Fostering Diversity in Children's Storytimes

Discover how the Osceola Library System actively includes diverse and inclusive literature and themes in storytimes, helping to foster empathy and cultural awareness in our youngest patrons. Gain insights into selecting titles, addressing concerns from parents, and creating a welcoming environment that reflects our community's varied experiences.

Speakers:

Lisa Jones
Youth Services Manager
Osceola Library System
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Lisa taught elementary school for a total of 25 years after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Monmouth University in New Jersey. She has taught preschool to 4th grade and tutored students of all ages outside of school. Lisa graduated in 2009 with a Master's in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. Prior to becoming the Youth Services Manager, Lisa was the Youth Services Librarian at the West Osceola Library for 6 years. 

Elizabeth Correale
Youth Specialist
Osceola Library System
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Liz Correale received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Science in Special Education with an annotation for severe and multiple disabilities.  While Liz taught special education preschool for two years, she truly found her passion after joining the Poinciana Library staff in September of 2021. 

Kaitlin Martinelli
Youth Services Librarian
Osceola Library System
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Kaitie has degrees in both History and Library Sciences from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Her work and internship experiences include The Library of Congress, The Smithsonian and The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. An avid history buff and Anglophile, her historical idols include Queen Anne Boleyn and Sir Winston Churchill. 

Sharmel Bhiro (Librarian Intern)
Osceola Library System
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Sharmel has been working with children and families since 2015. After completing her education as an Early Childhood Educator, she then went on to obtain her Honors Bachelor in Child Development at from Seneca College in Ontario, Canada. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Library and Information Science at Florida State University! Sharmel has great experience with ages ranging from birth to grade school. She loves to sing, dance, and most importantly have fun! Her favorite author is Mo Willems and loves “Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”

Rachel Morrison
Youth Specialist
Osceola Library System
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Rachel has eight years of experience teaching children of all ages. After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, she went on to obtain her Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing. She is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Library Science. When Miss Rachel isn’t at the library, you can find her munching on fun treats and meeting her favorite characters at Disney.

Track:

Youth Services