Grant Instructor Jaymie Rietmann:
We have a new instructor, Jaymie! She comes to us after leaving a 10+ year career in corporate training. Jaymie and her husband have been long-time weekenders in Smiths Ferry and made the transition to full-time residents in spring of 2022. She studied at University of Phoenix to achieve a Bachelors in Business Management and later obtained her Masters in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State University. She looks forward to drawing on her experience to help expand library services. Bonus – after years of providing instruction to adults she is excited to get back to her roots and support children (her first job was in a daycare!). In Jaymie’s spare time – she enjoys rafting, home improvement projects, traveling, reading, and hanging out with family, friends including her dog Shelbi.
Library Clerk and Grant Instructor Cris Llewellyn:
Cristina Llewellyn recently joined the Cascade Library team as a Library Clerk and instructor for PreK through Grade 4. She obtained her Early Childhood Education degree from Honolulu Community College and had taught at various private and public schools throughout Oahu, Hawaii. The majority of her career had been at Head Start working with young children and their families. Cristina enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and furry family members Bear and Cookie.
Library Clerk Janny Chappell:
Janny has worked for the Cascade Public Library as a clerk on and off since 2019. After working in the corporate world for over 40 years, she loves her part-time retirement job working at the library with books and being able to greet the public when they stop in. She has lived in Idaho for nearly 30 years, but was born & raised in Colorado and has always embraced the diversity in the 4 seasons of mountain living. Janny loves the outdoors and also just hanging at home with her dog Hank and simply cooking healthy dishes, planting flowers or learning something new with a good “how to” book from the library.
Library Clerk Leslie Martin:
Leslie retired from The City of San Jose after 15 years of service in August of 2022. She worked all 15 years in Environmental Services Department supporting staff in an administrative role. Leslie grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains and lived in Santa Cruz for 5 years following graduation from high school. She has a 25 year old son who lives in Boise. Leslie moved to Cascade in November of 2022 and has been enjoying the beauty of Cascade and its four seasons. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t appreciate the stunning scenery and all the different animals she sees. Her boyfriend is teaching her the art of fly fishing which she loves, so many beautiful rivers to float or stand in and fish! Hiking is another hobby Leslie enjoys and what better place than Idaho to hike!
Library Clerk Marilyn Griggs:
Marilyn Griggs has worked part time at Cascade Public Library since July 2021. She started on the Circulation Desk, and has expanded her duties to include financial responsibilities like submitting bills for payment, and tracking grant expenditures. She has a background in accounting. Marilyn is a native Idahoan, and enjoys kayaking, hiking, snow shoeing, hand quilting, and of course, reading.
Library Director Maria Guest:
We have a new Library Director, Maria Guest! She comes to us from the Cascade School District, West Ada School District and retail industry. Maria moved to Cascade 3 years ago to live the small town life with her husband and two daughters. She studied at San Francisco State University to achieve a B.A. in English, a certificate in Human Resource Management and later obtained her Idaho Certification for K-8 Elementary Teaching from American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. She is currently attending the University of Alabama’s Master’s Program in Library Science online. In Maria’s spare time – she enjoys reading, fishing, camping, shooting pool, playing scrabble, hanging out with family, friends, and her cat Luffy.
Volunteer instructor Chris Bentley:
Chris moved to Cascade last winter to be the Cascade District Ranger on the Boise National Forest. He has worked for the U.S. Forest Service in a variety of roles ranging from digital storyteller, graphic designer, program manager, and public affairs officer. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he grew up and later received his Masters in Public Affairs from Indiana University in Bloomington. In his spare time he loves running, cycling and hiking as well as reading and writing. His second book—Moments of Joy— just came out this month.