I recently retired from my position as founding director of the Boston Arts Academy/Fenway High School Library and Boston Symphony Orchestra Education Resource Center. The eight years I spent there were the most gratifying and fulfilling of my career.  We were honored in June 2004 to be named the National School Library Media Program of the Year by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Winning this award gave me opportunities to become involved in my profession on the regional and national level.

I represent Massachusetts on the board of the New England Educational Media Association (NEEMA) and attend the AASL Affiliate Assembly meetings at the ALA’s mid-winter and annual conferences. Last year I was a member of the ALA Task Force on School Libraries that assessed the current state of school libraries in America, identified critical issues and trends affecting school libraries and librarians today, and recommended strategies ALA can implement to prevent further erosion of school library programs. This year I will serve on the 2007 National School Library Media Program of the Year Award Committee.

My husband Rick and I live in Lunenburg, where I have lived all my life. We have one son, James, who is a graduate of Hampshire College and lives and works as a journalist Northampton, MA. I received a Bachelor of Music Education from Lowell State College and a Master of Education with a concentration in Instructional Media from Fitchburg State College, and then went on to earn my MLS from Simmons College. I also have a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Professional Development from Fitchburg State College.

I love the school library profession and have relished my association with MSLMA all these years. I am looking forward to devoting all my energy and attention to the second year of my presidency and to assuming the position of Acting Executive Director of MSLMA when Doris Smith steps down in January 2007