Speakers

Martin Chandler is a Data Services Librarian at McGill University, and former GIS Librarian at Brock University. He is interested in the expansion of data conception and use into non-traditional fields, and in enhancing data-related metadata.

Shannon is the Lead Customer Experience Ambassador at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, working on the front lines to develop meaningful, valuable connections with all members of the Innisfil community. She was instrumental in the creation of the Library’s teen programming portfolio, advocating for the youth in the community, and encouraging those in the Library …

Jodi is the Town of Innisfil’s Recreation Coordinator, Jodi oversees all aspects of recreation from Preschool up to the Actively Aging and a main focus on youth outreach. Jodi is a Mental Health advocate and has been providing training, support and awareness around Mental Health to various organizations, schools and community groups. Jodi is certified …

Ryan Patrick has been working with Libraries for over a decade – 2 summers as a Community Access Program student in Elgin County; followed by 8 years working for the Ontario Library Association; and 8 years with Counting Opinions. Currently, Ryan is working with Provincial, state, public and academic libraries to ensure the capture, management …

National Sales Manager for Canada with Koios. Pitocco’s experience in sales with libraries and digital marketing stretches back to 2004, when she served as the Eastern Canada Sales Executive for EBSCO. Later, she was a Sales Manager for Canada for Innovative Interfaces, Inc., working her way up to National Sales Manager during her 3-year tenure …

Sandra Sydor is the Manager of Community Engagement at the Barrie Public Library. She is responsible for leading the development and implementation of programs and outreach services. She enjoys being involved and facilitating collaborative initiatives that develop and strengthen the community by building strong partnerships with business, social agencies, schools, and community members.

The 519 is committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect.

Deborah Nelson has over 25 years of experience in Canadian publishing, having held senior positions at Prentice Hall, Ginn and Pearson Canada. She has provided change management services to support sustainable digital implementation at the school, district and provincial level across Canada.  As a principal in DKN Consulting Services, she worked with various Canadian trade …

Rina is the Executive Director of CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access. She has over 15 years of experience in public library leadership with a focus on collections, was a member of the CELA board from 2016-2019, and has played a key role advocating for improved access to digital material for libraries and their …

Susan Gropp is Manager of Security, Health & Safety for the central library system at U of T. She works with various library stakeholders to ensure a safe work and study environment for all. Susan is trained in de-escalating potentially violent situations, in mental health first aid, and in crime prevention through environmental design.

Danielle Arbour has been the Public Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton for the last 5 years. She studied Gerontology and Health Studies at McMaster University, along with a diploma in recreation therapy.  She’s worked in long term care and hospital settings, specifically on the rehab, day program, ALC and behavioural …

Kathryn Blair is Copyright Specialist at University of Waterloo’s Centre for Extended Learning. She advises on the application of copyright law and develops strategies to protect the legal interests of Waterloo, its employees, and its students. The Centre offers more than 500 online courses, including 25 fully online programs in over 40 subject areas.

Tina Maronese is Director of Communities at the Thunder Bay Public Library.  As a member of the Library’s management team, her role includes leadership in marketing, public relations, outreach, advocacy, fundraising and relationship building. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library. Tina has been with TBPL …

Rachelle DesRochers has recently transitioned from non-traditional library work in Ontario to an Information Technician role with the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Creativity Commons, a growing maker space, in Nanaimo, BC.  Rachelle is a life long learner that loves to try new things and share knowledge with others. When not at the library you can …

Steven Kraus has served Northern Ontario Public Libraries for some 15 years in a variety of capacities out of Ontario Library Service – North in Sudbury Ontario. For the majority of his career with the Ontario Library Service, Steven has been working with public library boards in areas such as board training, library governance, strategic …

Chas is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Northern Ontario Advisory Services Group in Sudbury, responsible for leading public sector advisory projects with almost 15 years of experience working in the municipal sector. Prior to joining KPMG in August 2011, Chas worked in the Northeastern Municipal Service Office with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as a …

Meighan has over a decade of municipal experience, including seven years as a County Librarian. She considers herself a passionate advocate for innovative municipal services and leadership practices. Meighan is currently the CAO at the County of Huron on Ontario’s West Coast and oversees a staff of 700+ with an annual budget of approximately 100M. Meighan …

Devan brings an impactful balance of practical public policy experience and forward thinking insight. Prior to joining Counsel, Devan served as the Senior Policy Advisor to two of Ontario’s Ministers for Municipal Affairs and Housing. In addition, Devan previously served in a similar capacity for both the Minister of Labour and the Premier of Ontario. …

A seasoned public affairs and government relations practitioner with over 20 years’ experience, Caroline’s uncommon ability to untangle complex issues and provide practical solutions gives her a competitive edge in policy development, negotiation, and strategic problem solving. Caroline’s profound understanding of the political and public policy development process stems from her work as policy advisor …

Catherine Coreno is the Account Representative for the Wolf Performance Hall at the London Public Library, where she works closely with staff and clients to produce a variety of events in the Hall and throughout the Library. Previously she worked as an Events Coordinator at The Walrus and as a Communications and Marketing Assistant at …

“Victoria “Tori” Levang received her Master of Library and Information Science from Western University in June 2019. She currently works as a Library Technician at the St. Clair College Library Resource Centre, as well as a Supply Library Service Representative at Windsor Public Library. Previously, she worked as a Co-op student at the University of …

Vivian Lewis has served as University Librarian at McMaster University since 2013. Vivian holds a M.A. from York University and a M.L.S. from the University of Toronto. She is a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Academic Librarians and a fellow of the Frye Leadership Institute and the ARL Research Library Leadership Fellows program. Vivian …

Wendy Hicks is the Director of Public Service at Stratford Public Library. After starting her career as a reference librarian, she has gathered expertise in other areas, including administration, public service, collection management, human resources and outcome-based planning. Projects she manages have been honoured with federal and provincial awards and exposure through the ALA e-learning …

Whitney is the Pokemon GO Master of our Library staff. She also happens to be the Children’s and Youth Programs Coordinator. She is responsible for manning the Children’s and Youth department in addition to class visits and programs where you can often hear her bringing characters to life through her voice-acting skills. In her spare …

Zahra Premji is an early-career Research and Learning Librarian at the Business Library, University of Calgary. She has previous experience as a health sciences librarian. Her current areas of interest and research include development of active-learning instructional sessions, gamification, and knowledge synthesis methodologies. She holds a MLIS from University of Alberta (2016), and a PhD …

Zarena Cassar is a Branch Manager at Brampton Library. From working on expanding Brampton Library’s after hours study spaces to implementing creative ways to address customer needs, her focus is on creating great experiences for both staff and customers. Zarena began her career in 2012 in Children & Youth Services. She has worked at both …

Zile Ozols is a sci/fi horror reader, house builder, maker, and the Manager of Programming and Outreach at Brantford Public Library. She oversees all programs and develops partnerships with community organizations. Starting her career in an independent public library in Quebec, shaped her understanding of libraries as institutions for empowering individuals and increasing community resilience. …

Suzanne McLean has been working at the Circulation Desk of the Collingwood Public Library for the last two years. She has always been a keen library user, and found that when she moved to Collingwood, the public library was a supportive and welcoming space to meet new people and to foster a love of reading …