Holly Thompson

Dynamic and innovative educator with extensive expertise in developing early childhood and elementary education programs that promote literacy and STEAM learning. Skilled in designing engaging experiences that enhance children's academic, social-emotional, and interpersonal skills. Committed to fostering inclusive community environments where children and families can thrive.

Children's Librarian at Poughkeepsie Public Library District: Adriance Library (2018-03 – Present)

• Home-Bound Extension Services for seniors and Coordinator for Alzheimer's Association series program.
• Develop and conduct weekly Preschool Storytimes for 3-5 year olds with various themes while teaching phonetics, syllable and picture clue recognition, inferencing skills, and more.
• Design/implement multiple elementary programs with a focus on STEAM and literacy.
• Founded Little STEAMers for Homeschoolers series and Stories, Science, and Art series.
• Conducted school visits and created engaging Summer Reading video for all schools, promoting literacy initiatives.
• Founded the first free summer lunch program for children in conjunction with NYSED/USDA and POKCSD which still runs today.
• Created Early Literacy tips for parents and for Early Literacy backpacks.
• Created eye-catching displays for children's room and events using Canva and Google Slides, increasing program visibility.
• Spearheaded Digital Literacy grant collaboration and acquisition of technology equipment.
• Managed Preschool Learning Center as the PLC Coordinator for 7 years.
• Provided weekly referential desk coverage and reader's advisory, enhancing access to literature in children and teen rooms.
• Provided coverage for Infant, Toddler, and Music 'n Movement classes.
• Developed and implemented themed community day block party serving over 250 patrons.
• Oversaw inventory management and ordering process for office and art/sensory supplies within the YS department.
• Entered all children/teen programs utilizing Eventkeeper software for consecutive years.

Head of Youth Services at Grinnell Public Library District (2014-01 – 2018-03)

• Designed and implemented 7-8 weekly public and community outreach Toddler and Preschool Storytimes including for local daycares and Astor Head Start Spanish families.
• Facilitated school district class visits as well as in-house tours for community organizations to promote Summer Reading and awareness of library services.
• Coordinated Summer Reading programs, raffles, prizes, and performers for Toddlers through Teens.
• Coached 17-member Middle School Battle of the Books team, achieving third place while mentoring Assistant Teen Coaches.
• Developed and conducted various Elementary aged programs including Lego Club, diverse arts 'n crafts programs such as Peeps Under Construction, and Book Club with Grace Lin Skype Author visit.
• Coordinated and utilized teen and adult volunteers for the acquisition of community service hours while delegating weekly tasks to children's room staff.
• Facilitated weekly communications with parents and Homework Help staff.
• Authored grant proposals to secure funding for youth programs.

Library Clerk I at Hyde Park Free Library (2011-01 – 2014-10)

• Assisted patrons with locating library materials and information.
• Answered reference questions using online databases and other resources.
• Provided technical support to patrons utilizing computers, printers, scanners.
• Processed new books and materials for circulation and display.
• Facilitated Children's Storytimes for library patrons.
• Authorized community borrowers.

Early Childhood Teacher at Dutchess Community College Day Care Center (2010-01 – 2010-12)

• Cotaught children ages 18 months to 3 years old.
• Facilitated developmentally appropriate self-discovery play, fostering social, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Supported daily activities, enhancing children's engagement and learning experiences.

Home Tutor at Hyde Park Central School District (1996-09 – 2010-06)

• Provided one-on-one tutoring to middle and high school students in various academic disciplines to enhance understanding.
• Administered state and local exams.
• Coordinated weekly communications with district teachers, counselors, and parents to support student progress and address academic needs.

Third Grade Elementary Teacher at Goshen Central School District (2000-08 – 2001-08)

• Taught a heterogeneously mixed class of 25 students with several remedial reading and math students in all academic disciplines.
• Applied varied teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles, enhancing student engagement and understanding.
• Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and behavior.
• Co-led Youth Ending Hunger Club, providing essential resources and support to local families facing food insecurity.

Summer Enrichment Program Coordinator at Dutchess Community College (1998-02 – 2000-04)

• Managed the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Monitored program budgets, expenditures, and resource utilization while making recommendations.
• Provided guidance and support to program participants in navigating resources, services, and opportunities.
• Hired staff for three enrichment sites.
• Conducted monthly meetings and coordinated promotional events.

Master of Science in Library And Information Science, School Library Media Specialist – Long Island University (2026-08)

Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Information Science, School Library – State University of New York At Albany

Master of Science in Literacy and Special Education Grades 1-6 – Mount Saint Mary College

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Pre K-6, Biology, Music – State University of New York At New Paltz

Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Science Teaching – Dutchess Community College