The current board gave candidates an
opportunity to submit information about our candidacy.
Educational history, colleges, degrees, when, and where:
My educational journey reflects a deep commitment to learning and community engagement. I earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Utah State University in 2003 and a Master of Social Work from Boise State University in 2010. I became a social worker to serve my community, I worked as a school counselor and earned a School Social Work endorsement. I worked in child welfare, part of that time for the state. I earned a Clinical Social Work license and became a Licensed Social Work Supervisor. Then I earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Idaho State University in 2021, to address healthcare needs.
Idaho residency history. What Idaho cities have you lived in, and the years you’ve lived in those cities?
I moved to Meridian in 2005 and quickly saw the appeal of this great community. In 2010 when I married an Idaho native and Meridian has been home ever since.
Are you a registered voter in Idaho? How long have you been a registered voter?
Yes, I am a registered voter in Idaho and have been since 2012. I believe in actively participating in our democracy and make it a priority to vote in most elections.
Are you related to any employees of any of the Ada Community Library branches? Describe
No.
Are you a friend, neighbor, or associate of any of the employees of the Ada Community Library branches? Describe
As a frequent patron of the Lake Hazel Branch since moving nearby in 2010, I've developed a friendly rapport with the library staff. Our interactions have primarily been within the library setting, but I love running into them in the community.
What branches of the Ada Community Library do you use and explain how you and/or your family use the library?
The Lake Hazel Branch holds a special place for our family, it was within walking distance of our first home. We are enthusiastic users of all local library branches, even Meridian, Boise and occasionally Twin Falls (they have an impressive paperback collection but the courier doesn't ship from there, so you have to go in-person).
As a family of five avid readers we regularly check out too many books. We also appreciate the library of things, including toys, robots, educational kits, guitars, cameras, movies, and music.
Our children have benefited greatly from the preschool programs and summer reading initiatives. We've enjoyed community events like the World Music Celebration and actively support the Friends of the Library through book donations. I used the quiet study areas during my academic pursuits.
In one paragraph, share your opinion of public libraries and their place in a community or area. Getting my library card is one of the first things I do when I move to a new community. I see the library as a vital community hub where everyone can gather, learn and connect without financial barriers. How many places in your life can you spend hours with no expectation of spending money?
Explain what you believe to be the role and purpose of a library trustee. In your understanding, describe the relationship a library trustee has/should have with library staff and employees.
I believe the primary role of a library trustee is to serve as a responsible steward of the public trust, representing the interests of the taxpayer in the governance and strategic direction of the library system. Library staff and the Director have expertise in their field. In the meetings I've watched the Trustees write and review policy, make financial decisions, seek input from the Library Director. I understand they can advocate with the legislature and work closely with the Friends group as well. I understand Trustees have no role in supervising library staff and that it is important for all business to be conducted during open meetings with clear agendas. If Trustees have any interactions with library staff outside of that it should just be as a patron or on assignment from the board to learn and report back.
Explain what your understanding is of the legal duties and obligations of a library trustee.
Advocate for the library with the legislature, seek funds to support the library, learn from the Library Director about the policy needs of the library and then work together to make those policies, recruit and hire a Library Director when there is a vacancy.
In your adult life, have you been involved in any community service projects; served in any public service organizations; or been a member of any public organization in the Treasure Valley? Describe
Throughout my adult life, I have actively sought opportunities for community service and engagement. While serving as an officer in the Utah chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, I organized monthly service projects. Here in the Treasure Valley, my involvement at Casey Family Programs included participation in initiatives like Rake Up Boise and MAPP, a unique program where young writers wrote one-act plays during a week and then local actors performed them. I have also been involved in numerous local service projects coordinated through my church. I have volunteered as a medical provider at the Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic, a free clinic.
In as much detail as you want, explain why you believe you would be a useful/valuable member of the Board of Trustees.
I believe my diverse professional and personal experiences would make me a valuable asset to the Library Board of Trustees. My extensive background in social work, including over ten years in the field and experience within state government at Health and Welfare, has honed my skills in navigating complex systems, understanding policy, and working collaboratively within bureaucratic structures. My current role in the highly regulated healthcare industry further underscores my ability to interpret and adhere to policies, which I believe is crucial for responsible governance and mitigating potential liabilities for the library.
Beyond my professional qualifications, I am a deeply engaged and passionate library user. My family and I visit the library multiple times each week, and our library receipt says we have checked out forty two thousand dollars in material since they started counting. We are active participants in library programs, volunteers at events like the World Music Celebration, and consistent supporters of the Friends of the Library through book donations. This firsthand experience as a dedicated patron, coupled with my understanding of the library's vital role in our community, provides me with a unique perspective to represent the interests of fellow library users. My goal is to contribute to the continued success and positive reputation of our libraries, ensuring they remain thriving and accessible resources for everyone.
What are your thoughts on libraries hosting controversial events such as drag queen story hours?
I wouldn't want to be surprised by an event - it should be clearly advertised in advance. I don't think wearing different clothes is inherently offensive and don't have a strong opinion on libraries hosting these. The American Library Association has an interesting series of articles about how events like these support marginalized members of our community.
How would you respond to parents at a library board meeting expressing concern regarding library materials?
Since people pay taxes, it's my job to take them seriously, even if their values don't align with my personal values.
The library board is responsible to hire and evaluate the director. What criteria would you prioritize in hiring and/or evaluating a director?
I would look for someone with significant experience and who is not aiming to rock the boat. Someone with a master's degree in library science and experience managing our libraries.
How would you respond if you observed the director hiring staff based on DEI criteria or a biased political agenda?
To avoid potential legal issues, it would be important to address any hiring practices that appear to be based on inappropriate criteria.