A Buffalo native, Annie moved back to western New York in 2017. Before that she was teaching preschool at a Nature Explore program in Nebraska where they used nature-based learning and outdoor play as part of their core curriculum. She loves integrating art and nature with early childhood learning. Annie has 6 children and enjoys painting, exploring outside with her kiddos and reading, of course!

Colleen has several years of experience as a NYS certified Special Education and Reading teacher for grades K-8. In addition, working as a writer and editor of nonfiction books, she has enjoyed creating stories that spark interest in young readers. Colleen has worked with nonprofit organizations to promote early childhood literacy in local communities. Teaching children about the joy of reading has been a common theme throughout her career.

Julianna aka "Miss JZ" is an aDORKable math enthusiast who was born and raised in Amherst, NY. For over 15 years, she has been creating and implementing creative 'out of school' programming for all ages. In her free time she loves playing football, hockey and volunteering for the Amherst Youth Foundation Middle School Activity Nights.

Julie has been teaching English at Orchard Park High School for 16 years, specializing in Drama and AP Literature. She is an avid reader who believes that a curious child is a child who succeeds, something she has instilled in both her students and her own children. Her hobbies include cooking, running, traveling, and rooting for the Boston Red Sox.

Dave's first book, What’s Under That Rock, Papa? incorporates his understanding of backyard nature and his close relationship with his grandchildren. His understanding of backyard nature leads both children and adults on a journey of self discovery and insight. In addition to teaching environmental science for thirty-four years, he is a sustainability and environmental consultant, leadership trainer and business facilitator.

For over 30 years, Patty has been teaching and sharing her joy of learning with children of all ages. She is a certified pre-k-6th grade & special education teacher who has recently retired. Patty is happy to be a part of the MSMD team where she continues to spread her love of reading, nature and gardening. She enjoys travel and having fun with her family and new puppy!

Matt Chandler is a freelance writer, former newspaper editor, frequent public speaker, and author of more than 20 books for children. Over the last 20 years he has authored more than 3,000 articles. His work has appeared in both daily and weekly newspapers as well as regional and national magazines. His work as a columnist and feature writer has earned him six New York Press Association awards.

Gina Brunner is an elementary school teacher who has been teaching the 4th grade in the Lancaster School district since 2001. She and her husband are graduates of Clarence High School and continue to reside in the town of Clarence where they are raising their five children.

Linda Dugan is a life long artist and teacher, and she loves to share the creative process with children and adults in group classes, private lessons, and summer garden painting parties. She holds a BFA and is a NY State Certified Teacher.

Jennifer served as Shea’s Education Program Coordinator for over 5 years and was recently named Senior Education Associate. Prior to Shea’s she was the Arts & Education Coordinator for the Kenan Center in Lockport. She holds an MFA(Acting) from Purdue University & a BFA (Performance) from SUNY Fredonia. Jennifer has experience in several performing arts organizations, as well as an actress. She regularly visits schools for arts workshops in grades K-12.

Linda is a recently retired preschool teacher (3-4 year old class), but also spent 7 years teaching elementary school. Reading is one of my favorite activities and I really enjoy encouraging and passing on that love to children. There is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book and exploring new worlds with a little learner! I am looking forward to a wonderful week of stories, games and laughs.

WNY raised and educated, Kelly is a NYS certified English Language Arts teacher who taught for 12 years at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda. She is currently assisting in a sixth grade classroom at Buffalo Public School #32, Bennett Park Montessori Center. In addition to having a great love for travel, Kelly enjoys reading historical fiction, collecting maps, baking sweet treats, and working on her handmade button artwork. She resides in West Amherst with her husband and daughter.

My name is Lauren Schroder and I am a kindergarten teacher in Grand Island. I have been teaching for five years. I enjoy working with children and helping each child grow and develop to reach his/her fullest potential. I love to share my passion for reading and help children develop their own love for reading and learning.

Amy Smith

Kari Webster has 3 degrees from Niagara University: B.S in Early Childhood (Birth-2), Childhood Education (1-6), & Master’s in Literacy, Birth – Grade 12. She has taught Grades 5 – 8 ELA & Literature as the ELA Specialist at St. Mary’s Swormville for 3 years; prior to that Grades K, 3, 4, & 5 in Buffalo Public Schools. She believes that “every child deserves a champion” to help build them up & make them the best that they can be. She and her husband reside in Lockport w/ their son and crazy dog.

With a BS from UB and a Masters from D'Youville, Kim began her professional career in healthcare and worked for local healthcare providers. Kim chose to leave the corporate world with the birth of her children. Kim began forming ideas for a children's business that would inspire creativity. In June 2009, Kim opened MSMD with her mother to foster a love of reading, spark imagination & curiosity, encourage independent thinking and promote active, healthy lifestyles for children of all ages.

My passion is to read a great Mystery, especially Historical Mysteries. It is always a challenge to solve the case before the detective explains what happened at the end. I also love to hear our customers talk about their favorite authors and books. It is so rewarding when they recommend a book that inspired them both physically and emotionally. Besides belonging to three book clubs, I relax by knitting, gardening, and canoeing. I usually work Friday afternoons, so stop by to chat!

I usually work Tuesday afternoons. My main interest is finding and recommending good reads for adults & book clubs, and I love talking to customers & friends about their favorite (and not-so-favorite!) books. It is my great pleasure to work with our friendly staff where our main goal has always been to go the extra mile to help our customers find the perfect book! In addition to working at the bookstore, I volunteer for several groups, book clubs & Habitat for Humanity.

Kathy Witter was a librarian and classroom teacher for over 35 years. She received a B.S. in Education and a Master’s Degree in Library Science, both from the State University College at Geneseo. She retired from Lindbergh School in Kenmore in June of 2012 and began working at the bookstore three months later. Her passion is connecting readers with books that are “just right” for their ability and interests.

She works Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and assists with school business.