Foundation Stories

Jeffrey Mendoza,
Johnson County Library Board Chair

Written by Melissa Stan

For Jeffrey Mendoza, Johnson County Library is a place of comfort, discovery, and belonging. He describes it as: “a quiet, welcoming place where people can explore by reading a book, watching a movie, listening to music, or simply sitting in peace.” From open public spaces to study rooms, the Library creates what Jeffrey calls “an environment that feels inclusive and welcoming to everyone who walks through its doors.”

That sense of welcome is especially meaningful in Jeffrey’s life as a parent. He sees the Library as a partner in helping families build strong foundations for the future, noting that “dedicated children’s spaces across the Library system make a meaningful difference for families like mine.” Visits to the Central Resource Library are a favorite in his household, where his son loves “exploring the books and toys” and can “happily spend hours learning and discovering.”

Through his work on the Library Board, Jeffrey also witnesses how intentionally the Library creates opportunity and belonging for people navigating language, cultural, or economic barriers. By serving people of many backgrounds and removing obstacles through initiatives like going fine-free and offering printing allowances, the Library continues to demonstrate, in his words, a deep “commitment to access for everyone.”

As Board Chair, Jeffrey has gained a deeper appreciation for what it takes to sustain a world-class library system. He is quick to point out that “a library system of this caliber does not happen by accident.” Instead, it is the result of “intentional leadership, collaboration, and an incredible staff committed to patrons every day.” Behind the scenes, he explains, “the County Librarian, staff, and volunteer board work together to keep community needs at the center of every decision,” ensuring the Library remains responsive today while planning for tomorrow.

When reflecting on what makes Johnson County Library truly special, Jeffrey returns to the people who bring its mission to life. “What makes Johnson County Library special is its people and their unwavering commitment to a free and accessible public library,” he says. Looking ahead, he hopes the Library continues to “serve all people as a trusted place for access, learning, and community enrichment for generations to come.”

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re pleased to welcome Cassie (KC) Pfannenstiel to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Cassie is an attorney and owner at Bloom Legal Advisors, where she assists individuals and families with estate planning and bankruptcy. She’s passionate about helping to educate her clients on how the law can make their lives better, an approach that aligns with the Library’s mission of access, learning, and empowerment.

Cassie was drawn to the Foundation as a way to pair her professional experience with something she has loved since childhood: libraries.

“I learned about the Foundation and thought, what a wonderful way to be around people who love libraries as much as I do,” she says. “I’m excited to help raise funds so Johnson County Library can keep offering amazing resources for our community.”

Her passion for libraries began early. Cassie credits her elementary school and hometown library with shaping her into a more open-minded, empathetic, and imaginative person. “I truly believe those early stories and biographies helped shape who I am,” she says, noting that she likely never would have read about topics like the hunting of gray wolves, Helen Keller, or Ryan White without library access.

Some of Cassie’s favorite library memories connect past and present. She remembers playing in a small castle at the Hays Library after picking out books as a child. Years later, she experienced that same joy while taking her daughter to Johnson County Library’s Lenexa branch and watching her delight in putting on a puppet show after choosing her books. “I feel like I have come full circle in my library journey,” Cassie says.

As she begins her board service, Cassie is eager to learn more about everything Johnson County Library offers and to help share that information with others. “I want to share what the Library offers with my community so the love of the Library just keeps growing,” she says.

Outside of work and volunteer service, Cassie enjoys gardening, listening to audiobooks on Libby, watching Masterpiece Theatre, playing pickleball, taking road trips, and spending time with her family and dogs. She recently enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin and In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan.

With her professional expertise, lifelong love of libraries, and commitment to education and community, Cassie brings thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to the Foundation Board. We’re excited to have her help in supporting Johnson County Library and the people it serves.

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re delighted to welcome Kelly Stromberg to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Her deep love of libraries and commitment to literacy make her a natural fit for the Foundation.

Kelly’s passion for libraries is rooted in both personal experience and lifelong curiosity. “Libraries are one of the last true third spaces that we have,” she explains. “Your access to information is not limited by your own personal budget.” She recalls a favorite childhood memory of riding the city bus to the big library in downtown St. Paul.

“The building itself was beautiful and the ability to just pick out a book on my own and start reading it without needing to make sure I had cash to buy it, or needing any adult’s permission is a favorite memory of mine,” Kelly says.

Kelly’s commitment to books and literacy has grown through both personal and professional experiences. As a Navy spouse raising three children, she moved frequently, giving her the chance to volunteer in school libraries of all shapes and sizes. In 2021, she founded Helianthus Books, a Kansas City-based pop-up bookstore. Through Helianthus, Kelly curates collections highlighting positive representation of marginalized communities including BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning), people with disabilities, and more, and tailors book selections to meet the interests and needs of each customer.

As she begins her board service, Kelly is eager to explore the many ways the Foundation supports the Library. “I’m excited to learn about all of the different programs that Johnson County Library Foundation helps bring into being,” she says.

Outside of her work with Helianthus Books and the Foundation, Kelly enjoys reading, walking in the woods, and watching Korean dramas. She also keeps her curiosity alive with thought-provoking books like On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg.

Kelly’s deep love of libraries, experience curating books for diverse communities, and ability to connect with people of all ages make her a fantastic addition to the Foundation Board. We’re excited to see the insight, energy, and passion she brings to supporting Johnson County Library’s mission of connecting people with ideas, stories, and each other.

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re excited to welcome Peter Zobel to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Peter and his family have called Overland Park home for the past four years, and his desire to become more involved in the community led him to the Foundation. “Our daughter is almost two years old and has enjoyed visiting the library for the past year, and my wife and I love all of the resources and services available,” he says.

Peter’s professional background makes him a natural fit for the Foundation. He works as an Institutional Advisor at Creative Planning, managing assets for nonprofit organizations and private foundations. “Given my work experience with nonprofit organizations, it felt like a great fit to share my experience,” he explains. He brings expertise in areas like fiduciary training, endowment best practices, and developing investment and spending policies. He also serves on the Foundation’s Finance Committee, bringing a deep understanding of financial stewardship to his board service.

Beyond his professional experience, Peter’s love for libraries is personal. “Our family loves to read, and we love the ways that a library can feel like a central hub for a community,” he says.

One of his favorite recent Library moments? “Most recently, listening to our daughter giggle by putting on a puppet show for her at Central Resource Library.” As he starts his board service, he adds, “More than anything, I’m excited to learn more about how the library system works and do whatever I can to contribute to its ongoing success, given the integral role it plays in the community.”

Outside of work and volunteer service, Peter enjoys cooking, reading, traveling with his family, going to concerts, cheering on Chicago sports teams, and playing with his dog. He also stays curious with books like Africa Is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin and podcasts such as The Last Invention.

With his mix of professional expertise, personal passion, and community spirit, Peter is a wonderful addition to the Foundation Board. We can’t wait to see the energy, insight, and dedication he will bring to supporting Johnson County Library and the people it serves.