Breaking the Chains Foundation
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION
    • BOARD & ADVISORS
    • AMBASSADORS
    • PARTNERS
    • VOLUNTEERS
    • PRESS
    • CONTACT
  • PROGRAMS
    • HOW TO LOVE YOURSELFIE
    • BIG C NEW ME
    • DANCE & MOVEMENT
      • 7 CHAIRS WORKSHOP
      • VIRTUAL WORKSHOP – INSIDE OUT
      • HEALTHY GROWTH WORKSHOP
  • CREATIVITY
    • LIVE PERFORMANCES
      • 7 CHAIRS PERFORMANCE
      • ANONYMOUS
    • MUSIC
    • HOW TO LOVE YOURSELFIE CAMP
    • FEATURED ARTISTS
    • ARTIST INTERVIEWS
    • CANVAS OF CULINARY ART
    • ELEMENTS OF EXPRESSION ARTIST SERIES
    • FINDING ALICE
  • COMMUNITY
    • EVENTS
    • MUSIC
    • CAMPAIGNS
    • GUEST SPEAKERS
  • CONNECTION
    • EVENTS
    • GET INVOLVED
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS CONVERSATIONS
  • RESOURCES
    • RESOURCES & FAQS
    • VIDEO RESOURCES
    • BLOG
  • DONATE
    • SPONSORS
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Mail
  • Link to LinkedIn
Previous Previous Previous Next Next Next
12

Breaking The Chains Foundation

We focus on breaking the chains of mental health and body-image struggles. While providing artistic programming and services for those looking to “link” with others on their healthy mental and emotional wellness journeys.

We use the power of art and expression to provide programs, events, and services to build efficacy in the areas of mental health and body-image struggles, cancer, and eating disorders. Bringing tools, skills, and shared lived experiences to life.  Areas that address problematic social media use and negative mental health among youth and young adults, productions integrating dance with mind/body wellness principles, and unique beauty experiences for cancer survivors.

Online Social Media Literacy Youth Program

Cancer Survivors and Care Givers Program

Self Enrichment and Confidence Building Event

Live Performance

Storytelling Dance and Movement Experience

Live Stage Production

Movement Workshop For Connection and Renewal

IMPACT AND COMMUNITY

We believe that positive body image, health and self-love are all possible. We believe in full recovery.

RESOURCES/FAQs

BTCF produces all forms of art, events, outreach, and campaigns to support overall wellness.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Meet the amazing celebrities who support BTCF and how they encourage and inspire others to bring forth healing, self-love & recovery.

CELEBRITIES

Meet our monthly featured artist.

FEATURED ART

Welcome to our BTCF Community and join our mailing list and stay connected with us!

CONNECT

“Art speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform”

