How long have you been at NASH and the district as a whole?

I have been the full-time library secretary at NASH since January but have worked for NA since 2017.

What kinds of careers did you have before you landed in the NASH library?

I was an attorney for eight years, a legal recruiter for three years, a parent (still), a special education assistant, and a substitute library secretary.

What is your favorite part of working at NASH?

I really like interacting with students and helping them find books.  I also love working with Ms. Wienand and Ms. Vora – they are so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.

What are your goals for the library?

To help it continue to be a positive place for students to come not just for books and classes but to hang out and have fun.

What is the best book you have read this year?

Twice by Mitch Albom.  The main character has the unique ability to have one do-over in any situation by saying the word “Twice.”  This allows him to have a second chance at a conversation that went badly or to make a different choice.  This has a huge impact on his life and relationships. I thought it was so interesting to think about how second chances like that would impact a person and if I would want that.

How do you keep a good work-life balance?

Having kids in college and high school has made it easier for me to have balance.  I have time in the evenings/weekends for myself so I try to do things that I like (reading, walking, golfing, etc). I have very good balance in this job.

What would your teenage self think of your career path and choices?

She would be surprised at the different jobs I have had since high school and college and that I moved to Pittsburgh (from Rochester, New York). She would also like the fact that I am working in a library because going to the public library with my Mom and leaving with a huge stack of books is a core memory for me.

Would you rather someone to never return a library book, or have them return it in shambles?

Definitely return it!  There’s a lot we can do to repair books.

How do you think changes (like adding puzzles and the craft cart) have helped students? And whose idea was it?

Students really seem to like having things like puzzles and crafts to do – those activities can help them to relax and have fun with friends. We also have a bunch of board games in the library. I love seeing students playing Connect Four and Uno! We’re always looking for suggestions for ways to expand what we have for students. This was Ms. Wienand’s idea and a great one.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Everyone is on a different path and has a different purpose – don’t compare yourself to other people.

What are the pros and cons of sharing a school building with your daughter?

I like it a lot, even though we don’t see each other much during the day. A pro is that I have a chance to see her and her friends on occasion, which is fun for me.  A con is that I end up carrying a lot of extra stuff into the building with me (ha ha).