In 2001 I began as the library teacher at the Bourne Middle School, serving students and staff in grades 5-8.  I have had the opportunity to automate our collection (the school was only in its second year when I began, & the library was still being organized), develop a long range plan, and apply for and be awarded three LSTA grants.  I have found the LSTA grant process invaluable in building a stronger library media program and collaborative relationships with staff.

In 2003 I was a YSLead participant.  This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with and learn from staff from all types of libraries throughout the state and develop leadership skills.  I currently serve on the SouthEastern Massachusetts Library System (SEMLS) Executive Board as the treasurer, and as a MSLA Southeast Area Co-Director.

I felt that it took me a long time to “find my calling” – as an undergraduate student I transferred colleges and majors several times.  I became certified in elementary education, and began working as teacher’s aide.  My favorite part of the week was accompanying my classes to library!  I had begun to pursue my MEd at Lesley, but I applied to Bridgewater when my husband and I were in the process of buying our first house on Cape Cod.  By the time my acceptance package showed up at our new home, I was waiting for an off-campus program offered by Lesley to begin nearby, and in the confusion of moving had forgotten that I had even applied! Opening that package, and choosing to complete the library media studies program at Bridgewater were the best decisions I have ever made.  I am truly fortunate to have a career that I love, and cannot imagine myself doing anything else!   The funny thing is, a few years ago my parents sold my childhood home and I “rescued” some of the items I left behind and I discovered that in many of my books I had made book cards and pockets.  So I guess I always knew what I was meant to do, but somehow I forgot along the way!  (Also, my school library media center is much different then any library I could have imagined as a child when I created my home library!)

I live in Sandwich with my sports-crazed husband and our two boys (currently 9 and 4 years old). When I’m not busy running from sporting event to sporting event, I love to read, go to the beach and hope to someday find the time to create some family scrapbooks!