Deborah L. Noel, Ed.D. — President
Appointed by: Commissioner Lucine Sihelnik
Term Expires: 12/26
A retired educator, Debbie served students in the Chester County Intermediate Unit programs first as an emotional support teacher, then as Dean of Students, and for her final twelve years, as a principal. Debbie continues to support doctoral candidates at Immaculata University through her work as a dissertation chair. As an educator, Debbie understands literacy education is the cornerstone of all learning, and is proud to serve as a member of the BCPL Advisory Board. Debbie resides with her husband, Chris, in Robeson Township.
Helen Flynn — Vice President
Appointed by: Commissioner Michael Rivera
Term Expires: 12/25
Helen Flynn is a librarian who retired from the position of Director at Mifflin Community Library in 2017, after more than 11 years in the job. Being a librarian is her third, and favorite, career. Helen was expected to become an English teacher like the rest of her family, but while in the PhD program at the University of Michigan, she discovered that teaching and scholarship were not her passions. When she moved to Gettysburg, Helen ended up working for 12 years at New Cumberland Army Depot as a program analyst in a productivity office within the Comptroller’s division.
By the time her husband’s job moved them to Illinois, Helen had figured out that being a librarian was her next career, and she enrolled in the MS in Library Science program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When Helen moved to Reading, she was lucky enough to be chosen for the Mifflin Community Library job. Since retirement, Helen has had the pleasure of filling in as a library assistant or interim director at several of the county libraries, and served as a board member of one of those libraries.
Arleny Pimentel — Secretary
Appointed by: Commissioner Lucine Sihelnik
Term Expires: 12/26
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, the NYC public libraries became a second home for Arleny. Books allowed her to create a safe space during times of great transitions and programming at her local library gave Arleny a space to build relationships and connect with her community. After graduating from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY with a degree in English Adolescent Education, Arleny relocated to Reading, PA.
For the past seven years she has worked throughout the community with families. Arleny is currently working for the Reading School District as their Family Engagement Facilitator and with Barrio Alegria to change the narratives in the community. She serves on the Berks Community Health Center Board and volunteers her time on different initiatives. Arleny and her husband married in the Reading Public Library in 2018.
Mary Ellen Wells — Treasurer
Appointed by: Commissioner Christian Leinbach
Term Expires: 12/26
Mary Ellen Wells is an Associate Professor of Business Law at Alvernia University. Her legal scholarship focuses on the protection of speech, as well as employment, marketing, and corporate law. Professor Wells has co-authored several papers as well as a book on strategic planning. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and Boston University School of Law, Prof. Wells first practiced as a tax attorney in Boston at Touche-Ross (now Deloitte & Touche). She then moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, to practice law at a firm that afforded her the ability to specialize in banking and tax law. After having two children and moving to Pennsylvania, Professor Wells decided that she would enjoy using her degrees in an academic setting more than in the practice of law. She became a full-time faculty member at Alvernia University in Reading, serving as Chair of the Business Department for eight years and now as Faculty Council President. She has served as a board member of the Friends of the Reading Hospital for five years, currently chairing the Bylaws Committee.
Mary Ellen’s love of libraries began in early childhood and was fostered by her work as a library page in Boxford, Massachusetts, in early high school. Mary Ellen resides with her husband, Greg, and their mini Bernedoodle, Tito, in Wyomissing, where they raised their two children.
Jason Brudereck
Appointed by: Commissioner Christian Leinbach
Term Expires: 12/27
A lifelong patron of Berks County Public Libraries, Jason Brudereck makes a point to read for pleasure every day. His nightstand is piled high with books, and his children keep adding to the pile with their recommendations.
A resident of Spring Township, Jason leads the public and media relations initiatives at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Delaware.
He previously worked from 2014 until 2022 as Director of Communication for Berks County Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships and grants to improve the quality of life for residents of Berks County, and from 1999 until 2014 as a reporter and columnist for the Reading Eagle. He also previously worked for The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, Mass.; the Naples Daily News, Naples, Fla.; and The Associated Press.
Jason has volunteered for several area nonprofits, including as president of the board of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks.
Xiomara Toledo
Appointed by: Commissioner Michael Rivera
Term Expires: 12/25
Xiomara is a current 4th-grade ELA and Social Studies teacher in the Muhlenberg School District. A lifelong resident of Berks County, she has served in this capacity since 2021. Xiomara’s commitment to the community that she lives, works, and grew up in is evident in her community engagement efforts with youth. With a focus on education and mentorship she prides herself in working with vulnerable youth in the community.
Pursuing her college degree locally, Xiomara earned her Associate Degree from Reading Area Community College in General Studies, her Bachelor’s degree in Education, and while in her second year of teaching, earned her Master degree of Education degree with a Reading Specialist Certification from Kutztown University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of both the Tau Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies.
When Xiomara is not in the classroom, she serves as the Girls High School Basketball Coach for Junior Varsity. She has served in her coaching role for 3 years at Muhlenberg High School. Xiomara is committed to her mission of being an advocate of change in the world of education. She is honored to be serving on the Berks County Library Board.
Ryan A. Breisch
Appointed by: Commissioner Christian Leinbach
Term Expires: 12/27
Ryan Breisch started working with the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks in 1993, serving as a volunteer tutor. In November 1995, he joined the staff as a curriculum developer and ESL coordinator. In January 2010, Ryan became the Council’s 3rd Executive Director. Ryan holds a B.A. in Spanish from Kutztown University, a Nonprofit Management Certificate from The Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University and served as the President of the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education and the Reading Public Library. Ryan currently serves as a member of the Berks County Workforce Development Board, and lives in Sinking Spring with his wife and three sons.