Breaking the Chains Foundation
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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, Niyati Kadakia to our We are thrilled to welcome, Niyati Kadakia to our BTCF Board of Directors! 💛 Niyati is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology, researcher, mental health and creative arts practitioner based between the USA and India. Her work lies at the intersection of psychology, trauma recovery, and the creative arts, with a focus on how creativity catalyzes post-traumatic growth in women. She is a 2025 Global Arts in Medicine Fellow, a Research Associate at Art Pharmacy, and an Associate Psychologist at Pasadena Clinical Group. Her dissertation explores the impact of creative expression on trauma recovery in women of color – particularly those affected by abuse, displacement, and intergenerational trauma. Niyati holds a B.A. in Literature from Scripps College, a B.S. in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, and an M.A. in Biotechnology from Columbia University. She is certified in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery (Harvard Medical School), Engineering Health & Yoga Physiology (New York University), and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with the International Yoga Alliance. She is also an approved instructor with the National Conflict Resolution Center. A former scientist and researcher in biotech startups, Niyati brings her background in engineering, molecular neurobiology, and healthcare innovation to her current work. As an appointed Art Commissioner for the City of Encinitas, she advocates for integrating the arts into public health. She has designed and facilitated trauma-informed, arts-based programs across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and India. Also a poet, writer, and Indian classical dancer, she weaves movement, language, psychology, and cultural wisdom into resilience-building practices. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating spaces where people can heal, reconnect with themselves, and reclaim their agency through creativity, science, and community.
Our amazing #BTCF board member & celebrity spokesp Our amazing #BTCF board member & celebrity spokesperson, @jillianrosereed chats all about our Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp 2025! Take a listen! We look forward to seeing you there! 🤩 Sunday, September 21st, 2025 • 9 am - 4 pm • Mihran K Studios, Burbank, CA • Ages 8 - 18 • FREE: Sign-up and registration info below: ✅TO SIGN UP - LINK IN BIO OR SCAN QR CODE on our pinned post! After signing up, individuals will receive a follow-up email with the camp waiver and registration information. ✅REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: FREE! To gain entry, all participants must complete the sign-up and registration requirements. Individuals who have completed & signed waivers will have free camp day access!💥 Sign Up + Waiver = Free All Access Camp Day Ticket🎟️!! 🎟️Ticket includes all access to camp activities, swag, lunch, goodies, water, lemonade stand, a variety of take-home activity perks, resources, photo opps, and more! #howtoloveyourselfie #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf #htlys
It’s back! The Night Out 2025 is on the horizon It’s back! The Night Out 2025 is on the horizon and we want to party with YOU.💛 LINK IN BIO! This is our yearly fundraiser that supports our Big C New Me program, created by our wonderful board member, owner & designer @dovetail_design_va and 2X cancer survivor, Amy Hart @singingharts ! This program allows #BTCF to assist cancer survivors and caregivers throughout the year with events and scholarships to get their lives back on track. We are grateful to @leveltencville in Charlottesville, VA for hosting us again this year, and to our early sponsors. Featuring our very own board member and master celebrity chef ~ @chef_gason ! We are also thrilled to have additional local chefs creating culinary experiences! Don’t live close to Central Virginia? Not a problem. You can support this beautiful program by clicking on the link and sponsoring a cancer survivor at an upcoming event. Consider making your donation in honor or in memory of a loved one who has been affected by cancer. Click on 🔗 in bio for more information, tickets, and donations.💛 #thenightout #bigcnewme #cancer #survivors #caregivers #support #resources #creatvity
