Location

Tonganoxie, KS

Are you a

Librarian

Name of Your Library (if applicable):

Tonganoxie Public Library

Library Website:

https://tonganoxielibrary.org

About Me:

I am a previous Show Me State girl who moved to Kansas into Jayhawk nation in December 2016. Before entering into the library science field, I studied Social Psychology at Parkville University and obtained my MSW, Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I proceeded to work in the social work field for 15 + years as a Social Worker and Program Manager. Programs that I oversaw included a homeless program, services for pregnant women, private adoptions, and children/adults with severe and persistent mental illness located in St Joseph, Kansas City, and Warrensburg Missouri. Also, I wrote numerous grants for my previous employer that contributed over one million dollars toward programming and operating costs. When making the transition to the library area, I worked several Tonganoxie Public Library jobs that included Library Aide and Children/Adult programmer before being hired as the Director in September 2016. As the Director I am in charge of the day to day operations, financial responsibilities, and hiring staff. Also, I am overseeing the building of a new library project in Tonganoxie, Kansas, which consists of collaborating with local government, construction companies, architects and the community. Currently, I am obtaining my Masters in Library Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an anticipated graduation of July 2019. I feel that this degree will help me provide the best services to the community. Some of my passions include laughing, cooking, singing, reading, pugs, essential oils and “do it yourself” projects to my home. Lastly, I feel incredibly blessed to be working in a position that has been my goal for quite some time and hopes to continue this work in the coming years.