Luis, raised in a challenging environment marked by gangs and violence, faced a tumultuous upbringing. However, with the guidance of mentors during this period, he managed to break free from the self-destructive path he was on. Inspired by those who supported him in his journey, Luis developed a profound and sincere passion for helping others. Having graduated from OG's BAD (Breaking Chains Academy) with his GED/HSE in 2006, Luis transformed his life. In 2013, he joined the program as a Tutor/Mentor, leveraging his personal experiences to make a positive impact on the lives of youth facing similar challenges. His dedication and commitment were evident, leading to his appointment as the Executive Director in 2018.

Luis utilizes both his firsthand experience and acquired knowledge to guide and support young individuals trapped in destructive lifestyles. His transformative journey has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades he has received. In 2020, he was honored as the Youth Mentor of The Year by the Idaho Press, followed by the 2021 Lights Afterschool Champion recognition from the Idaho Out-of-School Network. In 2023, KTVB 7 honored him as a 7’s Hero, while Idaho News 6 awarded him with the Shine A Light award.

Luis stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating paths toward brighter futures in his community.

Shayla graduated from Nampa High School in Nampa, Idaho. After graduation, Shayla enrolled at the College of Western Idaho where she completed her associate degree in 2016. Shayla then attended Boise State University and graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Shayla is currently working on obtaining her master’s degree in education at Boise State University. From a young age, Shayla knew that she wanted to work in the classroom with students to help lead them to success. As the Education Coordinator, Shayla assists the students in preparing to take their GED exams as well as planning for their future after graduation. Outside of class, Shayla plans activities for the students to participate in, such as various crafts and field trips.

​Joey graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in 2022. Originally from central Washington, Nampa quickly reminded Joey of home. Growing up when times were tough, other “at-risk youth” cared for Joey and looked after him. During this time, Joey saw real love, loyalty, and resilience in kids that were often labeled as troubled. Years later, Joey now has the opportunity to share that same love with the students of BCAD as a mentor/tutor.

Armando (Mando) Garcia is the Meal Coordinator and Mentor at Breaking Chains Academy. By the age of 16, he went through the Hispanic Education Program (H.E.P.) where he obtained his GED/HSE.

Growing up in Caldwell, Mando was committed to the Juvenile Corrections Center twice. There were many lessons learned during this time of his life due to the gang lifestyle in Caldwell. Prior to this role, Mando worked as a barber. Through this experience, Mando is able to connect with the young men at Breaking Chains by offering a free haircut to those in need.

Mando’s vision for this role is to give back to the very community he took from. He hopes to share his life experiences and lessons he had to learn due to the struggles of street life, to help guide our youth on a better path.

Jasmine Flores is the Communication and Business Development Coordinator at Breaking Chains Academy of Development. She graduated from Nampa High School in 2021 and began working with the Nampa School District as a Community Resource Coordinator in 2022.

In this role, Jasmine served Central Elementary’s and Downtown Nampa’s students and community. It was through this experience where her passion for nonprofit work began. Jasmine faced many hardships throughout her childhood, which caused her to go without the resources and support that she needed to maintain a healthy life.

She is a witness of the impact of when one steps up to offer support, love, and guidance and is determined to help transform the Nampa community through collaboration of building holistic support for all to access.

Kenton Lee is a lifelong Nampa native who loves living in this community with his wife and two kiddos. He has worked in the nonprofit industry for many years through a few different organizations (Because International, Northwest Nazarene University, and more).  He loves serving on boards and helping local causes.  When he's not working or volunteering - he's probably watching Netflix or reading.

Florina Ruvio is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Idaho AEYC. Florina’s primary role is supporting Early Learning Collaboratives throughout Idaho to better connect families with resources in their area, particularly within underserved communities. In 2018, Florina lost her little brother, Gary, to addiction. Now, she honors him through her work as a HOPE champion through Tufts University. She continues to share her lived experience, knowledge of the impact of ACEs and the importance of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) as she advocates for changes that will positively impact children and families. Florina believes every child deserves a safe and loving home with access to quality education. She is honored to serve on the board of Breaking Chains Academy, a place where she has seen many students arrive trepidatious and leave feeling confident, welcomed, and hopeful.

Jean Mutchie is the west Treasure Valley community health manager for St. Luke’s Health System. She has been working in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years, and 18 of those have been spent in various capacities within St. Luke’s. Jean’s work focuses on community health initiatives that impact where we live, learn, work, play, pray and age.

Jean is a former Nampa City Council member, a previous Robert Wood Johnson Foundation fellow, and a co-founder of the Idaho Resilience Project and 2C Kids Succeed. Both initiatives are community driven collaboratives with cross-sector partners working together to build healthy and resilient communities.

Jean completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Idaho and earned her MBA from Western Governors University.

Kat has lived in Idaho for over 30 years since moving west from her home state of Massachusetts. She lives in Canyon County with her husband, Idaho native Larry Richardson. Kat and Larry own and operate Larry Richardson Construction, a custom home building company, and Backyard Oasis, a pool and patio company. They have 4 grown children and several grandchildren. Kat enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, and traveling. One of her greatest joys in life is helping community members through volunteer work and serving as a board member for non-profit organizations such as Breaking Chains Academy of Development and Treasure Valley Kiwanis Club.