PROGRAM DIRECTOR

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.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

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

In this role, Jasmine helped serve Central Elementary and the greater Downtown Nampa Community through Central’s Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC). She built tailored after-school programs, events, and partnerships to help meet the needs of students and families who were experiencing financial hardships, food insecurity, and housing instability. Most importantly, she gained invaluable insight and experience through the relationships she built with her families and students.

Similarly, Jasmine grew up in unstable environments and often lacked the necessary support to live a healthy life. In her junior year of high school, she was introduced to the McKinney-Vento program which alleviated her financial barriers as an unaccompanied youth and allowed her to break a harmful generational cycle. Her lived and professional experience ignited her passion for supporting at-risk youth and serving the community that once so generously supported her.

Jasmine is determined to strengthen our community through opportunity and collaboration; empowering at-risk youth and their families to break their harmful cycles and build towards a healthy and happy life. She has been proud to support the transformational work happening at BCAD since 2024.

MENTOR AND TUTOR (PASTOR IN RESIDENCE)

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.

MEAL COORDINATOR AND MENTOR

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.

ACADEMIC MENTOR AND TUTOR

Originally from Colorado, Connor moved to Nampa in 2019, attending college at NNU. Upon graduating in 2023 with a Christian Ministry degree, Connor remained in the Treasure Valley to pursue job opportunities and further an already established community. Finding a job in social work illuminated the immense needs within the realm of behavioral, mental, social, and academic health, and highlighted an innate passion for people-work within Connor. After serving as a Community Based Rehabilitation Specialist (CBRS) for two years, working with clients in public schools and in the community, Connor now serves as an Academic Mentor for Breaking Chains. 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Roslyn Ceja-Arteaga is a (2021) graduate of Breaking Chains Academy of Development, the place where she first discovered her passion for community involvement. Roslyn has been involved in non-profit organizations around the Treasure Valley; from empowering the immigrant/latino community, advocating for youth experiencing homelessness, to equipping patients with resources and now our Marketing/Communications Coordinator. Roslyn brings lived experience and compassion. While she is not working, she is spending time with her son, dancing with her Azteca group, and reading. She hopes to one day publish a book.