How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp 2025 is happening so let’s have some fun!🤩 Sunday, September 21st, 2025 • 9 am - 4 pm • Mihran K Studios, Burbank, CA • Ages 8 - 18 • FREE: See sign-up and registration info below! ✅TO SIGN UP - LINK IN BIO OR SCAN QR CODE! After signing up, individuals will receive a follow-up email with the camp waiver and registration information. ✅REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: FREE! To gain entry, all participants must complete the sign-up and registration requirements. Individuals who have completed & signed waivers will have free camp day access!💥 Sign Up + Waiver = Free All Access Camp Day Ticket🎟️!! 🎟️Ticket includes all access to camp activities, swag, lunch, goodies, water, lemonade stand, a variety of take-home activity perks, resources, photo opps, and more! 💎ABOUT: How to Love Yourselfie Camp is a unique day for youth ages 8 to 18, where creativity and wellness come together! Participants will engage in various creative genres, artistic activities, cooking, and wellness practices to enrich their overall well-being of YOURSELFIE! They will be organized into “selfie” groups inspired by our How to Love Yourselfie Program, allowing them to journey together, form new friendships, and enjoy all the exciting fun and activities! This camp is a celebration of self-awareness, self-love, creativity, self-enrichment and empowerment, allowing each individual to shine and embrace their unique qualities. The planned activities are designed to bolster these qualities and help participants tap into their unlimited potential. Our hope is that everyone enjoys the day to the fullest, leaves with an enriched sense of self, cherished memories, and takes home a toolbox of positive experiences that bring joy and strengthen their everyday communities! 📸: @photos_by_edward #howtoloveyourselfie #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf #htlys
#BTCF Statistics Series Mental Health Awareness Mo #BTCF Statistics Series Mental Health Awareness Month💜 Within this series – How can creative expression be used to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues? Our BTCF President & Founder, Debra Hopkins, reflects on her journey of breaking free from shame and silence, empowering herself to reclaim her voice and break the chains that held her captive. Thank you BTCF Youth Ambassador Chair @mikaelazarsky for continuing to do research and create these BTCF Statistic Series for us! #mentalhealthawareness #artistic #expression #breakingthechainsfoundation
Thank you to our #BTCF youth ambassadors, @audenwy Thank you to our #BTCF youth ambassadors, @audenwyle and @kaydentokarski representing #BTCF sharing in community, wellness, and connection at the Wellness Day Out this weekend! 💖 The event was presented by @ogee and @thestrengthcode in collaboration with the @theburbankchamber 🌼 Much appreciation for a wonderful time! #community #connection #wellness
How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online, resea How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online, research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program with interactive videos and workbook. SCAN CODE TO SIGN UP OR VIA LINK IN OUR BIO! JUNE 4th 1 pm PST / 2 pm MT / 3 pm CT / 4 pm EST We invite you to join us for a free one-hour workshop with Q&A via Zoom, facilitated by @krysiastcyr , #BTCF Advisory Board/CLI Wellness Director, and Debra Hopkins, #BTCF President & Founder/Health Coach. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the program and its functions. Participants will experience a condensed version of the program, which includes both the videos and workbook, and will learn how to effectively use its various tools. Social Media Literacy provides awareness and critical thinking skills so young people can challenge what they see online. Tends to create more peace of mind for those who support them. HTLYS is developed as a prevention program to provide additional support to those who are looking for support and education around positive body image, self-esteem, and social media literacy. This program is intended to support and aid in cultivating positive and reflective conversations around body image. This program is not intended to be used in lieu of eating disorder treatment with a medical, clinical, and/or nutritional provider. Follow up with your pediatrician or primary care doctor if you have concerns about eating disorder symptoms or treatment. #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #socialmedia #literacy #eatingdisorder #prevention #program
Small Victories with our amazing board member @che Small Victories with our amazing board member @chef_gason during Mental Health Awareness Month.💜 Chef Gason is a passionate advocate for mental health, sharing his personal story and volunteering his time, energy, and talent to build community, foster hope, and inspire others. Thank you, Chef, for all your support and encouragement! Happy Birthday! #stayencouraged #simplethings #personalstory #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #nola #chefgason
Day 4 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF fea Day 4 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF featured artist, @bellemattsonphotography on this impactful photography project for Mental Health Awareness Month! This project highlights each dancer as a visual storyteller, sharing stories of healing, inspiration, kindness, rest, self-joy, trust, boundaries, and support. Thank you, Belle, for capturing these moments, and to all the dancers who contributed their time, talent, and uniqueness! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness #journey
