J. Jones
Founder and CEO, Hand Up Resource Center, Inc.
Founder, MKE Heroes Community Preparedness and Resiliency Center, Inc.

Davina J. Jones is a Community Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Practitioner/Strategist, an American Heart Association BLS Instructor, and founder of Hand Up Resource Center, Inc., and MKE Heroes Community Preparedness and Resiliency Center, Inc. Her work integrates emergency preparedness, lifesaving skills, harm reduction, crisis management and response planning, public health, workforce development, and climate resilience. Davina collaborates with Carlton D. Jones and New Buildings Institute to help trusted institutions develop practical, community-centered resilience hubs in Pontiac, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Lisa Boyd
Librarian, Canton Public Library

Lisa Boyd is a public librarian at the Canton Public Library and a PhD candidate in Special Education. She develops and facilitates inclusive programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Friends Adventure Club and adaptive “for everyone” programming initiatives. Her professional and research interests include accessibility, disability inclusion, adaptive programming, and community-centered public library services.

Deborah Sobczak
Experiences Librarian, Canton Public Library

Deborah Sobczak, Experiences Librarian at Canton Public Library. I graduated from Wayne State University in 1992 with my master's degree in library science. My career started as a full-time hospital librarian, but on the weekends, I would sub in public libraries. In 2006, I joined the Information Services Department at Canton Public Library. My passion is providing engaging experiences for all ages, but in my heart of hearts, I love offering our special needs patrons a fun and immersive program.

Brian Walny
Experiences Librarian, Canton Public Library

Brian Walny is an Experiences Librarian at Canton Public Library, bringing a diverse background in education, community service and a passion for creating meaningful experiences for everyone. Before joining the library, Brian spent ten years teaching English in Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. After returning to Michigan, he worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children and adults with special needs in Kalamazoo. Brian joined Canton Public Library two years ago and for the past year, has been part of the team developing programs and experiences for the special needs community. He brings his international teaching experience, creativity, and genuine passion for helping others to his work every day and is proud to help make the library a welcoming and engaging place for everyone.

Laurie Messing
Food Safety Educator, Michigan State University Extension

Laurie Messing is a Food Safety Educator with Michigan State University Extension, serving Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties in Michigan's Thumb region. She develops and delivers research-based food safety education programs for consumers, foodservice professionals, and childcare providers, including Home Food Preservation, Safe Food = Healthy Kids, Cottage Food Law, and ServSafe® Manager Certification training. Laurie is a member of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She has contributed to grant-funded initiatives that expand access to food safety education and has received numerous state and national awards recognizing her leadership and contributions to food safety outreach. Laurie has authored numerous educational articles and fact sheets and has published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Kara Lynch
Michigan State University Extension

Kara Lynch, is a Food Safety Educator and registered Dietitician with Michigan State University Extension, serving thirteen counties in the northwest section of Michigan’s lower peninsula. In this role, Kara provides valuable educational programs to the community including ServSafe, Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food Preservation, Safe Food = Healthy Kids and more. She has developed creative content for various program platforms, digital and print communication assets and led grant efforts to support innovative programs such as Safe Food = Healthy Kids and the Think Food Safety campaign.  She has received many professional awards, notably for her work done with Safe Food = Healthy Kids and Think Food Safety.

Sophia Zollner
Michigan State University Extension

Sophia Zollner is a Food Safety Educator with Michigan State University Extension serving Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, with her home office in Detroit. Sophia provides education to her community on reducing foodborne illnesses, safely preserve food at home, and emergency preparedness and clean drinking water through programs including ServSafe, Safe Food = Healthy Kids, Zoom webinars "Serving Up Food Safety" and "Preserving MI Harvest", and hands-on preservation workshops, in addition to writing research-based educational articles for MSU Extension's website.

Stephanie Pocsi-Morrison
Youth and Teen Services Librarian, Ypsilanti District Library

Stephanie is a Youth and Teen Services librarian at Ypsilanti District Library. In her past lives she studied child development, managed a residence hall that housed more students than her hometown has residents, and created curriculum for a community children's program. When not working she is watching Dimension 20 (or really anything on DropOut.tv) or murder mysteries, hanging out with her husband and two kiddos in their garden, or attempting yet another creative hobby.

