Krista Spence has been a Library and Technology Teacher at Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School for over fifteen years. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts in World Literature and Religion, a Master of Arts in Education, and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, and has done an additional qualifications course in First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education. Krista is focused on learning about Indigenous perspectives and bringing this learning to students by hosting collaborative conversations, sharing language resources, and working to bring about reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Krista is currently a guest lecturer for the University Master’s program, and she is participating in two research studies, one about bringing Indigenous perspectives into land-based programs, and another about the appropriateness of doing 'Land Acknowledgements' or 'Thanksgiving Address' when the school gathers for assemblies.

Select links to Krista's presented works:

1. Students' Land Acknowledgement Created under Krista's Guidance
2. Krista's Poster Presentation: "Grounding Indigenous Learning in the Library and on the Land through Relationship and Reciprocity"
3. Krista's Virtual Distance Learning Story in the Canadian School Libraries Journal: "The Four Branches of Natural Curiosity Persisting through the Pandemic"
4. Krista's Webinar: "Professional Learning for Ontario Educators: Literature in Action: How Books that Center Indigenous Voices Can Enact Change in the Classroom and Beyond"

Dara Gonzales is Memphis Public Library’s (MPL) Childrens Services Coordinator who works tirelessly to increase diversity and inclusion across MPL’s 18-branch library system. She previously served as MPL’s Central Children’s Manager and graduated from Texas Woman's University in 2010 with a Master of Library Science Degree. Dara has worked as an elementary school librarian, public library director, and has been with MPL since 2018. In 2019, Dara established Rainbow Family Storytime for LGBTQIA+ families in the MPL library system and expanded MPL’s award-winning summer learning program, Explore Memphis. Dara’s current initiatives are focused on creating designated library sensory spaces for children on the autism spectrum, and developing partnerships with local chefs to provide kids with cooking and nutritional programming.