Spring Institute For Youth Services 2026 Featured Speakers

Opening Keynote with Maggie Lancaster

Thursday, March 19 9:15 - 10:15 AM

Play is a Serious Business. Maggie Lancaster has been playing in some fashion with youngsters since she was just one herself. A life-long Michigander, graduated from Alma College where she played two sports, held two jobs, double majored and double minor. Following college, she started teaching and coaching at Jenison High School and Grand Rapids Community College - the time spent coaching in the city reinforced her love for Grand Rapids itself. After starting her own family, Maggie's involvement at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum began in earnest. Prior to accepting the CEO position in June of 2016, she spent years volunteering on committees, hosting and chairing events for Make-A-Wish, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Family Futures, CASA and serving on boards at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and was a two-term president of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. While playing there was fun, one of her greatest highlights was serving on the Board at the Thornapple Valley Baseball League and coaching both sons - this is where they ALL learned to “play well” with others. She is married to Scott, mother to Aidan and Grant, servant to several cat rescues, Godmother to Lily (an English Golden Retriever). She enjoys all sports, hunting, fishing, long walks and spending time with family and friends.

Afternoon Keynote: Spotlight on Belonging: Using Theatre and Play to Foster Inclusion with Katie Mann and Annie Klark

Thursday, March 19 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Taking a deeper dive into making curriculum accessible to all abilities and dramatic play that sparks the imagination.

OpenSpot Theatre’s mission is to provide a fun, creative, and inclusive arts experience that is accessible to all people. Through our rehearsal and performance process, students will experience personal affirmation, empowerment, and build important skills.

In 2012 Annie Klark and Katie Mann co-founded OpenSpot Theatre, a mobile theatre for people with disabilities. Since then they have grown to a national company, servicing over 15,000 actors. With Annie's professional background in Vocal Music Performance/Directing and Katie's masters in Special Education they are the perfect pair to bring fun, engaging and educational curriculum to the curious. Together we can bring #TheatreForAll.

Morning Keynote: From Weirdo to Weird Enough: Improving Self Esteem for Nerdy Readers with Tony Weaver, Jr.

Friday, March 20 9:00 - 10:00 AM

The library often becomes home to kids who feel different or “weird.” Explore how librarians can support the agency and identity of those readers with Tony Weaver, Jr., Tik Tok Superstar, Forbes Education Social Activist, and author of Weirdo, a middle grade graphic novel described by Jason Reynolds as “a blinding light of a tale about a boy who fights to become himself.”

Tony Weaver Jr. is the author of Weirdo, a middle grade graphic novel named best book of the year by People Magazine, Kirkus, The School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. It also earned him nominations for Best Children's Publication at The Eisner and Harvey Awards. Whether he’s making wholesome TikToks chronicling his love of nerd culture with his audience of over 1 million followers, or leading his education nonprofit “Weird Enough Productions,” Tony brings a sense of nerdy joy to everything he does. If you’re looking for self love and laughter, he’d love to be your “Nerdy Older Brother.”

Closing Keynote: The Mirror, the Mergirl and the Fish Who Loved Cheeseburgers: Playful Drawing for Creativity, Connection & Community with Amy Nielander

Friday, March 20 3:15 - 4:15 PM

In this interactive session, Amy shares the evolution of her Create a Character Activity and Parent-Child Drawing Workshops. She shows how simple sketch prompts help families communicate, imagine, and build resilience together. Participants will engage in playful drawing exercises, including a large-scale Create a Character Community Activity that promotes team building.

Amy Nielander is a designer, children’s book author-illustrator, and a book coach at The Detroit Writing Room. Since 2024, she has been leading interactive Parent-Child Drawing Workshops at libraries that encourage families to sketch together regularly. Through a combination of art, design, and playful collaboration, Amy’s workshops inspire families to develop a fun creative practice at home, nurturing meaningful connections.