Meet the newly created IDEA Squad—which stands for Inspire, Design, Execute, Amplify. This team of librarians and other industry experts is reimagining how libraries connect with their communities by leveraging the joint power of physical and digital resources. Watch for their creative ideas, which will be shared online through blog posts, social media posts, articles, webinars, and in?person presentations.

Alyssa Krob

Alyssa Krob is the Digital Resources Librarian for Beaufort County Library in South Carolina. Born and raised in Beaufort, she works in the same library she frequented as a child. She has worked at BCL for nearly ten years in multiple roles including circulation, reference, and as a teen services librarian. Along with being an avid reader, Alyssa is a published author of two short stories and working on more.

Heather He Siewert

Heather He Siewert is currently the Librarian II – Literacy and Readers’ Advisory with the Vaughan Public Libraries in the Greater Toronto Area. She connects readers and writers in the endless space of imagination and creation through words in all forms. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, a regular swimmer, and an aspiring scribbler.

Katherine Heebsh

Katie is the Marketing Specialist for Audiobooks for Hoopla Digital. Previously, she worked at Toledo Lucas County Public Library as a children’s librarian delivering storytimes, helping homeschooling families, and crafting with glitter as much as she could. Her superpower was being able to match books to patrons based on some of their past favorites, and now she gets to do it in a larger scale in the Hoopla app. In her down time, Katie can be found outside exploring the woods or getting her hands dirty in her garden.

Kevin King

Kevin is Hoopla Digital’s Library Solutions Strategist, partnering with libraries to develop exceptional digital services for their communities. He brings nearly 30 years of public library experience, with expertise in innovation, strategic planning, organizational health, and leadership.

Previously, Kevin served as Director of the East Lansing (MI) Public Library, and before that held a variety of roles at the Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the profession by serving on numerous ALA, PLA, and Michigan Library Association (MLA) committees, including multiple ALA Conference Committees, the PLA Conference Committee, and the MLA Board.

LaTrisha Milton

LaTrisha is the Youth and Family Services Manager for the Houston Public Library System. She has over 20 years of experience in public libraries, having worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System (Baton Rouge, La) and the Enoch Pratt Free Library (Baltimore, Md.). She has worked in several capacities throughout her career including on many youth related programs and special initiatives such as One Book Baltimore, One Houston One Book, Read to the Final Four and more. Her passions include community outreach, working with teens and exposing young people to experiences they otherwise would not have. She is passionate about building community and assisting with the equipping of the youth who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Rosie Francis

Rosie is the Teen Services Coordinator for the Houston Public Library. She has worked in libraries and prior to that in publishing. In her role as the teen services coordinator, she creates and organizes systemwide programs to engage the teen audience including Teen Advisory Clubs, author events, and festivals. She is also passionate about STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) programs and is always on the lookout for ways to engage patrons with innovative happenings in the various STEM fields through programs at neighborhood libraries and systemwide festivals.

Sue Ford

Sue Ford has been Head of Children’s Services at New Milford Public Library in Connecticut since 1988, bringing over 37 years of expertise and dedication to the community. In her role, Sue has developed a wide range of programs that nurture a love of reading and learning, including imaginative storytimes, hands-on educational activities, and family events that foster curiosity and connection. Her award-winning contributions to children’s programming have earned her recognition as a trusted advocate for early literacy and lifelong learning, making her an invaluable resource for families and a passionate leader in library services.

Storm Hawthorn

Storm is the Teen Services & Schools Liaison Librarian at the East Lansing Public Library in Michigan. She has over 13 years of experience working in public libraries, with a strong focus on youth programming. She is passionate about creating engaging and insightful programs that connect with young audiences. A creative marketer, Storm, went viral on #BookTok, showcasing her innovative approach to outreach and community engagement. Her work reflects a deep commitment to making libraries vibrant, welcoming spaces for all.