Meet our Team

I am an experienced non-profit executive who is passionate about youth development and ensuring everyone has access to a quality 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 bring more than a decade of experience in education, youth development, and the arts to my role as Program Director at Breakthrough Cincinnati. As a native of Dayton, Ohio, I’m passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, lead, and succeed.

My journey in education began with Teach For America, where I taught high school in Jacksonville, Florida. I later returned to Dayton to serve as the Director of Student Programs at Muse Machine, an arts education nonprofit that reaches over 72,000 students across the Miami Valley. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to equity, creativity, and building supportive spaces where students can thrive.

At Breakthrough Cincinnati, I lead program operations with a focus on cultivating strong relationships with students, families, and community partners. I am committed to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that prepares middle school students for success in high school, college, and beyond.

I hold a B.A. in Music Vocal Performance from Hampton University and am currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary. Every day, I strive to lead with purpose, compassion, and a deep belief in the power and potential of our students.

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!

Hi! My name is Olivia Hoge, and I am the marketing specialist VISTA at Breakthrough Cincinnati. I recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a concentration in Rhetoric and Professional Writing.

I have always had both a passion for writing, as well as helping others in any way I can. Once I discovered I could combine these two passions, I knew that a community driven position would be the perfect fit for me! Outside of work I love painting my nails, going to concerts, and spending time with my family!

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.

I am thrilled to join Breakthrough Cincinnati as a Recruitment Specialist! 

I earned a BS in Elementary Education and Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and an MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Education Policy and Higher Education at the University of Cincinnati.

I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, where I met and married my high school sweetheart. We have three boys (ages 7, 5, and 3), and all of my time outside of work is spent as their coach, cheerleader, and personal driver!

As a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district leader, I have had the opportunity to lead and learn from many systems. Regardless of my role, I have always believed that people should not be defined by their zip codes. I am committed to bringing these beliefs into my work at Breakthrough Cincinnati and look forward to introducing students and families to all that Breakthrough Cincinnati has to offer!

I believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and pursue their dreams. At Breakthrough Cincinnati, I hope to encourage and support students as they grow into their full potential.

Before joining, I spent three years as a special education teacher in Minnesota. I earned my Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico and am now a first-year Ph.D. student in Educational Studies at the University of Cincinnati. I look forward to contributing what I have learned to this community.