Kirsten Iversen is a strategic leader and lifelong learner who believes access to knowledge should be easy, equitable, and available to everyone. As an avid user of the library’s digital services, she regularly checks out audiobooks and eBooks through the app, appreciating how the library makes it possible to learn and explore without barriers.

Professionally, Kirsten is a Lean Business Management Consultant with a background in process improvement, customer experience, and systems design. She brings a structured yet people-centered approach to her work and sees her role on the Friends of the Library Board as a way to apply those same principles in service of her local community.

Christina joined the Friends earlier this year saying: "Although I grew up in San Diego, I’m relatively new to the La Mesa community, having moved here in 2019. I immediately fell in love with La Mesa’s small-town feel. As a lifelong book lover, I was just starting to seek out volunteer opportunities when I came across an opening with the Friends of the Library. It felt like a perfect opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to serve as Secretary and eager to support the Board in any way I can!"

Although Sheila jokes that she never quite figured out what she wanted to do when she grew up, books have been a common theme throughout her life. She read so much as a kid that her mom suggested she go out and play once in a while! Some of the work Sheila's most proud of includes reading and reviewing books for a catalog for 12 wonderful years and working with other parents to start an annual Book Swap at her sons’ elementary school. After she retired, Sheila gravitated to the Friends Bookstore where she truly enjoys meeting other book lovers in such an inclusive and welcoming space. Her favorite gig so far is working with Diane as Co-Managers of the bookstore. Sheila knows first hand the fabulous, hard-working, fun volunteers who are a joy to work with both in the bookstore and during our recent Barnes & Noble fundraiser. When Sheila's not reading, you can find her puttering in her garden and stocking her Little Free Library with books from the Friends bookstore, naturally!

Diane grew up in a small Midwestern suburb where weekly walks to the library with her mother sparked a lifelong love of reading — a tradition she later shared with her own children through reading together and regular library visits. After moving to La Mesa last year, Diane quickly found connection at the La Mesa Library by attending adult programs and volunteering at the Friends of the Library Bookstore. She believes libraries are true community treasures and values the bookstore as a gathering place where neighbors can share recommendations, conversation, and kindness. One of Diane’s greatest joys is working alongside Sheila as co manager as well as the dedicated volunteers whose enthusiasm and teamwork help make the bookstore a welcoming and special part of the community.

Leslie joined the Friends earlier this year, and when asked about her connection to libraries she recalled: "In junior high school, I would do my homework at the library until my mom, who was a teacher, could pick me up. My love of reading extended into college where I majored in English with an emphasis in Journalism at SDSU. When I heard the Friends needed someone to help promote their organization and the La Mesa Library, I jumped at the chance. I love supporting my community and making new connections at various events. In an online world that can be so divisive these days, I appreciate the opportunity to express my creativity, promote the library, and hopefully bring some joy to our social media followers and the greater La Mesa community."

Justin's Board role is overseeing Memberships. He recounts: "I started volunteering for the Friends of the La Mesa library almost seven years ago after moving to La Mesa with my husband. We are both big supporters of libraries and know how much they mean to our communities. I work as a web developer and began on the Friends board as "IT Support" for the organization. One of my first tasks was relaunching the Friends website. During the pandemic, my husband and I started selling books and DVDs online for the Friends to supplement our bookstore sales. I continue to maintain the website and work with the board to keep our technology up to date. I enjoy contributing my technical expertise and look forward to helping the Friends continue to grow and support the library!"

Cassie Koldewyn has served as Branch Manager of the La Mesa Library since 2022, where she leads a dedicated team in serving the community through access to information, welcoming spaces, and enriching events. She began her library career in 2013 and went on to earn her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington after realizing that the career she’d been searching for was waiting at her favorite place – the library. Over the years, Cassie has worked across public, academic, and special libraries, ultimately choosing to focus on public libraries for their dynamic, ever-evolving nature. Serving at the La Mesa Branch has been her favorite role yet. When she’s not at the library, Cassie enjoys walking her dog, Roo, listening to audiobooks, and baking.

Misty Thompson serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of La Mesa, where she oversees the parks, community events, and diverse programming that bring the city to life. Whether she’s overseeing park improvements or serving as the liaison to the Friends of the Library, Misty’s work is fueled by a genuine love for the "Jewel of the Hills." A lifelong learner at heart, she’s dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where neighbors can connect, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors together.