I never grew out of loving children's and teen literature, so I made a career out of it. After earning my MLIS from San Jose State University in 2006, I began my professional career as a children's librarian, and transitioned to teen services in 2009. I love what I do as the Teen Services Librarian at the Mission Viejo Library. In addition to serving on the adult and children's reference desks, I select all YA materials for the library's collection, host events for young adults such as an anime festival and visits with popular teen authors, and help coordinate the annual Mission Viejo Readers' Festival. My favorite part of working with young readers is the opportunity to connect them with books they'll love. I am passionate about advocating for pleasure reading. I want teens to be excited about books, and want them to see the library as a place where they can explore their interests.

A member of CLA, ALA, and YALSA, I am actively involved in the profession. Over the past year, I chaired the 2012 YALSA Conference Marketing and Local Arrangements Committee and started writing for YALSA's YA literature blog, The Hub. I also review books and apps for School Library Journal. My enthusiasm for children's and teen books spills over into my personal pursuits, too: I co-host Authors are ROCKSTARS!, a YA lit podcast featuring author interviews, and blog about youth literature and librarianship at Reading Everywhere.

I'm also the mom of two small and very energetic children. My husband and I love to discover new restaurants whenever we have the chance (and a babysitter!). I take ballet classes. I taught English in a small city in the Japanese countryside as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) over a decade ago, and I stay engaged with that experience through my local JET Alumni Association chapter.

I am so excited about the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by participating in the Eureka! Leadership Program. Having found my footing during my first five years of librarianship, I seek to exchange ideas with other librarians who are motivated about our profession, be inspired, and develop my leadership potential as I look toward the future of my career.