Meet new board member Susie Weller
(part of a monthly series)
How did you first hear or learn about Books for Keeps?
From Leslie! We have been in many non-profit leadership trainings together.
How long have you been volunteering or serving with Books for Keeps?
I have been on the board and serving in that capacity since Jan 2021.
Why did you choose to serve on the Books for Keeps’ board?
I am a big fan of reading and Leslie. I am grateful to be building my skills and sharing my experience with such a great organization.
Have you worked with other non-profits in the past? Which ones?
I am the executive director of Children First, Inc a local Athens non-profit that engages families in our community and the courts to promote safe, stable and nurturing living environments for children. We have three programs: Athens-Oconee CASA where trained volunteers advocate for children in foster care, SafeCare where we provide in-home parenting to help maintain children safely in the home and SPARC where we work with non custodial parents to help gain access to their children. I collaborate with many other Athens Area nonprofits and government agencies in the child welfare world.
What strengths are you bringing to Books for Keeps?
Humor, following through with tasks, and nonprofit leadership experience.
What is your favorite memory from working with Books for Keeps?
Last year, we had a [virtual] holiday game night. That was a great way to begin working on this board.
Do you have a keen childhood memory related to a particular book? Or an experience with reading – to yourself or to a loved one?
Yes. As a kid, reading and books were all great pastimes for me. Over the summers, my siblings and I read books out loud to each other on camping [...]