Starting a new job can be stressful and making sure you get the right start is important. Lisa, Human Resources Associate for Kitchener Public Library, has been making sure new staff get the right start for more than 20 years.
In her role Lisa supports staff training, orientation and new staff onboarding. She is the first person new staff meet on their first day of work. It is a responsibility she takes seriously and is something she is proud to support.
“New staff orientation and onboarding is the most rewarding part of my job,” said Lisa. “Getting to spend time with new staff on their first morning, welcoming them to the library and helping them feel settled is so important.”
Born and raised in Kitchener, Lisa worked in publishing in Toronto before moving back to her hometown. Looking for a role that matched her interests Lisa dropped off her resume at Central Library.
There were no openings at the time, but staff kept her resume on file – a practice still in place today. A month later Lisa received a call to come in for an interview. It was for a part-time role with Circulation Services. “I’ve been a lifelong learner so it was a natural fit. As a child I would visit the library every week and get an arm load of books. That would keep me going until the next week.”
After a couple years she moved into a full-time role with Circulation Services. Then in 2002 she became the Human Resources Associate. It was a new role created to support staff training and development. Lisa has been in this role ever since.
Supporting staff training and development is a major part of her role. Lisa coordinates required training, develops training manuals and helps plan Kitchener Public Library’s annual professional development day - a mini-conference for all staff.
Over the years Lisa has welcomed more than 200 staff and work-placement students, supported 12 staff professional development days and helped plan innumerable staff events. She is truly grateful that she’s had the opportunity to support staff but she’s looking forward to what comes next.
After more than 30 years of service with Kitchener Public Library, Lisa will retire in June. With her sights set on travel and recreation, we wish her all the best!
Get to know Lisa!
This or That
- Fiction or non-fiction: ¾ fiction, ¼ non-fiction
- Digital or vinyl: Digital
- Coffee or tea: Used to be exclusively tea decades ago, now just the opposite
- Summer or winter: Summer – without a doubt!
- Dogs or cats: Dogs
- Night owl or early bird: Early bird
- Search the catalog or browse the stacks: I’m a browser
Favourites
- Movie: Sense and Sensibility
- Snack: Chocolate ju-jubes
- Hobby: Playing my violin
- Sports team: Toronto Argonauts
- Holiday: Christmas