JOIN US

Finding Alice

Canvas of Culinary Arts

Health and Wellness Conversations

Community and Support

PROUD MEMBER OF

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

breakingthechainsfdn

Through the arts~we foster creativity, connections & communities to thrive; committed to the prevention of body-focused & mental well-being stigmas.
We are thrilled to welcome our new #BTF Youth Amba We are thrilled to welcome our new #BTF Youth Ambassador Alicia Mitas💜! Alicia is a New York City based content creator (on Tik Tok and Instagram under the username @alicianotsograceful ) and writer featured in USA Today. Her content niche is in the realms of film and TV, as well as OCD and body positivity. She started her Tik Tok account because her OCD and anxiety lead her to have difficulty going out and being away from home. And with a lot of solitude, started to spend her time filming and posting. Her Greek American family being in the entertainment industry sparked her love for those topics, so she posted comedic videos about her favorite franchises. She gained both a following and community amongst film lovers, industry professionals and other mental health creators. Alicia’s content success has lead her to partner with major film studios such as Lionsgate, Netflix, Marvel, Focus Features, and Sony Pictures, where creating successful content for their works has lead her to attends their events and walk their carpets. Her most recent partnership with Sony Pictures was for the film “A Big Bold and Beautiful Journey”, a film starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. Sony Pictures featured her on their pages for their sponsored ads and had her film and ad herself for her page. She has also partnered with Child Mind Institute based in New York, where she completed their outpatient program for OCD treatment. Alicia had a brand deal with Presently Bracelets, a jewelry company that has been featured in Forbes and endorsed by Selena Gomez’ mental health company, Wondermind. #btcf #youth #ambassador #writer #content #creator #ocd #advocate #health #wellness
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ A young #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ A young actress shares her journey of overcoming struggles to find the rainbow after the storm. Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, BTCF Board with guest @kaydentokarski , Actress and BTCF Youth Ambassador 💜 These conversations highlight the stories of #BTCF team members, partners, and friends and how these stories can help to inspire others and enrich our lives. #actress #selfconfidence #selfesteem #joy #healing #journey #btcf #youth #ambassador
🧡BTCF Board Member, Chef Gason’s Spatchcock Cornis 🧡BTCF Board Member, Chef Gason’s Spatchcock Cornish Hen with Rosemary, Whole Garlic & Butter Chef Gason is sharing one of his favorite Thanksgiving dishes for anyone cooking for themselves or for friends and family.💛 What you will need: 1–2 Cornish hens 4 tbsp softened butter 6–8 whole garlic cloves, smashed 1 tbsp chopped rosemary 2 tbsp olive oil Your seasoning blend Salt & pepper Optional: smoked paprika How it’s made: 1. Spatchcock the hen: Remove backbone, flatten, and pat dry. 2. Make butter: Mix butter, rosemary, 2–3 smashed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and seasoning blend. 3. Season: Rub butter under and over the skin. Season all over. Scatter remaining whole garlic cloves with a little olive oil. 4. Roast: Bake at 350°F for 35–45 min, basting once. Cook to 165°F. 5. Finish: Rest 5–10 minutes and spoon roasted garlic + pan juices over the top. ENJOY! #chefgason #tooeasy #neworleans #chef #btcf #board #member #nonprofit
We are thrilled to welcome Brenda Lionas to our BT We are thrilled to welcome Brenda Lionas to our BTCF Advisory Board! 💛 Brenda Lionas is an award-winning tennis professional and coach who teaches privately at the prestigious Novi Athletic Club in Novi, Michigan, as well as the Girls Varsity Tennis Coach at Northville High School. Under her leadership, the Northville High School Girls Tennis Team became the 2025 Division 1 State Champions. She also serves on the executive board of D3W Industries, Inc. She has received numerous accolades for her coaching, including Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2019. Her dedication to the sport earned her the title of Regional Coach of the Year in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, she was also honored as the Division 1 State Coach of the Year and Michigan High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Sports have always played a significant role in her life. Brenda graduated from Tecumseh High School, where she excelled as a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and softball. After high school, she attended Eastern Michigan University, where