Leadership Team
Executive Director,
Angie W
Angie W, Executive Director
Angie W, Executive Director
Angie has worked in education for over 18 years from Pre K-16 in a variety of school design models and in both school-based and regional/district roles. She has a BA in Education and an MS in Experimental Psychology and has participated in Rice University’s REEP program and the Harvard School Turnaround Leaders summer program. Angie has had the honor of teaching, leading content and curriculum departments, and serving in school leadership throughout her career, and she has focused on excellent learning experiences for all students as the anchor of her work. This led her to non-profit work, most recently at OneGoal Houston, where she served as the Regional Vice President, supporting Program and Development leaders and their teams, setting vision and direction, and supporting execution toward the mission to enable degrees for students across Houston. Angie is thrilled to join the Breakthrough Houston team as its next Executive Director. She looks forward to working with the Breakthrough team to expand our continued impact in our dual mission of student academic enrichment and the mentoring and development of aspiring teachers.
Senior Director of Programs,
Twenewaa A
Senior Director of Programs, Twenewaa A
Senior Director of Programs, Twenewaa A
Twenewaa joined the Breakthrough Houston College Bound Team in 2019 after serving as a college advisor at a large Title One public school. Over the years, Twenewaa has worked to find, and sometimes create spaces where all Breakthrough students can be academically challenged, socially comfortable, and financially unencumbered. As a first generation graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, she is committed to shaping a better, more equitable education landscape that ensures all young adults can live choice-filled lives.
Director of External Affairs,
Chrystal R
Director of External Affairs, Chrystal R
Director of External Affairs, Chrystal R
Chrystal is dedicated to fostering meaningful philanthropic partnerships that support educational opportunities for students in Houston. With a decade of experience in fundraising and donor engagement, she has successfully developed giving strategies and strengthened donor networks to help organizations achieve their goals. In her free time, Chrystal volunteers with various professional and community organizations and enjoys spending time with family and friends. A native of Austin, Texas, with deep roots in Texas City, she is inspired by the belief that true impact comes through service.
Director of People and Operations, Eileen W
Director of People and Operations, Eileen W
Director of People and Operations, Eileen W
A born-and-raised Houstonian and proud product of Houston public schools, Eileen joined Breakthrough Houston in 2020 as Operations Manager and became the Director of People and Operations in 2023. Eileen graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her B.A. in Latin American Studies and, prior to Breakthrough, worked in program, volunteer, and operations management with nonprofits in California and Texas. In addition, Eileen completed Rice University’s SHRM Essentials of HR course in 2024. Eileen is deeply committed to Breakthrough’s mission and its people, deriving fulfillment from knowing that, whether it’s crafting every word in an employee handbook or developing equitable hiring strategies, staff receive the behind-the-scenes support they need to continue delivering quality programming to incredible students. When she’s not working, you can find Eileen reading literary fiction, doing crossword puzzles, and going to indie rock shows.
College Bound Team
11th Grade Program Manager,
German A
11th Grade Program Manager, German A
11th Grade Program Manager, German A
German was born in Panama and raised in the wonderful city of Houston. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, majoring in History and minoring in Spanish. German brings 8 years of experience in the college counseling field and loves helping students discover schools that fit them financially and academically. Outside of work, he is a sports fanatic who loves spending weekends grilling and watching a Texans football game.
College Bound Program Director, Rachel S
College Bound Program Director, Rachel S
College Bound Program Director, Rachel S
Rachel is thrilled to be a part of the Breakthrough Team. She brings a robust background of both college access and classroom experience. She earned her B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University (where she worked at Upward Bound and fell in love with this different approach to education) and her Masters in Secondary Literacy Education from Johns Hopkins University. She worked in Baltimore for three years as an English teacher for grades 11-12 before moving back to her home state of Texas to teach 9th-grade Literature at KIPP for a year. She is happy to be back in Houston, even though she misses experiencing seasons. She is passionate about helping each of her students find their unique and authentic voices. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys reading (obviously), writing poetry, and finding beauty in the mundane.
9th Grade Program Manager,
Monica T
9th Grade Program Manager, Monica T
9th Grade Program Manager, Monica T
Monica was born and raised in Houston, Texas, before moving to Denver, Colorado, to attend Regis University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience and later a Master’s in Applied Psychology from Regis University. After returning to Houston, Monica worked in academic advising for high school students and later managed the Student Support Program at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston. Through this experience, she developed a strong commitment to guiding students through their academic journeys.
Monica is excited to join the Breakthrough Houston College Bound Team as the 9th Grade Program Manager, where she looks forward to continuing her work with students. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, crafting, and spending time with her family and pets.
12th Grade Program Manager,
Terrell T
12th Grade Program Manager, Terrell T
12th Grade Program Manager, Terrell T
Terrell is a first-generation college student who graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Salute to the “House”! He continued his education and graduated with his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. After pivoting away from counseling, he graduated with a Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston. He had experience working in K-12 public schools and higher education settings before becoming a program manager with Breakthrough. He has a passion for education and is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. The only other passion he has in this world that is even close to his heart, besides his faith and family, is the Dallas Cowboys. How ‘bout them Cowboys!!!
AmeriCorps Member,
Jackie F
AmeriCorps Member, Jackie F
AmeriCorps Member, Jackie F
Although new to the staff, Jackie is no stranger to Breakthrough—she was a Breakthrough Houston student herself and a former Teaching Fellow. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Bioethics & Medical Humanities. While in college, she also worked with the Breakthrough Central Texas team and has continued to volunteer in various capacities over the past few years. Needless to say, she loves Breakthrough! In her free time, Jackie enjoys leading an active lifestyle, training for marathons, and teaching Pilates.
