COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Andrea joined the Breakthrough Twin Cities team in January 2020! She began her time at Breakthrough on the Program Team, first as a Program Manager and then as the Associate Program Director. In May 2022, Andrea shifted roles from the Program Team to the Advancement and Administration team as the Community Engagement Officer.

Andrea has always been passionate about working in service of children and families. She began her career as a pediatric dental assistant, enjoying the opportunity to arm young children with the skills and techniques to have long-lasting positive dental health and experiences. She left in 2012 to complete her bachelor’s degree.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a degree in Youth Studies, she moved to Chicago to pursue her Master’s degree in Child Development from the Erikson Institute. That educational experience paired with an intensive year-long internship at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, helped her realize her love of teaching and learning. After 5 years in Chicago Andrea, and her now spouse, returned to Minnesota in July 2019.

As a first-generation college graduate, Andrea was attracted to Breakthrough Twin Cities’ mission and dedication to making the process of pursuing post-secondary education more accessible. The educational opportunities she’s had have made a lasting impact and she hopes to bring the same passion, dedication, and joy that fueled her educational pursuits, into her work at Breakthrough Twin Cities!

Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending her time with her spouse Travis & their dog Odie, reading, baking, and trying new restaurants/foods.