she played softball. Since 2001, Brenda has been teaching tennis at the Novi Athletic Club to children and adults of all ages and skill levels. In addition to her tennis instruction, she ran the youth summer program for 18 years. At Novi Athletic Club, Brenda learned the importance of encouragement and self-esteem in children, shaping her coaching philosophy. She focuses on recognizing each child’s unique abilities to build confidence and believes sports foster community. By celebrating efforts and progress, she aims to enhance her players’ tennis skills, instill a sense of family, and teach resilience for life. In addition to her coaching expertise, she specializes in administration and management, education and instruction, coaching, and organizing special events. Brenda is a proud wife, mother of four children, and recently became a grandmother to a beautiful baby girl. #btcf #advisory #board #nonprofit
Thank you, John Muir Middle School, for inviting B Thank you, John Muir Middle School, for inviting BTCF Youth Ambassadors @kaydentokarski and @audenwyle to lead fun and positive art and wellness activities during your Mental Health Event Day! They thoroughly enjoyed spending this interactive and uplifting time with all of your students!! Thank you, girls for representing #btcf on this wonderful day💜💜! #btcf #youth #ambassadors #burbank #california #community #outreach #arts #wellness
Adding some “How To Love Yourselfie” on the east c Adding some “How To Love Yourselfie” on the east coast @artcrawlfl 2025💕 Thank you so much for having us share our booth for the day ~ it was a blast! Wonderful to be apart of this creative community during Arts & Health Week shared by @watsonclinicfoundation 🤩 #artsandhealthweek #artcrawl #btcf #arts #wellness #community #partner
“It’s in the service of showing up, listening, and “It’s in the service of showing up, listening, and sharing that directly results in the individual realization, “I am not alone” and then the personal process of healing continues....” ~ Alex Little #7chairs ❤️ “7 CHAIRS” ~ performance @artcrawlfl 11/9/2025 “Arts and Health Week”. Thank you for having us❤️ #7chairs #alexlittle #dance #healing #personalstory #lakeland #florida #artcrawl
When you have your crew! ~ Amazing women supportin When you have your crew! ~ Amazing women supporting creativity & community❤️ #artcrawl2025 #btcf @alex_little @laurenraevg @katle_is_t @irelynnbryannnnn @deena_bryan_ #debrahopkins 📸: @artcrawlfl #lakeland #florida
What a great Friday night with these terrific @fre What a great Friday night with these terrific @fredidanceproject students taking part in our #7CHAIRS Master Dance Workshop ~ created and taught by #BTCF board and master dance teachers @alex_little and @katherineleist1 💜💜! Thank you @rpfundingcenter for sharing your wonderful space with us! Thank you @watsonclinicfoundation for our partnership supporting Arts and Health Week 2025🤩 Thank you @freddie_dejesus_ for your awesome support and partnership🤍! #dance #health #arts #stories #journey #nonprofit #lakeland #florida
Such an amazing “Arts and Health Week” put on by @ Such an amazing “Arts and Health Week” put on by @watsonclinicfoundation ! It was a joy for #BTCF to be a part of this meaningful events week💚 Heartfelt thank you to @agbmuseum for inviting Debra Hopkins, President of #BTCF, creator, and writer, to share her “Finding Alice” photography exhibit and personal story, offering an immersive experience that visually explores the realms of “Finding Alice”. museum photos ~ @janeannegonzalezphotography #artsandhealing #findingalice #personalstory #photography
Such a special Sunday we had with our “Big C New M Such a special Sunday we had with our “Big C New Me Power Crew” event! This day truly inspires and makes a positive difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers! 💛 ~ More photos coming soon. Would like to take an opportunity to thank all our amazing pros and additional volunteers! Your expertise and service are truly appreciated.💛 Thank you to @watson_clinic @watsonclinicfoundation @thewell.lakeland @pastachefcatering @dovetail_design_va for being our power partners! Thank you @bellaroseoriginals for the wonderful photos!📸 Thank you @allwaysdrops for your generous support! Please visit link in bio to learn about “Big C New Me”. More to come in 2026! Feel free to reach out to: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com #bigcnewme #powercrew #cancer #community #hope