Jennifer L. Dean
Director, University of Michigan-Flint Thompson Library

Jennifer L. Dean is the Director of the Frances Willson Thompson Library and Genesee Historical Collections Center at the University of Michigan-Flint. She holds a PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Dean's research interests include organizational theory and leadership.

Tyra Briscoe
User Experience Librarian, University of Michigan-Flint Thompson Library

Tyra Briscoe is the Assistant Librarian for User Experience at University of Michigan-Flint's Thompson Library. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Information from the University of Michigan.

Mickey Doyle
Access Services Librarian, University of Michigan-Flint Thompson Library

Mickey Doyle is the Senior Associate Librarian for Access Services at University of Michigan-Flint's Thompson Library. He holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Simmons College.

Paul Streby
Reference and Resource Access Librarian, University of Michigan-Flint Thompson Library

Paul Streby is the Senior Associate Librarian for Reference and Resource Access at University of Michigan-Flint's Thompson Library. He holds a Master of Information and Library Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Government from the University of Virginia.

Amanda Hawks
Associate Director of Outreach, Michigan State University Writing Center

Amanda Hawks (she/her) is the associate director of outreach at the Michigan State University's Writing Center. She received her master's degree from the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures at Michigan State University. Her research interests include antiracist pedagogy, Black feminism, and transformative justice.

Rachael Whitehouse
Graduate Student, East Carolina University

Rachael has a MA in Rhetoric and Writing from Michigan State University and spent her two years at MSU as a graduate assistant in the MSU Writing Center. Her research focuses on community, sensemaking, and collaborative knowledge making, particularly through a lens of writing centers and writing studies. She is now a 1st year doctoral student in Rhetoric, Writing, & Professional Communication at East Carolina University and plans to continue writing center and community engaged work.

Beth Sabo
Associate Director of Curriculum in The Writing Center, Michigan State University

Beth has an MA in Professional Writing and a graduate certificate in Teaching of Writing from Eastern Michigan University. She earned her BA in English and Secondary Education, with a minor in French, from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She is interested in making writing centers and writing curricula more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, particularly for individuals with disabilities and intersectional identities who are so often underserved in our education systems.

Eric Berling
STEAM Educator, East Lansing Public Library

Eric Berling is the STEAM Educator at the East Lansing Public Library. He earned his doctorate at Michigan State University, where he focused on the nature of scientific explanation and the development of scientific character. As a STEAM Educator, Eric shares his passion for nurturing curiosity by designing and developing a wide variety of educational programs. He also helps patrons of all experience levels utilize the library's makerspace to bring their creativity to life.

Jessica Keyser
Library Director, Grosse Pointe Public Library

Jessica Keyser has been the Director of the Grosse Pointe Public Library since 2016. She believes libraries empower people to live engaged and meaningful lives.

Annie Spence
Outreach Librarian, Grosse Pointe Public Library

Annie Spence has been an Outreach Librarian at Grosse Pointe Public Library for ten years. Her work has been featured in American Libraries Magazine and This American Life.

Mary Short
Marketing Director, Grosse Pointe Public Library

Mary Ann Short joined the Grosse Pointe Public Library in 2018. She was the Marketing Director for Crain's Detroit Business & Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Huntington Bank & the Karmanos Cancer Institute.  She also was responsible for all North American communications for the Automotive Coatings Business for BASF. A graduate of the University Of Missouri School Of Journalism, Mary is a life-long resident of Grosse Pointe and grew up in the library where she now works.

Lexi Smith
Emerging Technologies Librarian, Grosse Pointe Public Library

Lexi joined the Grosse Pointe Public Library as the Emerging Technologies Librarian in January 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne and worked as an academic librarian before joining the Grosse Pointe team.

Clare Donnelly Membiela
Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan - Michigan Department of Education

At the Library of Michigan, Clare helps public libraries, boards, friends, and their stakeholders navigate legal issues that impact library services. She has an M.L.S., a J.D., & over 30 years of professional library, legal research and teaching experience. Clare has presented on issues involving law and libraries for audiences at local, state and national levels. Some of them do not use action figures!

