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.

Our dream is that no one lacks literacy so everyone can access a life of safety, realized goals, and community participation.

Our small staff and trained volunteers help launch adults into lives of improved employment, healthcare, and life goals through enhanced reading, writing, math, technology, and English communication skills.

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. Read more.

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

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

Jenna Krick – Assistant Program Coordinator

As Assistant Program Coordinator, Jenna works closely with the Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs to support students and volunteers as they pursue important literacy goals.

Jenna began working with Mid-State Literacy Council as a work-study student in May 2024 and officially joined the team in July 2025 after graduating from Penn State, where she earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and a certificate in Diversity Studies. Jenna is excited to continue working with MSLC!

In her free time, Jenna enjoys being outside, taking care of her plants, watching movies and tv shows, and spending time with loved ones.

Jenna’s email – jkrick@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org