Meet the Team

As a relatively new resident of the Blue Mountains (2022), Joanne  de Visser is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Library staff and Board team and to become an active member of her new town. Libraries and books have always played a…

Kris is a retired pharmacist having worked in a number of health care environments as a hospital clinician, manager, consultant, educator and administrative executive. She has a long history of volunteerism - while working, she was very involved in…

Laurey Gillies has an extensive background in public libraries, having worked in the field for over 30 years. She has a Master’s in Library Science and was CEO of Southern Ontario Library Service for 20 years. Laurey has experience with strategic…

Marie Swift is a  semi-retired educator who lived and worked in Simcoe County for many years. After taking on the role of Teacher Librarian in an International School in Dubai, she relocated to the Town of the Blue Mountains with her husband in the…

Patricia Wright is retired Fundraising executive with experience in health care, international development, the arts and education. Prior to moving to Thornbury 8 years ago upon her retirement, she was a weekend resident for 20 years. Patricia is …

Shawn is a member of Town Council and the Council representative on the Blue Mountains Public Library Board.

Alessia went to university for Archaeology and Heritage, it was during this period that she was given the opportunity to work with the Craigleith Heritage Depot team in cataloging an extensive collection; one that took over two summers and part of a…

Ashley has been with BMPL for over 5 years. Ashley brings her experience in one-on-one tech help and passion for technology to her position. Ashley graduated from Confederation College with a Library and Information Technician Diploma in 2019. She…

Dr. Sabrina Saunders has worked in the library sector since 2007. A graduate of UWO’s MLIS, she is also an Ontario certified elementary teacher, and graduate of the Advancing Public Library Leadership Certificate through OLS and the University of…

Elisa has loved libraries ever since she won a carton of ice cream at the Saltfleet Public Library when her mom correctly guessed how many books and entered the contest in Elisa’s name. After graduating with a Master of Library and Information…

Born and raised in Meaford, Ontario, Emma has been part of The Blue Mountains Public Library team for the past decade. During this time, she has worked as a Library Assistant, the Desk Services Assistant Coordinator, and she is now our Manager of…

Franz is a graduate of Georgian College’s Executive Office Administration program, and in his current role at the L.E. Shore Library, he provides administrative support to the Library CEO and Arts and Culture Council.  No two days are alike – just…

Jamie was born in Orangeville, Dufferin Country. Her family moved to Ravenna, Grey Country in 2010. Jamie was born and raised Deaf and with Cerebral Palsy, she uses America Sign Language (ASL). Jamie attended Ernest C. Drury School of the Deaf at…

Jennifer has been with The Blue Mountains Public Library since 2018. She enjoys planning fun, exciting and educational programs for children and teens, and can often be found working on outreach programs within the local community. She loves the…

Kaylyn is a graduate of Georgian College’s Museum and Gallery Studies program and received her B.A. in Philosophy from Toronto Metropolitan University. In her current role as a Museum Intern at Craigleith Heritage Depot, she helps out with many…

Ken Haigh has lived in China, Bhutan, and on Baffin Island. His memoir of life as a teacher in eastern Bhutan, Under the Holy Lake, was published by The University of Alberta Press in 2008. Ken enjoys hiking, reading travel narratives, and playing…

Mackenzie has worked at The Blue Mountains Public Library since 2018 when she started as a volunteer. She loves reading and help manage the young adult section of the library. Mackenzie helps with teen programs like the library’s Teen Group and the…

Mary Dodge started at BMPL in December 2019 as a Library Assistant, where she helps community members with in-branch services, readers’ advisory, reference questions, and facilitates Family Storytimes. Since 2012, Mary has worked in libraries,…

Monica graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Rhetoric & Professional Writing. She then received her Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Museum Management and Curatorship. She has…

Natashia joined The Blue Mountains Public Library in June of 2020 as a Library Assistant. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Sociology at Trent University and in 2018 began working at the Meaford Public Library as…

Beverley Smith has been a professional artist since graduating from Sheridan College (The School of Design) and textile design college in Stockholm Sweden in the early 70's. She moved from Toronto to the Beaver Valley in 1980. She has become well…

Diana retired to the Blue Mountains in 2018. Her love of Arts and Culture combined with her Education led to her position as the Director and Educator of the Art Curriculum at Hillcrest Progressive School in Toronto. Although an educator by…

Gerard Bueche joined the Arts & Culture Council in October of 2022. He studied graphic art and interior design in Switzerland. He retired from a 35 year career at CBC as Creative Director. Gerard also ran Gallery 533 in Toronto for 5 years. He…

Helen's professional background is in Public Health Nursing. Following retirement, she had time to channel her energy in to areas of her own interest. As a local resident who recognizes the value of a strong community focused library, Helen was…

Sandra is an entrepreneur and has over the years owned and operated her own business. She loves to paint and has come to consider this more than just a hobby. Sandra has supported the arts and artists for over 50 years. She loves to watch the…

C. Thunder Martel moved his studio to The Blue Mountains during the Summer of 2020, when he took an early retirement from his senior position in communication and translation in public health. He bought a house and an art gallery (which is rented)…