Our Staff
Leadership Team
Executive Director,
Sarah Guerrero
Sarah G, Executive Director
Sarah G, Executive Director
A values-driven and visionary leader, Sarah brings over 18 years of experience in public education and nonprofit leadership. She has served as a principal, leadership coach, and managing director, leading teams across Houston, the state of Texas and nationally to drive student achievement and systemic instructional improvement.
Sarah began her career as a secondary math teacher and later led two middle schools in Houston ISD and Spring Branch ISD—earning recognition for student growth, innovation, and school transformation.
A Teach For America alumna and former Breakthrough Sacramento Teaching Fellow, Sarah holds an MBA from Rice University, an M.Ed. from the University of St. Thomas, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Spanish from Azusa Pacific University.
Senior Director of Programs,
Twenewaa Adu-Oppong
Senior Director of Programs, Twenewaa Adu-Oppong
Senior Director of Programs, Twenewaa Adu-Oppong
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 People and Operations, Eileen Wolfowicz
Director of People and Operations, Eileen Wolfowicz
Director of People and Operations, Eileen Wolfowicz
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
College Bound Program Director, Rachel Soderstrom
College Bound Program Director, Rachel Soderstrom
College Bound Program Director, Rachel Soderstrom
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 Tierrablanca
9th Grade Program Manager, Monica Tierrablanca
9th Grade Program Manager, Monica Tierrablanca
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.
10th Grade Program Manager,
Ashley O.
10th Grade Program Manager, Ashley O
10th Grade Program Manager, Ashley O
Ashley is the 10th Grade Program Manager at Breakthrough Houston, a role she began in 2025 after years of supporting students in connecting with and applying to Breakthrough programs during her time in the classroom. A dedicated educator and advocate, Ashley spent seven years teaching math at Promise Community School District in Houston, where she began her career as a Teach For America corps member. Originally from Chicago, Ashley proudly calls the Windy City home. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Applied Health Sciences and African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (ILL-INI!) and later completed her graduate degree in Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Ashley is driven by a lifelong passion to strengthen the sense of belonging for marginalized communities at every age and every stage. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she believes in empowering youth through education by fostering inclusive learning environments that cultivate curiosity, confidence, and community. Together with her team at Breakthrough Houston, she strives to create transformative educational experiences that uplift young voices and inspire the next generation of changemakers. Outside of her professional work, Ashley finds joy in a good book, baking sweet treats, crocheting, and enjoying a good yap session with friends.
12th Grade Program Manager, Geraldine Martinez
12th Grade Program Manager, Geraldine Martinez
12th Grade Program Manager, Geraldine Martinez
Geraldine was born and raised in Houston and is a first-generation college graduate. She graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2022. Her journey to and through college, although with its fair amount of challenges, is a reflection of what happens when communities use their resources and voices to guide, support, and uplift marginalized students. She looks forward to giving back with Breakthrough Houston!
College Completion Team
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra Ortuño
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra Ortuño
College Completion Program Manager, Mayra Ortuño
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 Senior Leader, Carlos Rodriguez
AmeriCorps Senior Leader, Carlos Rodriguez
AmeriCorps Senior Leader, Carlos Rodriguez
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
Site Director, Erica Barnes
Site Director, Erica Barnes
Site Director, Erica Barnes
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 Site 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.
Site Director, JB Makhani
Site Director, JB Makhani
Site Director, JB Makhani
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 Site 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!
External Affairs Team
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy Redmond
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy Redmond
Donor Relations and Events Specialist, Chrissy Redmond
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.