News & Updates

Friends of the TCU Library Announce New Board Members

The Friends of the TCU Library is pleased to welcome six new board members: Shannon Belden, Lara Bradshaw, Mariana Davies, Joni Heinzelmann, Debby Jennings and Stephanie Klein.

"We're excited to grow our board with individuals who bring diverse expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to the mission of the Friends," said Friends President Craig Barbolla. "Their collective experience will be a tremendous asset as we advance new strategic initiatives aimed at promoting and enriching the resources, services, and operations of the Mary Couts Burnett Library."

Shannon Belden Bio coming soon!

Lara Bradshaw is a dedicated children’s librarian at Lily Bl Clayton Elementary school, where she supports students, faculty and parents in developing literacy skills, accessing information and conducting research. With more than 28 years of experience in early childhood education and children’s literature, she has a proven track record of designing and implementing library programs that foster literacy, critical thinking and a lifelong love of reading. Lara is skilled in managing both physical and digital library resources and is passionate about helping young readers discover new authors and explore research topics or simply find their next favorite book. She holds a Master’s in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Christian University. A firm believer in the transformative power of libraries, Lara is honored to serve on the TCU Friends of the Library Board. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, cheering on TCU athletics and traveling with her husband, Greg.

Mariana Davies serves as the Disability Access Coordinator at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where she supports students in navigating accommodations in both academic and clinical settings. With more than a decade of experience in K-12 special education and several years in higher education, Mariana is passionate about accessibility, student advocacy, and inclusive practices. She holds a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Special Education from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Christian University. Mariana is honored to contribute to the TCU Friends of the Library Board, where she combines her love of learning and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.

A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Joni Heinzelmann is a proud TCU alumna, holding a Bachelor’s in Marketing, a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Elementary Education. She dedicated 25 years to teaching third and fourth grade students, retiring in 2022 after 22 years of service at Fort Worth Country Day School. Joni met her husband, Matt, at TCU, and they have been married for 40 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. In retirement, Joni continues to be active in the field of education through tutoring and substitute teaching at Fort Worth Country Day. She also volunteers as a houseparent at The Warm Place, a cause close to her heart. In her free time, Joni enjoys Pilates, pickleball, golf, and cheering on the Horned Frogs at TCU sporting events. She is excited to bring her passion for education and community to her role as a member of the Friends of the TCU Library Board.

Debby Jennings earned her Master’s of Library Science from the University of North Texas and dedicated 40 years to serving as Head Librarian at Fort Worth Country Day School. In addition, she was an adjunct faculty member at UNT’s School of Library and Information Science, where she taught courses in Multicultural Children’s Literature and School Library Practice – both in person and later through the university’s online program. She retired from both roles in 2015. In retirement, Debby remains active in the community through her involvement with the local gardening club, and her work organizing the archives at Fort Worth Country Day School. She also enjoys traveling with her husband, Gary. Longtime Fort Worth residents, Debby and Gary have lived in the city for over 50 years. They are proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to three grandchildren. Their oldest daughter is a TCU alumna.

Originally from Boston, Stephanie Klein is a devoted book lover and proud mom of four daughters. Now happily living in Fort Worth with her husband, she has fully embraced Texas living and is an enthusiastic TCU fan and parent. Stephanie is deeply committed to community engagement and philanthropy, dedicating her time and energy to causes that reflect her passion for education, literacy and service. She is honored to support the mission of the TCU Library through her role on the Friends of the TCU Library Board.

The board also includes:

Craig Barbolla, President
Holly Cimo, Vice President
Kevin Kuenzli, Treasurer
Shelda Dean, Secretary
Stephanie Sumner Brentlinger ‘88, Past President
Dhananjaya "DJ" Perera
Mary Kay Varley

Since the organization's founding in 1972, the Friends of the TCU Library have enriched the University with their generosity. The Friends is a coalition of individuals dedicated to helping the library maintain excellence by providing funds for reference materials, books, rare books and ongoing support for equipment and programming. We will continue to fund many worthwhile projects for the library. For more information, please visit the Friends of the TCU Library website.