Michael R. Blum
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Part of Mike Blum's effectiveness as a labor lawyer and employment law litigator, and his successful Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice, began with his 11 years with the National Labor Relations Board. He went to work for the NLRB as a field examiner right out of college and became an NLRB trial attorney in (1987), when he finished law school and was admitted to the bar. Mike primarily focuses on Michigan labor and employment law, including traditional labor, employment discrimination, harassment, work environment, and civil rights. Mike works in the firm's Southfield office and served on the firm's Executive Committee as Vice President of the Southeast offices.

Sheila Bissonnettte
Library Director, Pere Marquette District Library / Harrison District Library

Pere Marquette District Library Director Sheila Bissonnette has served as the library's director since 1994 and has also served as director of Harrison District Library since 2008. She earned her MLIS from Wayne State University in 2000.  In 2014, she was recognized as the Small & Rural Librarian of the Year at the Loleta Fyan Small & Rural Library Conference on Mackinaw Island. Before relocating to Clare County, Sheila worked as a Procurement Specialist-Library Technician for the United States.

Nick Loomis
Assistant Library/Information Technology Director, Pere Marquette District Library / Harrison District Library

Nick serves as Assistant Director and Information Technology Director for the Pere Marquette District Library and Harrison District Library, overseeing HR, technology, and facilities management. With 15+ years of service, he has experience in governmental IT at the county, municipal, and law enforcement levels. Nick also managed the renovation of the new Harrison District Library, transforming a 150-year-old building into a modern library facility.

John Clexton
Library Director, Gladwin County District Library

John serves as Library Director for the Gladwin County District Library and is Past President of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. He serves on the Michigan Library Association Board and participates in ALA and MLA committees. John earned his MILS from Wayne State University and previously worked with the Detroit and Grosse Pointe public libraries, as well as in St. Croix.

Amy Comber Gross
Library Director, Coleman Area Library

Amy serves as the Director of the Coleman Area Library, where she started as a Library Page twenty-one years ago. A graduate of Central Michigan University, Amy grew up in the Detroit area and credits her love of libraries to spending her childhood as an "after-school library kid," seeking out quiet places in the library to hide and read. Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs. She has a minimum of eight audiobooks downloaded on her phone at all times.

Jennifer McArdle
Youth Services Librarian, Commerce Township Community Library

Jennifer McArdle is a Youth Services Librarian at Commerce Township Community Library. Her professional interests include accessibility, early literacy, social emotional learning, and developmentally informed youth services. She develops flexible and inclusive programs including sensory storytimes, yoga storytimes, and literacy programs. Jennifer is active in Michigan library organizations and is passionate about creating welcoming spaces for children and families.

Mindy Rietkerk
Adult Services Librarian, East Lansing Public Library

Mindy Rietkerk is the Adult Services Librarian at the East Lansing Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in libraries and holds an MLS degree from the Texas Woman's University. With a background in biology and a personal passion for sustainability, she integrates sustainable principles into every aspect of her approach to librarianship.

Eric Berling
STEAM Educator, East Lansing Public Library

Eric Berling is the STEAM Educator at the East Lansing Public Library. He earned his doctorate at Michigan State University, where he focused on the nature of scientific explanation and the development of scientific character. As a STEAM Educator, Eric shares his passion for nurturing curiosity by designing and developing a wide variety of educational programs. He also helps patrons of all experience levels utilize the library's makerspace to bring their creativity to life.

Liz Kish
Experience Team Leader, East Lansing Public Library

Liz Kish is the Experience Team Leader at the East Lansing Public Library and leads their first-generation Sustainable Library team. With her MLIS from Wayne State University with a specialization in Public Libraries, Liz has been a library leader for 7 years now and has worked in libraries for 20. Liz is passionate about sustainability and loves picking up litter while on walks with her husband and two kids!

Eric Tans
Science Coordinator, Environmental Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University Libraries

Azita Frattarelli
Director, Riverview Veterans Memorial Library

Azita Frattarelli is the Director at Riverview Veterans Memorial Library and has been happily and actively involved in many facets of libraryland for 12 years. Frattarelli is a super fan of think groups and committees and is proud of her work with her current favorite acronyms: the CSLP, MLA, RTRM, TLN/EDI. When she's not immersed in all things library or spending time with her husband and 2 amazing children, you can find Azita happily immersed in journaling in all of its forms.