So excited for this event💛💛💛and super grateful to So excited for this event💛💛💛and super grateful to our power partners @thewell.lakeland @watsonclinicfoundation @pastachefcatering Come join us for a one day with the “Big C New Me Power Crew” event! This day makes such a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers! ✅ Big C New Me Application Sign up: LINK IN BIO or SCAN QR CODE Nov 2nd • 2pm - 6 pm The Well, Lakeland, FL Free! Must have tickets to attend💛 ABOUT: Created by 2x cancer survivor and #BTCF Board Member, Amy Hart. “Big C New Me” is a program serving cancer survivors and caregivers. We help women, men, and teens deal with the challenges of living with -and overcoming the side effects of- cancer and treatment by providing confidence-building, educational, and support resources. “The Power Crew” is our most popular event: one day with the crew focusing on empowerment and confidence. We include hair/wig cut and style, professional makeup application, and professional portraits to keep. Other benefits include lunch, swag bags, education, connections, support, and resources.💛 Please feel free to reach out to: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com #bigcnewme #powercrew #cancer #community #hope
Alex Little’s 7 CHAIRS is back!❤️ We are so excite Alex Little’s 7 CHAIRS is back!❤️ We are so excited to be having two performances in Florida @artcrawlfl on November 9th • 11am and 3pm. 🔗IN BIO: Events ~ Come join us! ABOUT: 7 Chairs is an 8-minute live dance performance created and choreographed by BTCF Board Member, @alex_little The 7 CHAIRS performance offers a powerful, vulnerable, revealing, and liberating experience. Through dance, seven performers gather in an anonymous meeting to share their personal stories and listen to others in real time, fostering solidarity, honesty, and hope among all participants, and reinforcing the vital truth that no one struggles alone. This performance breaks the silence surrounding inner struggles often linked to negative body image, disordered eating, grief, and other mental, emotional, and circumstantial challenges affecting one’s self-esteem, identity, and overall wellness. The process is both captivating and transformative, emphasizing that the willingness to see, hear, be seen, and be heard serves as the foundation for healing. As an audience member, you will be reminded that “I, You, We…Are Not Alone. Thank you to our partners! @artcrawlfl and @udclakeland photography: @photos_by_edward #jameswirthphotography blue photo: @danceexcellence #mentalhealth #journey #alexlittle #7chairs #dancers #stories
💛Hey Florida! Come join us for our 2-hour master d 💛Hey Florida! Come join us for our 2-hour master dance workshop, “The 7 CHAIRS EXPERIENCE” taught by BTCF board members, renowned Master Dance Teachers & Choreographers, @alex_little & @katherineleist1 ! ✅SIGN UP - EVENTS LINK IN BIO! November 7th, 2025 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm RP Funding Center, Lake Hunter Room @rpfundingcenter RSVP: Free, space is limited ABOUT: The 7 Chairs Experience was born from Alex’s personal experience, wherein she found that communal gatherings often activate or assist in individual healing. In this workshop, Alex creates a safe yet brave space in which participants have the opportunity to connect with themselves and one another through art and movement. By exploring, sharing, and receiving stories of both struggle and victory, participants are reminded that… WE ARE NOT ALONE! The 7 Chairs Experience is grounded in the same values and principles as the “7 CHAIRS” PERFORMANCE. After engaging in this real-time interpersonal storytelling experience, participants will leave with more understanding, compassion, and creative strategies for healing. The goal is to explore what our unique hearts and minds want to communicate through the art of dance and movement. For both dancers and non-dancers. A big thanks to @rpfundingcenter ! photography: @boivinphoto #dance #choreograhpy #storytelling #visual #narrative #healing #renewal #self #btcf #7chairsexperience
Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation by the creator and writer, Debra Hopkins THE AGB MUSEUM @agbmuseum 800 East Palmetto Street Lakeland, Florida 33801 November 6th, 2025 Two Showings: 5 pm and 6:30 pm “I started Breaking The Chains Foundation with my project, “Finding Alice”. I wrote this story based on my own real-life experience as a young girl who struggled with something called “Alice in Wonderland Syndrome” (a distortion of visual perception). In the crazy I felt – I envisioned then created this world of metal, mortar, and steel because there is no nutritional value in a table made up of metal, mortar, and steel! I had to find a way out, and so did Alice. If you have ever suffered from any type of distorted mind processes, such as an eating disorder, negative body image, or other addictions. You are not alone! Recovery is possible! I encourage you to tell your story! Thank you to my dear friend and renowned photographer @amybarnardphotography who listened to me for hours upon hours with an open, patient, and loving heart, and helped me make all the pictures in my head breathe and come to life through her stunning photography. Thank you to my first board member/celebrity ambassador, actress @jillianrosereed (Alice). Thank you to actors @erinsanders (Rose) and @augemer (Jarvis). I loved directing this project and all of your amazing talent and abilities to capture these characters! To date, “Finding Alice” is a book, a photography exhibit, and a 5-part workshop. I am thrilled to debut the Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation at AGB Museum on November 6th! ~ Debra Hopkins, BTCF President/Founder A big thanks to @agbmuseum ! #findingalice #debrahopkins #btcf #photography #book #workshop
