Meet our Team

I am an experienced non-profit executive who is passionate about youth development, equity and education. Before coming to Breakthrough, I led the marketing, fundraising, membership and outreach departments for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences and a minor in business administration. I also graduated from the University of Michigan with a master’s degree in business administration. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Rob, and two active teenagers. I am also involved in several community organizations, including Impact 100, Jack and Jill of America and Rotary Club.

I’m excited to be a part of the exceptional team at Breakthrough Cincinnati. I know that together we will continue to change the educational outcomes for our talented students while helping to diversify the teaching pipeline.

I am driven by a passion for establishing a caring community in my work with the youth and teachers at Breakthrough Cincinnati. A native of California, I came to Cincinnati in 2011 after teaching middle and high school math and science in the U.S. and abroad. I earned my master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University in International Comparative Education, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. I have been with Breakthrough Cincinnati since 2016. I am very proud of the partnership between Breakthrough Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati to create academic enrichment opportunities on campus for students from nearby communities. I am excited to continue to listen to the needs of our students and teachers to make their experience one of tremendous growth.

I hope to connect with families, build community partnerships, and provide a safe space for youth to grow, develop, and learn at Breakthrough Cincinnati! I am a native of Dayton, Ohio, and have served youth in multiple capacities for over ten years. I earned a B.A. in Music Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Operatic Studies from Hampton University. After graduating, I performed extensively and in my spare time I still enjoy taking the stage as often as possible. In 2013, I joined Teach for America in Jacksonville, Florida, and taught high school for two years. With the desire to reach more students, I returned to the Dayton region to lead student programs with the Muse Machine, an arts education organization that serves 72,000 students throughout the Miami Valley.  I am currently working toward a Master’s in Public Administration from Regent University. Student engagement is my passion and my goal is to help each student explore a productive struggle in a place where they know success is attainable.

I’m a doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati with a major in Educational Studies and a concentration in Educational Community-Based Action Research. I have worked in the education field for seven years as an educator and researcher. I hail from the southside of Chicago and know what it is like to need a program like BTC in the community. My current research is centered around understanding how we can impact Black girls' STEM identity and create better spaces that foster interest and exploration through informal learning for students with marginalized identities. I’ve worked with diverse student populations nationally and internationally. Working with organizations and community members to provide access and opportunities in education is a forever passion I hold, and I am committed to doing just that at BTC.

A native of Cincinnati, I have spent over 13 years working with and for youth. I have always had a desire to serve others and Breakthrough Cincinnati is a perfect mix of what I enjoy and who I want to serve. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration degree. I’ve spent the last 10+ years working with children and families, and would like to think that I spent that time finding my way to Breakthrough Cincinnati. I look forward to helping to grow BTC and helping to propel more students into college.

Being an AmeriCorps VISTA at Breakthrough Cincinnati from 2021-2023, I grew a love for BTC's culture and a passion for raising funds on behalf of the organization through grant writing. I'm ecstatic to be serving as the Development Director for BTC and continuing my work with such a great organization! I was born and raised in Cincinnati, and I'm happy to be here serving my community. I graduated from Miami University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, majoring in Public Health and minoring in Global Health Studies. I'm currently pursuing my MBA with a focus in Healthcare Administration at the University of Cincinnati.

Hi! My name is Diya and I'm super excited to serve as an Americorps VISTA this year! I just graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Medical Sciences and minors in Psychology and Integrative health. I have worked with Breakthrough for about two years now and can't wait to make it a third. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with friends, going on walks outdoors and playing the new york times word games!

I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Math and Music Technology. I worked as a Teaching Fellow with Breakthrough Cincinnati this past summer and always brought the energy. As the Data and Evaluation specialist, I will be instrumental in organizing and analyzing key data to ensure Breakthrough Cincinnati is making the biggest difference.

My name is Michael (TFM) and I am a dedicated student with a passion for my people. Throughout my life I have had a desire to champion those in my community who have not been afforded access to a complete and propelling education; a desire cultivated by the amazing experiences and mentors I met during my time as a Teaching Fellow.

I believe that education is freedom, and that freedom is what makes a fulfilling life. I practice yoga daily and am a 200-hour certified instructor (500-hour is on the way!).

Throughout my VISTA term as the Development Specialist, I am hopeful that I am able to support the evolution of the BTC program and develop my skills and connections within our community.