Lisabeth Posthuma-Conger
Media Librarian, Berkley Public Library

Teacher turned photographer turned author Lisabeth Posthuma has written the book on video stores - literally. After her YA novel about a fictional video rental store in the 1990s was published (Baby & Solo, Candlewick 2021), she shifted her energy to bringing such a place back to life in her community of Berkley, MI where she serves as BPL's Media Librarian (and manager of BerkBuster). Outside of work she continues writing and volunteering with Free Mom Hugs.

Jan Davidson
Library Consultant, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)

Jan, a Library Consultant at MCLS, loves helping library staff & Boards design their next strategic plan! With more than 20 years in nonprofits (10 at MCLS), a degree in Communication from WMU, is a Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, Jan has completed training from Priya Parker, Dr. Laurie Santos, Harwood Institute, Disney Institute, and Columbia University's Executive Education. After some years on the East Coast, Jan lives in Lansing (where she grew up) with her husband and two sons.

Allison Boyer
Head of Youth Services, Loutit District Library

Allison Boyer is the Head of Youth Services at Loutit District Library in Grand Haven MI and received her Masters of Science in Information from the University of Michigan in 2002. With over 25 years of experience in public libraries in various rolls she has found and insists adults miss out by not reading books "for kids."

Margaret Ann Paauw
Assistant Professor, Eastern Michigan University

Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw is an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and author. Dr. Paauw has been practicing social work since 2012, working mainly with people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and serious mental illness. Dr. Paauw worked as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library, was an active member of the Public Library Association's Library Social Work Taskforce.

Thomas Anderson
Library Social Worker, Ypsilanti District Library

Thomas Anderson is a licensed clinical social worker and is the library social worker for the Ypsilanti District Library.

Paige Bourbina
Part-time Library Social Worker, Monroe County Library System

Paige is a BSW and the library social worker for Monroe County Library System.

London Harfoot
MSW Intern, Plymouth District Library

London is the master's in social work student intern for Plymouth District Library.

Vaughn Haynes
Adult Services Librarian & Graduate Student Assistant, Springfield Township Library / Wayne State University

Vaughn Haynes is the adult services librarian at the Springfield Township Library and a graduate student assistant at Wayne State University. He is interested in instruction, assessment, reference, and research, particularly in the field of information behavior. Outside of libraries, he writes music, codes video games, and plays drums.

Julie Ralston
Branch Outreach and Programming Specialist, Kent District Library

Julie Ralston is a Librarian with a passion of public service, community partnerships and for promoting learning to the community in which she works. She earned her MLIS and has experience working as a Librarian at KDL for more than 20 years in various roles, including leadership positions.

Liz Kish
Experience Team Leader, East Lansing Public Library

Liz Kish is the Experience Team Leader at the East Lansing Public Library and leads their After School Mitigation Committee (among others!) She has been working in libraries for almost 20 years now and somewhat remembers being a teen.

Kristin Fontichiaro
Clinical Professor, University of Michigan School of Information

Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where she teaches courses in library science. She facilitates professional development and leadership training for librarians. An award-winning writer, she has published or edited dozens of books for children, educators, and librarians about inquiry learning, research skills, makerspaces, and digital and data literacies. She is the two-time winner of the Joan Durrance Community Engagement Award.

Georgina Broyles
Teen Services Librarian, Rochester Hills Public Library

Georgina (Gigi) Broyles has worked in Michigan public libraries since 2021 when she fell in love with her childhood library all over again. Curious by nature, Gigi's current interests lie in teen services, intellectual freedom, local history, leadership, & library assessment. She received MLA's Rising Star Award in 2023 & completed a Library of Congress Junior Fellowship in 2024. Gigi enjoys collecting indie perfume, reading TTRPG rulebooks, & wandering Michigan's beautiful coastlines.

Rion Berger
Teen Services Librarian, Troy Public Library

Rion Berger (they/them) is a Teen Librarian at Troy Public Library. Prior to working in libraries, they worked in higher education, coordinating the Semester in Detroit program for undergraduate students at the University of Michigan. They live in Detroit and spend their free time biking, swimming, learning, singing with friends, and dreaming up new worlds with their community.

