Who We Are
Who We Are
Our dream is that no one lacks literacy so everyone can access a life of safety, realized goals, and community participation.
Who We Are
Mid-State Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization created in 1971 to bring literacy in all forms to adults in Centre and Clearfield counties. From English as a Second Language students who’ve immigrated to the U.S., to those who grew up here and emerged from our region’s school systems with only rudimentary reading skills, Mid-State’s volunteer tutors have educated and empowered thousands of area adults in its nearly 50-year history.
Bridget Schell – Executive Director
Bridget has worked in the non-profit sector for 15 years, collaborating with communities to enhance health, wellness, and resilience. From food security to youth mental health, and education for all, Bridget leads with her heart and creative thinking skills. She originally joined Mid-State Literacy Council as a volunteer and served as English Language Learning Coordinator from Jan. 2023-Aug. 2024 before her promotion to Executive Director in anticipation of Amy Wilson’s retirement.
Bridget grew up in a small town outside of Amherst, MA before attending Gettysburg College and earning her master’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from The University of Texas, Austin. She has learned from non-profit models and mentors across Pennsylvania, New England, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. Bridget is excited to strengthen MSLC’s development strategies and expand adult literacy programming to meet the evolving needs of our students and community at large.
Bridget enjoys cooking, gardening, and exploring the woods and creeks of Penns Valley with her husband, Ben.
Bridget’s email – bschell@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org
Erika Reutzel-Bechtel – English Language Learning (ELL) Specialist
As ELL Specialist, Erika welcomes and advises English language students, administers language assessments, designs and leads volunteer training, and co-coordinates the English language program.
Erika joined the Mid-State Literacy Council team in Fall 2019. Previously, she held curriculum-development and teaching positions in Penn State’s English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC) as well as the intensive English programs of Penn State, Pine Manor College, and Harvard University.
Outside of work, Erika enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and taking walks with her black lab.
Watch Erika’s video HERE.
Erika’s email – ebechtel@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org
Amanda Giedroc – Literacy Coordinator
As the Literacy Coordinator, Amanda connects students to resources in the community, mentors volunteer tutors, and coordinates programs to support residents of Centre and Clearfield counties.
Amanda joined the Mid-State Literacy Council in October 2021. Previously, Amanda held a fifth-grade teaching position in Colorado Springs working with military students and families. Amanda has tutored students to meet their literacy and math goals in the State College area as well.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys baking, spending time with family, and hiking!
Amanda’s email – Agiedroc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org
Ash Mayes – English Language Learning (ELL) Program Coordinator
As ELL Program Coordinator, Ash seeks to create generative connections between volunteers and students to empower students to strengthen their literacy skills and to encourage volunteers to grow as teachers.
Ash joined the Mid-State Literacy Council in September 2024. Before coming to MSLC, she graduated with her Master’s degree and her Teaching with Technology Certificate from Penn State’s English Department. During her time at Penn State, she had the opportunity to teach first year and technical writing courses as well.
In her free time, Ash loves to read, try new recipes, watch movies with friends, and hang out with her cat, Peach.
Ash’s email – amayes@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org