Our staff

Candace's strengths come from industry-level experience in laser design work and fabrication, 3d printing, sewing and textile fabrication, education, culinary instruction, small business leadership, and more. Outside of the library, she's creating costumes and props as well as panels and workshops for industry-level companies like Netflix, The Hacksmith, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Digital Extremes, Nexon, and other leading game companies. Her primary motivation for working in the library is the sharing of education and access to equipment while supporting the community through programming, events, and workforce development opportunities.

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Joe is a graduate of the Digital Fabrication & Design Program at Carroll Community College, obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from UMGC, and has several high-level certifications in the professional 3D modeling software, SolidWorks. Joe has prior experience as a drafter for EVAPCO in Taneytown where he continued to hone his skills in the industrial market. He specializes in 3D modeling, but also brings his experience in other related subjects such as graphic design, video editing, and subtractive manufacturing. Joe shares his passion for creativivity and problem-solving with the community to continue to push the limits of what is possible.

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Karen Suzanne thrives on helping people discover their potential in the kitchen and makerspace. As a clinical nutritionist (LDN), she helps participants develop practical cooking skills, explore healthier food choices, and gain the knowledge needed to make lasting changes. With decades of experience in sewing and creative work, she also fosters a supportive learning environment where makers can bring their ideas to life using the latest tools and technology.

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Nancy holds the role of Teaching Kitchen Supervisor and has been with Exploration Commons since its opening in 2021. She has worked in all aspects of the food world for over 45 years. She is a graduate of the Food Science Program at the University of Florida and a Certified Food Technologist©. Her collaborators and clients have included major food and beverage processors and foodservice operations. During her 26-year tenure at McCormick & Company, she specialized in food and flavor trends, spices and flavor science, Culinology and new product development technologies. Nancy has worked in high-end catering and event planning and is active in many community non-profit organizations.

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Katie is a certified health coach with a focus on making simple, fast, healthy meals. For the past 9 years, she has taught cooking classes and nutrition workshops for college students, county employees, at yoga retreats and for school aged children. She also holds a master's degree in Library Science and worked as a Librarian in Anne Arundel County and as a Library Associate Substitute for Carroll County Public Library.

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Amanda is the makerspace supervisor at Exploration Commons and has worked in the public library field in various roles since 2005.  During that time, she has created and facilitated technology and STEM programming encompassing a wide range of topics, including 3D design, Adobe Illustrator, laser cutting, basic coding, and introduction to augmented reality creation. Amanda has presented on various technology education topics at several state and national conferences, including SXSW Edu and Maryland Tech Connect. She believes in sharing knowledge about maker education with others and has organized teacher makerspace trainings, as well as multiple statewide Maker Day trainings for Maryland library staff.  Amanda enjoys making technology approachable for all audiences and is the main instructor for Exploration Commons' Making for Seniors series of programming.  She enjoys inspiring the community to explore, learn, and create as part of the Exploration Commons staff.

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Nick has a passion for creativity and hands-on learning. He shares what he loves with the community. Drawing on years of kitchen work, he offers practical culinary know-how and a welcoming teaching style. When he is not developing programs for the community, Nick loves creating costumes and outfits for various conventions he attends, bringing his knowledge of 3D printing and fabrication to make his favorite characters come to life. Whether in the teaching kitchen or the makerspace, Nick loves helping the community explore new skills in a fun, approachable way.

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