Marissa Sherman Deziel is Sonoma Academy’s new Director of Information Science. Here are some interesting things you may not have known about her.
The library is a central hub in the SA community, part social space, part study zone. One major change to the library this year has been its heart: the librarian. “The New Librarian,” as she is known by students, Marissa Sherman Deziel is Sonoma Academy’s new Director of Information Science.
Deziel says she has felt welcomed at SA so far, enjoying our beautiful campus and traditions such as our senior speeches and first name policy. The name policy has been an adjustment for her, because “I’m used to being called by my last name, because it is just fun for people to say… It’s pronounced Dezio. But to keep it simple, we just say ‘Diesel.’ So in a lot of my old jobs, there was no ‘Miss,’ It was just Diesel. So I’d be walking down the hall and someone would go, ‘Hey, Diesel!’” Regarding the first name policy at SA, Deziel said, “I think it’s nice because it prepares you guys to interact with adults as you get older and as you enter the working world.”
Overall, she reports that SA has been a positive change for her, saying, “So far, everyone that I’ve worked with has been so lovely and the students are very kind and respectful. I’m really excited to continue getting to know you guys.”
A major aspect of Deziel’s life is roller derby. As a coach and player, she is an avid participant in the sport, saying, “I’ve been playing for 17 years. I’m working with a team up here to see if we can get a junior team started up. Just because coaching is definitely a place where I feel really comfortable and it allows me to do something to give back to the community, which I love.”
Besides coaching, Deziel has primarily worked with elementary-aged children before coming to SA. Deziel hopes to bring some of the whimsy and playfulness of childhood to SA, saying, “You’ll notice I always have a collection of picture books. You’re going to notice fun little decorations and hopefully things that make you smile when you come in.” This love of childhood is also why Deziel loves the tradition of seniors wearing little kid backpacks. She said, “It’s been really fun to see all the kids’ backpacks that kind of represent things that you guys may have loved when you were a little bit younger.” Deziel herself is very connected to her inner child, saying, “I’m a big kid at heart.”
Deziel is a huge dog lover and her desk is decorated appropriately. Among the library’s new decorations are plushies, bright colors and dozens of corgis. She has a cardigan corgi named Rosie, who she hopes will soon join the ranks of SA campus dogs.
We can all continue to make SA a warm and welcoming community by stopping by the library, having a conversation with Marissa and reading a book. Deziel is an awesome person and will undoubtedly become a central part of our community and campus life.