Meghan Mott
Outreach Manager, Adult Services, Clinton-Macomb Public Library

Meghan Mott is the Outreach Manager for Adult Services at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library. She worked as a Program Coordinator for Cultural Affairs at Macomb Community College before joining CMPL full time in 2017. She is a member of MLA and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services.

Jennifer Stewart
Founder, Professor, Author, Signing Courses

Jennifer Stewart is a Deaf Studies professor, educator, author, and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) who grew up in the Deaf community with a Deaf father. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood and special education, she helps educators introduce American Sign Language to young children. Jennifer founded Signing Courses and speaks nationally on communication, inclusion, and language development through ASL.

Elnian Gilbert
Keynote Speaker & Trainer, ZingTrain

ZingTrain's most-tenured Trainer, Elnian has trained on absolutely every content area we offer! She shares Zingerman's approach to business in ZingTrain's public 2-day seminars and workshops as well as delivering customized training and facilitation for clients across the country (and world!) Elnian's style is engaging, humorous, and full of real-world stories. Her down-to-earth approach, thorough preparation, and extensive experience help her connect with participants from all industries.

Lee Holden Parker
Instruction and Outreach Librarian, Central Michigan University

Lee Parker is the Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Central Michigan University Libraries. He has been serving in this role since January 2024. Prior to beginning his role at CMU, he got his Master's in Library and Information Science with an Archives Management Concentration from Simmons University.

Shauna Quick
Technology Access Consultant, Library of Michigan

As the Technology Access Consultant at the Library of Michigan, Shauna supports professional development for library staff, consults on technology planning for libraries of all sizes, and champions equitable access to digital resources. A northern Michigan native with her MLIS and 20 years in libraries, Shauna is passionate about empowering libraries to serve their communities through accessible and innovative technology solutions.

Monica Harris
Executive Director, Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)

Monica Harris serves as the Executive Director of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), where she oversees the delivery of critical services including interlibrary logistics, e-content services, and continuing education to over 1,200 diverse libraries across Northern and West-Central Illinois. Monica joined RAILS in 2020 and took the helm as Executive Director in February 2023, bringing with her two decades of direct experience in public libraries.

Sherry Wichitchu
Executive Director, Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

Sherry Wichitchu is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), encompassing the 100+ libraries in the Twin Cities Metro in Minnesota. A visionary leader with 30+ years of experience, she is a past ALA Emerging Leader and past Wisconsin Library Association President who has spearheaded statewide funding reforms and national EDI initiatives. Outside of work, she is an avant-garde artist, storm chaser, and BTS Army.

Ryan Livergood
Executive Director, Warren-Newport Public Library

Ryan Livergood is the Executive Director of the Warren-Newport Public Library District in Gurnee, IL. A former chair of the Illinois Library Association (ILA) Public Policy Committee and founding board member of the Electronic Content Consortium, he has advocated for libraries' fair access to ebooks since 2012. He currently serves on the ILA eBook Legislation Working Group, advancing HB 5236, the Digital Library Protection Act, which protects libraries' equitable access to digital content.

Aaron Skog
Executive Director, SWAN Services

Aaron is the past chair of the Illinois Library Association Public Policy Committee and is Executive Director of the SWAN consortium of 100 libraries. He is a leader within the statewide effort to pass the Digital Library Protection Act legislation in Illinois. Recently he led an effort to establish library community governance for the Aspen Library Software Foundation.

Lori Scharich
President: Board of Trustees, Clinton Macomb Public Library

I have enthusiastically been a member of the Clinton- Macomb Public Library Trustee Board since 2022, as a Trustee, Vice President and  President. I have served on multiple community, church and school boards, leveraging my experience as an Information Technology business executive for 35 years.  Now retired, I enjoy volunteering, gardening, travel, fishing and spending time with my extended family, especially my one-year-old Grandson.

Derek Brown
Director of IT, Rochester Hills Public Library

Derek Brown is pushing library technology to be more secure, more sustainable, and more seamless for patrons. He holds an MPA from Oakland University and is the Director of IT at Rochester Hills Public Library, where his work focuses on data security, responsible AI adoption, and lightweight operating systems that extend the life of library computing. He shares this work openly across the library community and is an elected Member-at-Large of the Innovative Users Group.

