PLIX is delighted to announce our first-ever cohort of PLIX Creative Learning Ambassadors!
This group shares our passion for hands-on creative learning programming and a keen desire to spread their love of what PLIX is doing. Together, we will build a network of library professionals who advocate for PLIX and creative learning in communities, library systems, and libraries across the United States. Ambassadors will take on a leadership role in local communities as well as online in our Community of Practice.
With great pride and excitement, we introduce them to you:
😻
Alan LyLead Librarian
on forum:AlanSalt Lake City Public Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
👽
Alessandra (Allie) AffinitoSenior Children's Librarian
on forum:aaffinitoNew York Public Library
Chatham Sq. Branch (Chinatown)
New York, New York
🤠
Amanda GeskeChildren's & Teen Services Librarian
on forum:amanda.geskeSaint Paul Public Library
St. Paul, Minnesota
🎖️
Athanasia (Athy) FitosBranch Manager/Librarian
on forum:athyfitosKendale Lakes Branch
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Miami-Dade, Florida
🤣
Carine GreeneLibrary Assistant
on forum:CarineCora J. Belden Library
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
🎖️
Chris Dorman STEM Librarian
on forum:Chris_DormanMaine State Library
Augusta, Maine
🎖️
Christopher KyaukCoordinator of Innovation and Cultivation
on forum:ckyaukAlameda County Library
Fremont, California
👌
Clara OrtegaAdult Services Coordinator
on forum:ClaraelizaColumbus-Lowndes Public Library System
Columbus, Mississippi
🎖️
Cora Schaeff
Director
on forum: cschaeffLeelanau Township Library
Northport, Michigan
🤘
Dave Fink
Youth Services Librarian
on forum:Dave
Michigan City Public Library
Michigan City, Indiana
🤩
Francesca Passiglia
Teen Librarian, future Maker Space Librarian
on forum:FrancescaGreenfield Public Library
Greenfield, Massachusetts
🎖️
Hope DeckerDirector
on forum:Hope_DeckerWayland Free Library Gunlocke Memorial
Wayland, New York
❤️
Jacqui VialeLibrary Assistant
on forum:JacquiVLong Beach Public Library
Long Beach, California
🐼
Jennifer McCulley
Youth Services Coordinator
on forum:jmcculley
McPherson Public Library
McPherson, Kansas
👩🏾🌾
Keisha ParksYouth Services Librarian
on forum: bibliosongburd007Cleveland Bradley Co. Public Library
Cleveland, Tennessee
🎖️
Lisa Lewis
Library Services Manager
on forum:LisaLewis
Show Low Public Library
Show Low, Arizona
🎖️
Mary GazdikExecutive Director
on forum:mgazdikMiddletown Free Library
Media, Pennsylvania
🐍
Melissa Sprenne
MakerSpace Facilitator and Supervisor
on forum:LissaMonsterRichland Library Ballentine
Irmo, South Carolina
🐸
Rebecca Ballard Children's Librarian
on forum:RebeccaSunshineOconee County Library, Athens Regional Library System
Watkinsville, Georgia
🎖️
Renaté Elliott Accessibility Services Supervisor
on forum:Renate_ElliottCobb County Public Library
Charles D. Switzer Branch
Marietta, Georgia
⛸️
Sam Lucius Digital Services Librarian
on forum:sslucius08Wiggin Memorial Library
Stratham, New Hampshire
🌻
Sami Kerzel Community Librarian
on forum:sami.kerzelDeschutes Public Library
Sunriver, Oregon
🎖️
Sammie BetlerAssistant Director
on forum:Sammie_BetlerCasey County Public Library
Liberty, Kentucky
🙃
Sasha NeriLibrarian III / Makerspace Coordinator
on forum:SashaNChicago Public Library
Chicago, Illinois
🎖️
Tara Thomas Children's Librarian
on forum:dclibrarianDC Public Library
MLK Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
The 25 Ambassadors represent a wide range of library professionals—in the roles they perform, the size and setting of their libraries (some tiny rural branches, others huge urban systems), and the depth of experience in librarianship and/or STEM topics.
You’ll be seeing the Ambassadors co-facilitating offerings from PLIX— online courses, community meetings and workshops—and conducting professional development workshops for their library systems or regions. They’ll join us in introducing peers to the PLIX approach and PLIX Activities.
The Ambassadors program is made possible with funding from the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