Hey Florida! Calling all cancer survivors and care Hey Florida! Calling all cancer survivors and caregivers💛💛💛 One day with the “Big C New Me Power Crew” makes such a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers! ✅ Big C New Me Application Sign up: LINK IN BIO or SCAN QR CODE Nov 2nd • 2pm - 6 pm The Well 114 E. Parker St. Lakeland, FL 33801 Free! Must have tickets to attend💛 ABOUT: Created by 2x cancer survivor and #BTCF Board Member, Amy Hart. “Big C New Me” is a program serving cancer survivors and caregivers. We help women, men, and teens deal with the challenges of living with -and overcoming the side effects of- cancer and treatment by providing confidence-building, educational, and support resources. “The Power Crew” is our most popular event: one day with the crew focusing on empowerment and confidence. We include hair/wig cut and style, professional makeup application, and professional portraits to keep. Other benefits include lunch, swag bags, education, connections, support, and resources.💛 Thank you to our partners! @watson_clinic @thewell.lakeland @pastachefcatering @cliquesalonandmedspa @goldbirdhair.hannah @simply.polished.by.emma @flawlessmemories83 @changeyournarrative For more information: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com #bigcnewme #cancer #community #hope
🤩WOW! What an incredible day at our 2025 How To Lo 🤩WOW! What an incredible day at our 2025 How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp @mihranknoho 🤩 Thank you to our outstanding #BTCF TEAM - so much love to you all! Thank you to all our amazing sponsors & volunteers! TY to our rockstar youth guests - we loved sharing the day with you all! Thank you parents & caregivers for bringing your kids to our camp! A special thanks to @mihranknoho for hosting us! AND big thanks to @jordyncuret_ for creating our very own #BTCF song for the camp, “Dance Again”!🎸🎶 We can wait until 2026! #HOWTOLOVEYOURSELFIE #YOUTH #ARTS #WELLNESS #CAMP 😎Fun Fact ~ Inspiration for this camp comes from our online social media literacy videos/workbook program - How To Love Yourselfie with @jillianrosereed 🩷#creator “DANCE AGAIN” Written/Vocals: Jordyn Curet Guitars/Bass/Melody: Michael Paik Music Drums/Percussion: Beau Skonieczny @beau_drumz Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Gear-Age Media Copyrights: Breaking The Chains Foundation Video cred~ @jillianrosereed
#bestdayever 💜🕶️ 🤩with some of our amazing campers #bestdayever 💜🕶️ 🤩with some of our amazing campers at our “How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp” 9/21/25 TY youth ambassador @kaydentokarski for creating this video for us! #staytuned #htlys #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf #mihrankstudios
Our #BTCF Team shares some thoughts about our supe Our #BTCF Team shares some thoughts about our super fun “How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp” on September 21st @mihranknoho 💜 Thank you youth ambassador @kaydentokarski for capturing these moments & creating this video for us! 💖 Lots more to share🤩 #htlys #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf
#BTCF Statistics Series National Suicide Preventio #BTCF Statistics Series National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month💜 Within this series – How can we connect with one another, find creative ways of self-expression, and support each other. Our dear friend and contributor, Amy Kathleen Lee, Founder/CEO of Dancing with ED, a Mental Health Educator, Speaker, and Suicide Prevention Trainer reflects on her struggles living with Bipolar II disorder, PTSD, an eating disorder, and suicidality. In her journey, she discovered hope, truth, and healing.💜 A special thanks to @amykathleenlee @dancingwithed.inc for sharing her expertise, lived experience, and advising us for this series.💜 Thank you BTCF Youth Ambassador Chair @mikaelazarsky for continuing to do research and create for us!
Follow on Instagram
©2023 Breaking The Chains Foundation. All rights reserved Breaking the Chains Foundation Tax ID - 47-2419843, 501 © (3), Nonprofit
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Mail
  • Link to LinkedIn
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top