Kait Matesich
Assistant Director, Benzie Shores District Library

Kaitlin Matesich is the Assistant Director of Benzie Shores District Library. Kaitlin has been working in libraries since 2017, and is a life-long library lover. She received her Masters of Information from Rutgers University.

Ellen Robinette
Program Coordinator/Faculty, Oakland Community College

Ellen Robinette is the program coordinator of the Library Services & Technology Degree Program at Oakland Community College. She is passionate about helping students make their dreams of serving the public good through library work a reality. She also seeks to serve the public good by expanding the pool of well-qualified, diverse, enthusiastic candidates available for libraries to hire for all job descriptions in every county in Michigan.

Kristin Fontichiaro
Clinical Professor, University of Michigan School of Information

Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where she teaches courses on librarianship, capstone projects in libraries and archives, and library/non-profit management. She is the award-winning author of numerous books for youth, teachers, and librarians on topics ranging from makerspaces to AI to information literacy.

Shannon M. Oltmann
Associate Dean and Director, Wayne State University School of Information Sciences

Shannon M. Oltmann is the Associate Dean and Director of the School of Information Sciences at Wayne State University. Oltmann's research interests include intellectual freedom, censorship, information precarity, and qualitative research methods. She wrote the book Practicing Intellectual Freedom in Libraries and edited The Fight Against Book Bans: Perspectives from the Field.

Heather Thompson
Teen Librarian, Herrick District Library

Heather is the Teen Librarian for Herrick District Library. She holds an MLIS from East Carolina University. She loves teaching people new skills, building community, and debating whose book beefs are more valid.

Amanda Shepard
Youth Services Assistant, Herrick District Library

Amanda is a youth services assistant at Herrick District Library. She holds an MLIS from Wayne State University and an MA in children's young adult literature from Central Michigan University. She loves talking about comics with kids, making silly TikToks for the library, and all things young adult literature.

Jake Ryan
North Branch Adult Librarian, Herrick District Library

Jake is the Adult Librarian at the North Branch of Herrick District Library. He holds a Master's Degree in History from Illinois State University. He enjoys lugging around StoryWalk signs, discussing science fiction and fantasy books, and being outside in nature as much as possible.

Shauna Anderson
Director, Plymouth District Library

Shauna Anderson is the Director at Plymouth District Library.  Drawing from a diverse background in education, technology, and community development, Shauna has spearheaded the use of restorative practices in libraries, created frameworks for experiential learning spaces in multiple communities, and most recently launched a community newspaper. She holds an MSi from the University Of Michigan School Of Information with a double-specialization in Library Science and Community Informatics.

Joe White
Advisor, Plymouth Express

Joe White serves as an advisor to the Plymouth Express community paper. Before retirement, he enjoyed a long career as a professional journalist on the auto beat, writing for the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1993 and a Gerald Loeb award for his coverage of management turmoil at General Motors. Today he writes the High Speed Rodeo newsletter on Substack and co-hosts the At the Wheel podcast. When he’s not writing or speaking about the auto business, Joe is often under the hood of a 1961 Dodge Town Wagon or planning a road trip with his wife, Laurie.

Ray Stanczack
Advisor, Plymouth Express

Ray Stanczak is an advisor to the Plymouth Express community paper. He has worked in various positions related to newspaper design and presentation, including roles as a graphic artist, illustrator, presentation editor, and finally a News and Features Art Director at The Detroit News from which he retired in 2015. He participated in the design and redesign of mainstream newspapers in Washington, DC, Rochester, NY, and Detroit. Since 2009, he has also worked as an independent artist in Detroit where he keeps a studio under the alias Eno Laget.

Lily Wiest
Adult Services Librarian, Plymouth District Library

Lily Wiest is an Adult Services Librarian at the Plymouth District Library. She develops nonfiction and A/V collections, and is passionate about offering a variety of community-building public programs. Years ago, she was the Editor-in-Chief for her high school paper, The Talisman, and is excited to be back in the amateur journalism world helping to facilitate PDL's Community Journalism Club!

