BOARD MEMBERS
Brenda Napholz
Board Member: President and Founder
Brenda has lived in the McHenry County community since 1992. She has spent that time raising her family and staying actively involved in projects that empower our youth. The BREAK is a special project that she and a group of sophomores from Crystal Lake South High School began in January 2013. Watching the community and the youth evolve into a partnership of empowerment has been a highlight of her work in the community. She holds her B.A. in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Drake University. She is co-owner of Fast Finish Coaching, loves running, reading and spending time with her family.
Beth Burg
Board Member: Vice President
A lifelong McHenry County resident and Break Teen Center Board Member, brings a proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and relationship management to the organization. Professionally skilled at navigating corporate and community landscapes, Beth’s core contributions to the board include optimizing community engagement, forging key stakeholder alliances, and driving brand awareness. Her professional insight and passion for local advocacy are instrumental in helping the Break Teen Center scale its reach and impact for area youth.
Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Board Member: Secretary
Meredith has lived in McHenry County for most of her life, having grown up in Cary where she returned in 2011 to raise her two sons. She is the Director of Institutional Advancement at Raue Center For The Arts and holds a B.A. in English from Loras College. Previously, she worked for Shaw Media for 17 years, most recently serving as Group Director of Marketing, Events and Promotions. She is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Greater McHenry County and has had the opportunity to serve on the boards for Assisi Animal Foundation, Elderwerks, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce and Veterans Path to Hope.
Jacob Urbelis
Board Member: Treasurer
Jacob is a Healthcare and nonprofit professional with an Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration. He is passionate about empowering individuals, advancing life-affirming care, and promoting responsible, mission-driven practices. He brings bring strategic insight and heart to organizations that are making a difference.
Michelle Mangin
Board Member: Director
Michelle lives in Crystal Lake with her husband and has two children in college. Soon after moving to the area in 2018, she looked for activities for her youngest child and was grateful to discover The BREAK. Inspired by its impact on local youth, she became committed to supporting its mission and now serves on its Board of Directors.
Michelle holds a degree in Journalism from Penn State University. She currently works at The Community Foundation for McHenry County, where she supports the Foundation's mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. Throughout her life, Michelle has been passionate about strengthening the communities she calls home through volunteer leadership and nonprofit service. In her free time, she enjoys traveling.
John Wember
Board Member: Director
John was born and raised in McHenry County and graduated from Marian Central Catholic in 1987. He attended Northern Illinois University and achieved a BS in Biology. He moved back to the area in 2009 and in 2010 became a founding member in Domek Logistics an international logistics company based in Crystal Lake, IL. His career in logistics has allowed him to travel extensively around the world solving supply chain-related issues on a global scale. In 2018 he sold his interests in Domek Logistics to Masterpiece International. He is currently the top salesperson for Masterpiece International. He was introduced to The Break while serving as a team member of LGMC with Brenda and has previously offered input and assistance on the fundraising efforts. When not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and running.
John Green
Board Member: Director
John is a Cary resident, and a Crystal Lake-based real estate developer with 38 years of experience.
John’s company, Lynnwood Development, has managed projects in Florida, Georgia and Illinois, and has consulted for lenders, financial institutions, investors and builders. John was one of the very first financial supporters of the Break-back when we were still a vision without a space. Since we have started our expansion process, John has been instrumental in getting us in front.
John brings extensive Board of Directors experience at various local not for profits and governmental organizations including the following: Pioneer Center, The Raue Center Theater, McHenry County Mental Health Foundation, McHenry County Conservation District, Illinois Housing Development Authority and more.
John attended St Charles High School, Elgin Community College, and received a BS in Finance from Northern Illinois University.
John has children all over the country and has lived in the Fox River Grove/Cary area for forty years with his wife Heather Beall. They both enjoy running marathons with the Crystal Lake Hill Striders, spoiling their nine grandchildren, and catching a few of Shakespeare’s plays.
Brian Bond
Board Member: Director
Brian Bond is the founder of Aegis Solutions Group, a McHenry-based technology integration and consulting firm serving businesses, schools, nonprofits, and builders across multiple states. Under his leadership, Aegis has built its work around a simple philosophy: every successful engagement begins with a conversation, not a catalog. By first understanding the people, environment, and challenges involved, the company develops thoughtful, customized strategies rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Before founding Aegis, Brian served as Deputy Chief of Safety and Security for Chicago Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has approached safety as more than physical security. His work has included strategic planning, crisis management, youth leadership development, and initiatives designed to create school environments where all young people feel safe, respected, and supported. This included leading LGBTQ+ awareness training efforts and developing programs centered on education, inclusion, and student empowerment.
Brian brings to the board extensive experience in organizational leadership, community partnerships, and building sustainable programs. He is committed to helping the teen center remain a welcoming, responsive, and meaningful resource for young people and families throughout the community.