Sensory Space Coordinator
Ocean County Library
Meredith Silvestri is the Coordinator for the Joseph H. Vicari Sensory Space located at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library system. Prior to working in the Sensory Space, she began working in the system in 2016 as a shelver and a few years later, moved to the Circulation Department.
Prior to working at OCL, she was a Senior Environmental Attorney for PSEG in Newark, NJ for almost 10 years. Her primary responsibilities were managing remediation of manufactured gas plants and working on Clean Water Act permits for its nuclear facilities. During that time her oldest daughter was born with significant medical challenges and developmental disabilities. At that point, it became necessary to stay home to care for her.
Her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and also some sensory processing issues. Her passion for the Sensory Space has grown from her own personal experiences having a child with a developmental disability. Many times their family would go to the boardwalk, a family party or church and her daughter would experience sensory overload and become overwhelmed. Her family would often have to leave their planned activity. As a result of those experiences, she became aware of a lack of services for those with sensory processing issues. She led a committee to start a Joyful Noise Service at their church in an effort to foster inclusion and accessibility for those with developmental disabilities. This passion motivated her to become involved with the Library's Sensory Space. She is extremely proud that the Ocean County Library has shown such forward thinking and strives to be a place of inclusion for all. She is happy to be a part of their efforts and to have met so many wonderful people, both patrons and staff. Meredith can be reached at msilvestri@theoceancountylibrary.org.
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Monday, June 27, 2022
1:00pm – 2:00pm