AmeriCorps Senior Leader, Grace L
AmeriCorps Senior Leader, Grace L
AmeriCorps Senior Leader, Grace L
Grace is a passionate advocate for students and families. She is graduating from the University of Houston in May of 2025 with a degree in political science with minors in legal studies and non-profit leadership. She has loved her time with Breakthrough Houston and continues to enjoy connecting with students in the classroom while investing in the future generations of Houston.
AmeriCorps Member,
Kiara N
AmeriCorps Member, Kiara N
AmeriCorps Member, Kiara N
Kiara is a proud Panamanian and Honduran who grew up in Houston, Texas. She is an avid fitness enthusiast and a passionate advocate for mental health. Currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Kiara is set to graduate soon and aspires to become a licensed therapist. With a deep dedication to helping others, she is committed to making a positive impact on individuals’ mental well-being.
College Completion Team
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra O
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra O
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra O
Mayra, College Completion Program Director: Mayra brings a strong background in education, spanning middle school, high school, and college success programming. She began her career as a teacher, where she also served as a grade-level chair, developing curriculum and supporting student achievement. Committed to expanding educational opportunities, Mayra transitioned to program management in the non-profit sector, where she continues to support students on their academic and professional journeys.
As the College Completion Program Director, she leads efforts to enhance student support systems, strengthen partnerships, and refine program strategies to ensure more students earn their degrees. Mayra’s strengths lie in building meaningful relationships with students and providing tailored support that meets their unique needs. Her student-centered approach has been instrumental in reducing summer melt, increasing college persistence, and fostering strong partnerships that enhance resources and opportunities for students.
As an Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellow, she is further developing her leadership and policy expertise to drive systemic change in education. She also remains engaged in her sorority as the Director of Public Affairs, whose pillars—education, loyalty, and pride—align with her commitment to empowering students and strengthening communities./p>
AmeriCorps Leader, Carlos R
AmeriCorps Leader, Carlos R
AmeriCorps Leader, Carlos R
Carlos is a first generation Mexican-American student raised in the Houston area. He is currently attending college and is excited to join Breakthrough Houston as an AmeriCorps Member! Carlos hopes to help students reach greater heights by helping them find resources and inspirations for their future endeavors and at the same time find a career that he might be passionate about. He plans to work hard alongside the College Bound Team!
Middle School Team
Program Director, Erica B
Program Director, Erica B
Program Director, Erica B
Erica began her Breakthrough journey as a Teaching Fellow in 2018, serving the Atlanta community. After graduating from Florida Agricultural University, she moved to Houston and began her teaching career as an English teacher at YES Prep Public Schools. She later advanced to the role of Dean of Instruction, gaining leadership experience while also serving as an Instructional Coach with Breakthrough Houston.
Now as Program Director at Breakthrough Houston, Erica is dedicated to supporting students and enhancing educational opportunities. In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons in different cities, reading, and discovering new recipes on Pinterest.
Program Director, Nolan J
Program Director, Nolan J
Program Director, Nolan J
Nolan began her Breakthrough Houston journey in 2017 as a Teaching Fellow at the St. John’s site. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in English and Sociology, she taught English at YES Prep Public Schools through Teach For America. During the summers, she served as Dean of Students and later as Program Director. (2019-2023).
Now continuing as Program Director, Nolan is committed to empowering students through education. Outside of work, she enjoys engaging with literature and exploring new learning opportunities.
Program Director, JB M
Program Director, JB M
Program Director, JB M
JB joins Breakthrough Houston as the Program Director at the St. John’s School site. JB has been connected with the BTH Family since 2014, working as a Teaching Fellow, Instructional Coach, and now Program Director. JB earned his B.A in Political Science at Rice University and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University. Previously, JB worked at YES Prep Public Schools and Teaching Excellence as a Teacher and Instructional Coach. JB is also a TFA Houston 2016 alumnus. In his free time, he enjoys all sports, walking his two dogs, and playing chess!
AmeriCorps Member, Anthony E
AmeriCorps Member, Anthony E
AmeriCorps Member, Anthony E
Anthony embarked on his journey wit Breakthrough Houston in 2018, initially making waves as a Teaching Fellow. After three transformative years, he decided to take a hiatus from academics, graduate high school, and venture to Florida. There, he immersed himself in the world of Digital Cinematography and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from The Full Sail University in 2024. Returning to his roots in Houston by the end of 2023, Anthony found himself drawn back into the fold of the Breakthrough family. His passion for photography and love for bike riding are not just hobbies, but integral parts of his identity, enriching his life and adding depth to his pursuits.
AmeriCorps Member, Faith P
AmeriCorps Member, Faith P
AmeriCorps Member, Faith P
Faith began her Breakthrough journey as a teaching fellow in 2021, channeling her deep-rooted commitment to educational advocacy towards her community. As a Biochemistry student at the University of Houston, Faith balances her scientific pursuits with a profound love for teaching students. With aspirations to shape young minds in the future, she plans to leverage her Biochemistry expertise to make a lasting impact. Outside of work and school, Faith enjoys leisurely reading at local coffee shops and is always on the lookout for new and exciting beverages to savor!
External Affairs Team
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy R
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy R
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy R
Chrissy is a dedicated nonprofit professional with extensive experience in community engagement and program development. She has a proven track record of leading initiatives that encompass volunteerism, education and training, and strategic partnerships. Chrissy collaborates with corporate partners, optimizes program placements, and implements tailored initiatives to maximize impact.
With strong skills in event coordination and training oversight, Chrissy is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and expanding opportunities for community involvement.