Jill Lansky
Youth Literacy Specialist, Kalamazoo Public Library

Jill Lansky is the Youth Literacy Specialist at the Kalamazoo Public Library, where she plays a key role in community literacy efforts. She has been featured publicly for her work supporting early childhood reading initiatives, including the Ready to Read, which provides gift books for young children in the community. Jill has served Kalamazoo for over 26 years!

Yasmeen Shah
District Librarian, Grand Haven Public Schools

Katie Rothley
Marketing & PR Librarian, Northville District Library

Katie Rothley is the Marketing & PR Librarian at the Northville District Library and has been a librarian for over 14 years.

Clare Donnelly Membiela
Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan - Michigan Department of Education

At the Library of Michigan, Clare helps public libraries, boards, friends, and their stakeholders navigate legal issues that impact library services. She has an M.L.S., a J.D., & over 30 years of professional library, legal research and teaching experience. Clare has presented on issues involving law and libraries for audiences at local, state and national levels. Some of them do not use action figures!

Michael R. Blum
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Part of Mike Blum's effectiveness as a labor lawyer and employment law litigator, and his successful Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice, began with his 11 years with the National Labor Relations Board. He went to work for the NLRB as a field examiner right out of college and became an NLRB trial attorney in (1987), when he finished law school and was admitted to the bar. Mike primarily focuses on Michigan labor and employment law, including traditional labor, employment discrimination, harassment, work environment, and civil rights. Mike works in the firm's Southfield office and served on the firm's Executive Committee as Vice President of the Southeast offices.

Cathy Lancaster
Youth Services Coordinator, Library of Michigan

Cathy Lancaster is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Library of Michigan and holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. With over 20 years of public library experience, she facilitates Building Community-Based Summers cohorts, coordinates the Ready to Read Michigan initiative, supports summer reading, and conducts trainings on a wide variety of topics for youth & teen services public library staff throughout Michigan.

Michelle Cyrus
Student Success Strategy Manager, MILEAP, Office of Higher Education

Dr. Michelle Cyrus serves as the Student Success Strategy Manager with MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education, where she leads statewide strategies that strengthen student support systems and improve outcomes for adult learners. She is a dedicated advocate for the transformative power of education, with more than 28 years of experience supporting diverse student populations in higher education. She previously served as Director of Adult College Completion at the Detroit Regional Chamber, collaborating with post‑secondary institutions and community organizations to help adult learners navigate personalized pathways and overcome barriers. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Director for Equity and Outreach at Central Washington University, advancing diversity, inclusion, and veteran support initiatives. Dr. Cyrus holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and is a U.S. Army veteran.

Becky LeBoeuf
Head of Youth Services, Delta Township District Library

Becky LeBoeuf is Head of Youth Services for the Delta Township District Library in Lansing, MI, where she works with kids, teens, and families, oversees the Youth Services department, orders materials for the collection, and plans programs and events. Becky has been working in libraries for over 20 years and has a Masters in Library and Information Science. She is a long-time member of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition and her local Great Start Collaborative, a Ready to Read Michigan trainer, and a member of the MiFamily Region 7 Steering Committee.

Amy Monette
Branch Manager, Traverse Area District Library

Amy Monette, MSI, CA, is the branch manager of a rural community library in Grand Traverse County. Recognizing that libraries best serve their communities as dynamic and evolving community centers, she focuses on building partnerships that address local needs and expand access to resources and services. Her collaborative approach has led to strategic partnerships and grant opportunities that support the literacy, educational, and wellness goals of her community.

Carolyn Beltz
Family Engagement and Literacy Coordinator, MiFamily Engagement Center, Region 2

Carolyn Beltz serves as the Family Engagement and Literacy Coordinator for the Region 2 MiFamily Engagement Center. With over 15 years of experience in child welfare and family engagement, she specializes in cultivating high-impact partnerships between schools, libraries, and public health organizations. Carolyn facilitates collective action and manages regional grants to support community-driven initiatives that bridge the nonprofit and public sectors. Driven by a commitment to systemic equity, she focuses on building robust support systems that empower all families to thrive.

Dan Hutchins
Library Professional

Dan Hutchins is an experienced library leader who most recently served for nine years as executive director of Van Buren District Library, a seven-branch system serving sixteen municipalities in southwest Michigan. Known for pragmatic leadership in complex public environments, he has successfully led major funding, digital equity, and service expansion initiatives. Hutchins previously directed Harrison Township Public Library in southeast Michigan and serves on the Justice for All Commission of the Michigan Supreme Court.

