Yolanda Fields

Executive Director

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Wilonda Cannon

Chief Program Officer, Community Economic Development

Wilonda Cannon is the Chief Program Officer of Community Economic Development at Breakthrough. She was introduced to Breakthrough as a parent in 2012 when she enrolled her children in the after-school program. After volunteering at Breakthrough, Wilonda joined the team as Senior Director of Development in 2014. Prior to Breakthrough, she served as a civil engineer in the Air National Guard. She holds a degree from the Joseph Business School, and she led the fund development and strategic initiatives of Project Eden, an initiative of The Joseph Business School, which focuses on economic, business, and social stability for the citizens of Haiti. Because of these efforts, Wilonda was named phenomenal woman of the year by State Farm in 2010. Most recently, she led the launch of Breakthrough’s Community Economic Development program area, which fosters financial wellness and economic stability in East Garfield Park. Wilonda is currently a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty.

With Breakthrough since 2014

Alexandra Cesario

Chief Development Officer

Lisa Gwin

Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network

Cheron Massonburg, BSN, RN

Chief Program Officer, Housing, Health and Wellness

As Chief Program Officer of Housing and Health and Wellness, Cheron Massonburg oversees the strategic vision, program policies, and staffing of Breakthrough’s Transitional and Permanent Housing programs, support centers, Behavioral Health services, and Fresh Market food pantry. She also ensures coordination with local agencies and organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Cheron brings valuable hands-on experience from the healthcare field to Breakthrough. Since she joined Breakthrough in 2001, Cheron has partnered with adults experiencing homelessness or crisis with compassion, collaborated with colleagues to foster friendly and caring environments, and led high-quality services accessed by more than 5,000 adults and families in Garfield Park annually.

Damien Morris

Chief Program Officer, Violence Prevention

Damien Morris is the Chief Program Officer of Violence Prevention at Breakthrough and a leader for violence reduction in Chicago. Since he joined Breakthrough in 2008, he has led transitional housing initiatives, supported individuals experiencing homelessness through case management, and directed security at the Breakthrough FamilyPlex. Damien has been an integral part of the growth of Breakthrough’s Violence Prevention team. As CPO, he oversees comprehensive services for adults and adolescents: case management, outreach services, victim services, youth engagement, and safe space events. Hundreds of local residents access these services annually. In addition to the leadership he provides for Breakthrough’s team, he ensures coordination with partner institutions and organizations across the city.

With Breakthrough since 2008

John Smith

Chief Administrative Officer

John Smith is the Chief Administrative Officer at Breakthrough and oversees financial operations, facility maintenance and construction planning, human resources, and information technology. Since 2002, he has used his skills to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Breakthrough’s programs. John has coordinated project financing, negotiation of public funding (Tax Increment Financing, New Market Tax Credits), and construction management for facility development projects including the Breakthrough Ministry Center (Jan 2008, $5 mil), Breakthrough Women’s Center and Breakthrough Fresh Market renovation (Fall 2014, $2 mil), and Breakthrough FamilyPlex (Winter 2014, $14.5M). Previously, John worked for the North Lawndale YMCA and as a youth pastor. John received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Huntington University in Indiana. His family resides in East Garfield Park.

With Breakthrough since 2002

Nate Bedell

Director of Community Operations

Martin Coffer

Director, Community Safety & FamilyPlex Operations

Lauren Cole

Director of Housing Programs

Ann Healing

Director of Church and Volunteer Engagement

Ana Pyper

Associate Director, Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program

With Breakthrough since 2019

Tanya Whitten

Associate Director, Communications