Experienced and evidence-based

events

Wow. You are easily the best presenter I have heard through one of these webinars. I appreciate your information a great deal, but I appreciate your thorough research and preparation even more. . . . I learned things I’ll use immediately!

Susie D., High School Librarian

/ Webinar Attendee

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

what I offer

With hands-on experience as a youth services librarian, publishing freelancer (editor, book reviewer, and journalist), and author, I have an intersectional perspective on the book world. For over ten years, I have shared my experience in conference talks, webinars, and workshops, providing attendees with a thorough grounding in the most up-to-date research on a topic, plus practical strategies they can implement right away. I also design dynamic, engaging school and library visits for middle and high school readers and writers. Explore the list of programs below or contact me to create the perfect event for your organization.

my values

As a librarian and journalist, I have a passion for lifelong learning, literacy, and evidence-based practice. Attendees at all of my events can expect professional respect and approachability and content grounded in factual, cited research. I expressly welcome attendees from marginalized communities and will not work with any group that excludes or discriminates against people on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, or socioeconomic class.

programs

Access and Agency: Welcoming the Disabled Community at Public Libraries

From Sensory Storytimes to Disability Justice Book Clubs, libraries around the country push beyond the basics of ADA compliance to welcome disabled patrons at the library. But how do these libraries reach disabled library users and determine their information needs? In this webinar or conference talk, I share best practices and lessons-learned from proactive library systems around the country. I also recommend a framework for developing library services that empower the disabled community to engage with the public library, crafted both from my research and from my lived experience as a disabled librarian and library-lover. (60 min)

Adult Writing Workshop

In person or via webinar, I offer 45-90 minute workshops on the following topics:
‣ Creating Stories that Matter: What Storytelling Science Can Teach Us About Writing and/or Illustrating Books;
‣ Organic Pacing for Novelists: Practical Strategies for Planning and Revision Based on Oral Storytelling Techniques and the Unique Needs of Your Book;
‣ From Fanfic to Feature: Mining Your Fanfic Inspiration to Create an Original, Saleable Project (Short Story, Novel, Graphic Novel/Comic, Screenplay, or TV Pilot); and

‣ Strengthening Voice in Narration and Illustration: Practical strategies for creating a consistent, distinctive voice for your book.

Youth Writing Workshop

In hands-on Creative Writing workshops for grades 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12, I break down the storytelling process into manageable chunks, using age-appropriate strategies to help young writers brainstorm, plan, and begin prose or poetry projects that inspire them. Length and format depend on the age of participants but can range from 30 min. for elementary schoolers to up to 90 minutes for advanced high school writers.

Why We Should Let Kids Choose Their Own Books (and How to Explain This to Parents)

Offered as either a webinar or in-person presentation, this talk for librarians and educators shares foundational research on reading choice and its effect on literacy development. I share a broad look at up-to-date education scholarship as well as a focused look at hot-button topics, including graphic novels, comics, audiobooks, and “inappropriate” books. The talk concludes with a look at best practices for communicating this research to skeptical parents and how parental support of a child’s intellectual freedom can benefit the child’s psychological development and healthy decision-making. (60-90 min.)

Careers in the Arts

As an professional author with a music degree and keen interest in theatre and the visual arts, I never take for granted that I earn my living from the arts. In this interactive presentation for high schoolers with an interest in the arts, I introduce questions and considerations to help students probe their interest in arts careers and plan for a solid and realistic foundation upon which to build that career. We will discuss university arts programs, “artrepreneurship,” and how to set your own definition of success. There will also be time for Q&A. Students will leave the workshop with a reflective questionnaire to help decide whether their ideal future includes the arts as a passionate hobby or a professional career–both wonderful options! (45-60 min.)

Reasons to Hate Me Book Tour Stops

Beginning September 2025, I will be visiting schools, libraries, and bookstores to present programs related to my debut YA Contemporary novel. With themes of theatre, neurodiversity, disability justice, mental health, consent, and self-expression, opportunities for seasonal and curriculum tie-ins abound. (Time varies.)

experienced & evidence-based education

I have been presenting conference talks since 2011 and children’s and adolescent programs since 2007. Reach out to learn more about what I can offer to you and your organization. I calculate rates on a case by case basis to ensure the lowest possible cost for you.

Get in touch

I’m happy to tailor programs for your specific needs or to provide one of the exact programs described on this site. Fill in the form, and I’ll get back to you with more information!

Having trouble with the form?

Email me directly at [email protected]. Please include the following information:

‣ Your name, organization, and zip code

‣ Desired program and length

‣ Date(s) or approx. time frame