Michelle Bradley
Library Development Manager, Library of Michigan

Michelle Bradley has been the Manager of Library Development at the Library of Michigan since 2024, overseeing statewide services. Prior to her time at the Library of Michigan, Michelle spent 10 years working for statewide library services organizations, serving Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio libraries. Before that she spent over 20 years in public library management and administration. In addition to her work in libraries, Michelle is an appreciative inquiry practitioner, trainer, facilitator, and coach, as well as a certified forest bathing guide. She has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, a master’s degree in library science from Indiana University, and a graduate certificate in public management from Indiana University.

Andrea Vernola
Continuing Education Coordinator, Library of Michigan

Andrea Vernola, MLIS, is the Continuing Education Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. Andrea coordinates statewide training opportunities for library staff and leads the development of the Library of Michigan’s online continuing education resources. Her work focuses on building and curating professional development resources that support the ongoing learning and connection needs of today’s library workers in Michigan. With 20 years of experience in many different roles in public libraries of all sizes, Andrea brings knowledge and expertise that supports the practical application of professional learning in public libraries.

Glenn Fischer
Library Director, DeWitt District Library

Jennifer Balcom
Cooperative Director, Mid-Michigan Library League

Biz Gallo
Library Director, DeWitt District Library

Kathryn Bergeron
Adult Librarian, Plymouth District Library

Kathryn Bergeron is an adult librarian at the Plymouth District Library and coordinates several senior services. She has previously presented at the MLA Annual Conference on topics ranging from digital resources to programming to reader's advisory to collection development. Kathryn was previously on the MLA Annual Conference committee and has chaired the Michigan Author Award committee. She wanted to make this bio like a traditional dating profile, but she does not like long walks on the beach.

Brad Bachelor
Youth Librarian, Plymouth District Library

Brad Bachelor is a Youth Librarian at the Plymouth District Library. He has been serving youth and teens for 18 years, formerly working at the Canton Public Library and the Ogden Farmers' Library (NY). He loves helping kids and seniors find unexpected connections with each other, especially as the closer he gets to being a senior himself, the more his brain seems to act like a rebellious toddler.

Heather Pacheco
Community Relations Specialist, Plymouth District Library

Heather Pacheco is Community Relations Specialist for Plymouth District Library.  Her public library "second career" includes 10 years in Reference and 5 years in her current role in which she "wears many hats" including community liaison, outreach facilitator, program planner, course instructor and chocolate hoarder, though that last one may not be relevant.  Like her co-presenting colleagues, Heather considers herself privileged to work directly with so many wonderful seniors.

Amanda Standerfer
Consultant, Fast Forward Libraries

Amanda Standerfer is the founder and lead consultant for Fast Forward Libraries, a small consulting practice based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois. Her passion is helping libraries and nonprofit organizations advance so they can create meaningful impact in their communities. Amanda has 15 years of experience in libraries and 7 years in the philanthropy sector. She has a BA and MA in History from Eastern Illinois University and MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Kathleen Kwiatkowski
Library Director, Auburn Hills Public Library

Kathleen Kwiatkowski is the director of the Auburn Hills Public Library and has worked in a variety of professional roles in libraries over the last 14 years.  She earned her bachelor's degree in management with a minor in marketing from Oakland University and her MLIS from Wayne State University.  Kathleen is passionate about connecting communities with resources, services, and opportunities that support lifelong learning and engagement.

C Mulder
Head of Adult & Teen Services, Rochester Hills Public Library

C Mulder is the Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Rochester Hills Public Library. They have presented annually at state and national library conferences on topics ranging from community creation through crafting to incorporating diversity audit data into collection development workflows to project management of large scale collection projects and program initiatives. They are also a former technical services manager who enjoys discussing classification with anyone who will engage.

Julie Kwon
Adult Services Librarian, Rochester Hills Public Library

Julie is an Adult Services Librarian at the Rochester Hills Public Library, where she manages adult collections and designs programs shaped by community interests and needs. She has a particular interest in supporting adult learners and strengthening community through thoughtful, responsive library programming.