Our Team

Executive Director: Kristi Mayo 

Kristi graduated from Grand View College with a degree in elementary education and earned her master’s degree from Grand Canyon University, specializing in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading. She spent much of her career serving at-risk students, families, and communities, bringing considerable experience with early childhood and elementary education, academic intervention, instructional coaching, and team leadership, in addition to school-based program administration. Her experience provides the necessary insight and understanding of the needs and challenges of our community as well as the leadership experience needed to carry our mission forward. She shares our passion and vision for ensuring children have the foundation required to be successful learners.

Programs Manager: Jerri Heid

I have worked in libraries since 1991 when I was hired as a library assistant and then became the Children’s Librarian at the Cherokee Public Library in Cherokee Iowa, my hometown. In 2000 I was hired at the Clive Public Library, Clive Iowa, to assist in the opening of brand new library with collection and programming as their youth representative.  I worked there until I was hired as the Youth Services Specialist and now as the Youth Services Manager at Ames Public Library.  With each chapter along the way I have consulted and presented on topics such as Toddle on Over: using music in your programming when you can’t sing, Using Baby sign in your Programming, How to Read Aloud, Early literacy Skills and Practices, Youth Department Design, and Teen Services. I have been an RRSC board member since 2015 when I began my position at Ames Public Library. I believe that RRSC mission for 0-8 years corresponds directly with the library’s mission for this age group, only with more freedom for targeted and broader outreach in the county.