NELA is pleased to announce the 2023 NELLS Mentors! 

Mentors are selected by each individual state association with a goal of fostering relationships with cohort attendees, and to provide a connection back to state associations after the conclusion of NELLS for additional learning and leadership opportunities. This year's mentors are experienced, dedicated professionals with a wealth of knowledge that will surely enrich the cohort's experience.

CT | MA | ME | NH | RI | VT | Sponsors

CT - Scott R. Brill has worked in the library field since 2005 and was a participant in NELLS in 2017. He has worked as a Circulation Assistant, Children’s Library Assistant, and Circulation Supervisor and has been the Director of the Derby Public Library in Derby, CT since December, 2021. Scott attained his MLIS from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he was selected by the faculty as the student commencement speaker for the LIS program. Scott also has a BA in Political Science from Gettysburg College and a MA in Theatre from Emerson College in Boston. Scott is a Past Treasurer of CLA and is currently the CLA Conference Co-Chair. Scott attends the National Crossword Puzzle Tournament each year, enjoys playing tennis and was a contestant on Jeopardy! in 2013. Scott lives in Westport with his husband, Kevin and their 6 (!) rescue cats.

MA - Nora Blake has been working in libraries for nearly 30 years. She has worked on the Vermont Newspaper Project and been a Serials Copy Cataloger at MIT. For 15 years Nora was the Manager of the statewide shared network in Massachusetts called MassCat and was the Director of the Easthampton Public Library for more than 6 years. Nora is currently the Director of Library Services at Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts.

ME - Ben Treat has been the director of the Bangor Public Library since May 2018. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Libraries at University of Maine at Augusta. Prior to that he served in various roles at academic and public libraries including extended full-time roles as the reference, instruction, serials, and electronic resources librarian at Franklin Pierce University and a reference librarian at Boston Public Library. In the latter position, his most memorable question was asked over the phone: "I have just had a terrible argument with my very good friend, and I need you to settle something for us. If wheat bread is made from wheat, then what is white bread made from?" The answer will shock you.

NH - Amy Lappin is the Deputy Director of the Lebanon Public Libraries. She has also worked as an archivist, school librarian, and a children's librarian in a public library. She has truly never had a job in libraries that she hasn't loved! Amy is a past president of the New Hampshire Library Association and a past president of the Children's Librarians of NH. She currently serves as the NH Chapter Councilor to the American Library Association and is a member of both the NHLA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and the NHLA Bylaws Committee. Amy has a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MLIS from the University of Rhode Island.

RI - Kieran Ayton is the Electronic Resources and Technology Librarian at Rhode Island College. He manages all online library resources, including the library website, the integrated library system and electronic resources to enhance discovery and access. He is also the library liaison to the School of Education and ESL programs. Kieran's personal interests include yoga, Qi Gong, and energy work, such as Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy.

VT - Margaret Woodruff has been the Director of the Charlotte Public Library in VT for over 19 years. She previously served as the Youth Services Librarian at the same institution for seven years. Margaret has an MA in Japanese Cultural History from Harvard University and a BA in History/Asian Studies from Swarthmore.

Thank you to our generous 2023 sponsors!