Gwen Kaplan, President
Gwen Kaplan is a Middle & High School Librarian at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School. As an undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, she was interested in so many different topics that she realized the library was the place to be! Since that time, she has worked in various independent schools, serving students from Nursery through 12th grade.
In addition to her MSLIS and School Library Certification from Drexel University, she has also recently completed an M.A. in American History through the Gilder Lehrman Institute program. This experience was both challenging and delightful, and deepened her empathy for every student up against a deadline!
She struggles to answer questions about her “favorite” books, but has recently been on a science fiction kick after years of reading murder mysteries. Otherwise, she tries to get outside for hikes and adventures in the summer, and stay indoors with a fireplace and board games in the winter – baking is a year-round passion.
Emily Gundlach, Co-Vice President
Emily Gundlach is a PreK-8th grade librarian at Grace Church School. She has a BA in Film and Media Studies and picked up a Masters in Education and Special Education before realizing her true calling required an MLIS, which was subsequently obtained from CUNY Queens College.
When she’s not bustling around her sunny library or laughing at kids’ jokes, she enjoys meandering walks and conversations, exploring the city’s indie bookstores and movie theaters, reading at bars, and planning her next trip—all activities that can (and have been) done with ice cream in hand.
Mimi Stauber, Co-Vice President
Mimi Stauber is a Lower School Librarian at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, where she teaches students in grades 2–4. She is a proud Northwestern Wildcat, Mimi earned her undergraduate degree in Theatre before going on to receive a Master’s in Theatre Education from NYU. For many years, she taught drama and directed student productions at independent schools across New York City, working primarily with middle and high school students in acting and stagecraft.
A mid-life career pivot inspired Mimi to pursue a second master’s degree in Library Science at Queens College, leading her to the rewarding world of elementary librarianship. She finds great joy in working with younger students who often have more time to read for pleasure and engage deeply with books.
Outside of work, Mimi enjoys all kinds of word games, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and taking long walks through Green-Wood Cemetery. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.
Zoey, Membership & Financial Coordinator
Zoey currently works as an Archivist and Library Circulation Assistant in a school library. She graduated from the University of Maryland with her MLIS Degree. A midwesterner at heart, Zoey moved to NYC with her husband to live out her “city girl” dreams. When not reading about a dystopian future you might find her trying a new Korean restaurant.
Natasha Goldberg, Secretary
Natasha is a graduate of Columbia College of Columbia University, as well as the Palmer School of Information Science. She was originally a software developer before beginning her library career at the Brooklyn Heights branch of BPL as a Juvenile Specialist.
She currently works her dream job working with grades 4-7 as a middle school librarian. A lifelong learner, Natasha studies drawing and painting at Art Students League. When she’s not collaborating with colleagues and students, she can be found at any piano taking requests.
Tatum Cordy, Communications
Tatum received her MLIS from Pratt Institute, where she found her calling working with students in elementary and middle schools. While pursuing her master’s, Tatum joined HVLA as a student and found a community of intelligent, kind, and hard-working librarians.
Tatum currently works as a Lower and Middle School Associate Librarian at an all girl’s school (girl power!). Her favorite book from summer vacation was Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Her favorite book to recommend to students is The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy. When not creating spreadsheets or reading, Tatum can be found running and biking in central park while listening to audiobooks.