Kathy Heinzerling, Executive Director

Kathy came to Breakthrough Houston in 2009 after 31 years as co-director at Chinquapin Preparatory School. Her background working with economically disadvantaged students, as well as her experience with education and administration, makes Kathy uniquely qualified for her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Barat College and a Masters of Science in Biology from the University of St. Louis. A tireless volunteer for various civic organizations, she has won numerous honors and recognitions, including the keys to the City of Houston in recognition of her educational leadership. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to spend time with her four sons and five grandchildren.

Twenewaa Adu-Oppong, College Bound Program Director

Kurchi Basu, College Bound Program Director

Kurchi joined Breakthrough Houston in 2018 as the College Bound Program Director. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, she earned a B.A. in sociology/anthropology/Latin American Studies from Carleton College, as well as an M.Ed from University of St. Thomas. Kurchi is a former Teach for America corps member, with 7 years of experience working with first generation college bound students in HISD, most recently as the college advisor at Waltrip High School in Garden Oaks.

Nolan Julien, Program Director (HISD-Gregory Lincoln)

Nolan started her Breakthrough Houston journey in 2017 as a teaching fellow for the St. John’s site. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in English and Sociology, she taught for YES Prep Public Schools with Teach For America as an English teacher. In the summers during her time with YES Prep Public Schools, she served as Dean of Students for the St. John’s site and is now continuing in her new role as Program Director for the Gregory Lincoln site. Nolan is passionate about social justice and a large proponent of liberation through education. 

 Jarvis Lundy, Program Director (BTH at Connect)

Jarvis Lundy joins Breakthrough Houston as Program Director at the Connect Community. Originally from South Florida, he earned his B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of Miami. He rejoins the Breakthrough family after working as a school year and summer teacher with Breakthrough Miami while in college.  Jarvis has spent over a decade working to ensure that our most underserved students receive a high-quality education.  He has worked to successfully turnaround some of the most challenging schools in New Orleans as a school teacher, founding leader, and principal for 8 years.  Most recently, he transitioned to Texas in 2018 as a founding principal to lay the groundwork for a new elementary school here in Houston. When not at work, Jarvis is cooking, spending time outdoors, or cheering on his Miami Hurricanes.

Linda Francis, Program Director (BTH at SJS)

Linda joins Breakthrough Houston as the Program Director at the St. John’s School. She has been connected to Breakthrough since 2011 as a summer teacher, volunteer, and instructional coach. Linda earned her B.A in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em) and her Masters in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked in Aldine ISD and most recently in SBISD at a school for the highly gifted. In her free time, she enjoys morning walks, traveling, brunch, and spending time with her amazing family.

Melinda Guthrie, Development Director

While Melinda comes to Breakthrough Houston from another Houston nonprofit organization, she has worked in both the nonprofit and business sectors here in the U.S. and abroad, in fields as diverse as oil and gas, finance and leadership training. She has a natural ability to develop strong, long-term relationships and a deep and genuine passion for providing equitable educational opportunities for all students. 

Emily Wolfe, Development Associate 

Emily joined Breakthrough Houston in 2020 as the Development Associate. Emily is a graduate of Baylor University, where she earned a B.M. in Vocal Performance and a minor in Non Profit Studies. Emily interned for Houston Grand Opera as an Operations Intern and and worked with various local non profits. Emily spends her free time singing in Houston Chamber Choir and spending time with her friends and family.

Eileen Wolfowicz, Operations Manager

Eileen joined Breakthrough Houston in 2020 as Operations Manager. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with her B.A. in Latin American Studies, Eileen worked in Program Management with the Hillel Foundation of Orange County. Most recently, she was the Volunteer and Operations Coordinator with the Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees. She is deeply committed to Breakthrough Houston’s mission, and is thrilled to play a part in helping BTH’s students achieve academic success. When she’s not working, Eileen enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family, and exploring different coffee shops around town.