Berks Weekly

Pam Gockley, founder and executive director of The Camel Project, discusses bullying prevention, school safety, and the importance of addressing harmful behaviors before they escalate.

Founded in 2018, The Camel Project is a Berks County-based nonprofit dedicated to helping schools, organizations, and communities address bullying, trauma, and abuse through education, training, and prevention programs. Gockley shares firsthand experiences working with students, explains why traditional disciplinary approaches often fall short, and emphasizes the role adults play in creating environments where young people feel safe, supported, and heard.

The conversation also explores the organization's trauma-informed approach, professional training programs, and efforts to equip educators, families, and community members with practical strategies to recognize bullying, de-escalate conflicts, and encourage lasting behavioral change.

A conversation with new Reading Fire Chief Robert Leonard II about his career in the fire service, his transition from Prince George’s County, Maryland, to the Reading Fire Department, leadership goals, recruitment efforts, community engagement, and his vision for the future of firefighting in Reading.

Rick Perez, a Reading native, is the CEO of the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County. Having first connected with Olivet as a young member during a pivotal time in his life, Rick's journey has now come full circle as he leads the organization that once helped shape his future. Known throughout the community for his tenure as the head coach of Reading High's boys basketball team—where he guided the team to three PIAA Class 6A championships—Rick brings a deep commitment to youth development, education, and mentorship.

Rick’s personal story reflects resilience and growth. After graduating from Wilson High School, he pursued collegiate basketball at West Chester University and later transitioned to Kutztown University, where he reconnected with Olivet as a staff member. His unexpected foray into coaching blossomed into a lifelong passion, ultimately transforming his perspective and driving his dedication to empowering young people.

Today, Rick continues to blend his leadership at Olivet with his passion for coaching, now at Muhlenberg High School. As CEO, he focuses on expanding Olivet's reach, reopening key club locations, and enhancing partnerships with local schools to support the next generation of Berks County youth.

Chris Rothermel is a retired Captain of the Reading Police Department, bringing over 25 years of law enforcement experience to his campaign for Berks County Sheriff. His career began in the trades as an electrician before transitioning into policing, where he rose through the ranks.

Throughout his career, Rothermel was deeply involved in community outreach, serving as Vice President of Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet for over two decades, mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds. He also played a key role in event planning, traffic supervision, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Now, Rothermel is running for Berks County Sheriff with a focus on improving department culture, increasing transparency, and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement agencies. He aims to implement structured promotional standards, enhance officer morale, and ensure the Sheriff’s Department is an effective, community-focused law enforcement agency.

Gavin Milligan is a dynamic young leader from Maidencreek Township with a deep passion for community development and engagement. At just 21 years old, Gavin has already made a significant impact as a business development manager at his family’s company, Advanced Comfort Specialist, while serving on over 14 nonprofit boards and committees throughout the county. A graduate of the Berks Career and Technology Center, he is also the board president of the BCTC Education Foundation. Gavin is committed to fostering positive change in Berks County by advocating for strategic planning, modernizing local organizations, and inspiring civic engagement. Whether through his work in local government, nonprofits, or as a volunteer firefighter, Gavin’s vision is to build a brighter future for his community.

Alexa Freyman, a Berks County native and Millennial, grew up hearing family stories about the “good old days,” sparking her passion for uncovering local history. In 2017, she created Berks Nostalgia, a multimedia project that uses writing, videography, photography, and drone technology to explore and share the rich history of Berks County from a fresh perspective.

A Wilson High School (’09) and Philadelphia University (’13) graduate, Alexa is a web developer, wife, mom of two, and Philly sports fan. Through Berks Nostalgia, she connects the past with the present, offering an immersive way to experience the stories that shaped her hometown. berksnostalgia.com

Ryan Bradley is the Clean City Coordinator for Reading, where he has lived since 1996 and takes pride in calling home. With a background in counseling and case management in the drug and alcohol field, Bradley's commitment to community well-being is evident both personally and professionally. Starting with cleaning up his own block, he inspired neighbors to join him, and now leads city-wide clean-up efforts through initiatives like the "Adopt-a-Block" program. Bradley works closely with residents, providing them with supplies and support, and promotes the use of the "311" app to report trash issues. His passion for a cleaner, safer Reading is helping to restore pride and engagement in the community.

JD Turner is a dedicated advocate and entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in enhancing the skateboarding community in Berks County. As the owner of Holistic Skate Shop in West Reading, JD has spent the past decade tirelessly advocating for the creation of a free, public, concrete skatepark designed by skaters, for skaters. His vision culminated in the establishment of the Reading Skatepark Association in 2016. JD's relentless efforts, along with the support of the RSA, have finally borne fruit. Years of fundraising, grant applications, and planning meetings have led to the development of a new 22,000-square-foot skate park located at the corner of South 6th and Canal Streets in Reading.

Kelly Barber is a seasoned ballet professional from Reading with a rich background in both performance and teaching. She began her dance journey at Carol Ennis Dance Arts, eventually joining Berks Ballet Theatre as a soloist. Kelly danced with Ballet Theatre of Maryland, where she performed leading roles in classics like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. After returning to Reading, she became Artistic Director of Berks Ballet Theatre, where she choreographed original works and continued the company’s legacy. Now, Kelly teaches at Wayne Ballet and serves as Artistic Coordinator for Ballet 180. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes positivity, strong fundamentals, and the life lessons learned through dance.