MEET OUR GREAT STAFF...

Jeff Ochs, Director, founded Breakthrough Saint Paul in the summer of 2005. His initial vision for the program came as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, when he proposed expanding the national Breakthrough model to Saint Paul as part of a scholarship application. After graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in history, Jeff approached Mounds Park Academy and Saint Paul Public Schools with his proposal, which they accepted. In his position, Jeff draws upon his 3 years of teaching experience with the Breakthrough program in Minneapolis. Outside of work, Jeff is a member of his St. Paul neighborhood council and is interested in urban development.

Jennifer Otremba, Coordinator of Curriculum & Instruction, joined Breakthrough Saint Paul in August 2007. After graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in Natural Science from the College of Saint Benedict, Jennifer spent five years teaching for the Saint Paul Public Schools at Valley Branch Environmental Learning Center. During that time she also worked in a leadership capacity for programs at the Science Museum of Minnesota Youth Science Center and the Five-District Integration Partnership. Jennifer is an M.Ed candidate in the University of Minnesota’s Youth Development Leadership program. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys participating in outdoor recreational activities, doing yoga and remodeling her fixer-upper house!

Tara Steele, Student & Family Liaison, comes to Breakthrough Saint Paul from Fridley Public Schools where she created and coordinated a host of enrichment activities for middle and high schoolers such as the Strive Scholarship, the Tiger’s Lair extended day program, and various extra-curricular clubs. Before that, she worked with the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, managing all aspects of elective classes at Kids’ Company, tripling student participation. Tara holds two UofM degrees: Masters of Education in Youth Development Leadership and a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Arts. Outside of work, Tara snowboards, rock climbs, rides her bikes and enjoys cross-country skiing.

Lansiné Touré, High School Program Coordinator, recently graduated from Marquette University in December 2006 with a B.A. in history and African American Studies, as well as a minor in psychology. Having been an aspiring teacher with Breakthrough Saint Paul since its inauguration in the summer of 2005, he is now excited to be an integral member of the Breakthrough staff.