Day 3 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF fea Day 3 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF featured artist, @bellemattsonphotography on this impactful photography project for Mental Health Awareness Month! This project highlights each dancer as a visual storyteller, sharing stories of healing, inspiration, kindness, rest, self-joy, trust, boundaries, and support. Thank you, Belle, for capturing these moments, and to all the dancers who contributed their time, talent, and uniqueness! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness #journey
Day 2 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF feat Day 2 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF featured artist, @bellemattsonphotography on this impactful photography project for Mental Health Awareness Month! This project highlights each dancer as a visual storyteller, sharing stories of healing, inspiration, kindness, rest, self-joy, trust, boundaries, and support. Thank you, Belle, for capturing these moments, and to all the dancers who contributed their time, talent, and uniqueness! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness #journey
Day 1 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF feat Day 1 💜 Thrilled to collaborate with #BTCF featured artist, @bellemattsonphotography on this impactful photography project for Mental Health Awareness Month. This project highlights each dancer as a visual storyteller, sharing stories of healing, inspiration, kindness, rest, self-joy, trust, boundaries, and support. Thank you, Belle, for capturing these moments, and to all the dancers who contributed their time, talent, and uniqueness! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness #journey
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations - A dancer #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations - A dancer’s journey toward reclaiming a healthy relationship with movement. Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, #BTCF Board with guest, @dancingwithed.inc , Amy Kathleen Lee, Founder/CEO of Dancing with ED, a Mental Health Educator, Speaker, and Suicide Prevention Trainer. She is also a former #BTCF featured artist.💜 These conversations highlight the stories of #BTCF team members and friends and how these stories can help to inspire others and enrich our lives. #dancers #journey #mentalhealthawareness #dancing #eatingdisorder #recovery #wellness #educator #education
💖Happy International Dance Day!  “The body 💖Happy International Dance Day!  “The body says what words cannot” ~ Martha Graham Anonymous is a live stage production created by Director and Choreographer and our esteemed board member, @alex_little ! Through the art of dance, Anonymous is based on the belief—and supported by science—that sharing our stories in the presence of compassionate witnesses can enhance our healing. Those in the role of “witness” often find themselves experiencing healing as well. We are truly honored by Alex’s work ~ looking forward to sharing more! @katherineleist1 @candyleacane @bruceweber1 @jennakeiper @reesekate @codeartphotography @hollywooddanceshoot @gingersolephotography
New treasure nature find 🍃🪷🌿 #wellness # New treasure nature find 🍃🪷🌿 #wellness #health #nature #breathe
#BTCF Statistics Series💜 Stress Awareness Month #BTCF Statistics Series💜 Stress Awareness Month Within this series ~ How can stress affect us and how can we find ways to manage our stress? Our BTCF Youth Ambassador @jordyncuret_ shares her reflections on how her creative outlets help and reminds others to take time to care for their mind and heart. Thank you BTCF Youth Ambassador Chair @mikaelazarsky for continuing to do research and create these BTCF Statistic Series for us! #stress #awareness #education #selfcare
Such a wonderful @discoverbrightonhall Spring Bene Such a wonderful @discoverbrightonhall Spring Benefit this weekend☀️ Thank you ⭐️#BTCF Youth Ambassador @jordyncuret_ and her amazing mom, Pennie Curet for supporting and representing #BTCF 💜 with a beautiful gift basket prize and sharing community awareness for our 2025 How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp! Shoutout thank you #BTCF Advisory @krysiastcyr and CLI for supporting us with your awesome contribution! #selflove #selfcare #wellness #youth #htlys
be sTill ~ 💜 #btcf feature artist contributors be sTill ~ 💜 #btcf feature artist contributors ~ @irelynn_bryan_dance43 @irelynnbryannnnn & 📸 @bellemattsonphotography
Introducing the #BTCF 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕣 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 challenge! We have asked each of our Youth Ambassadors for their 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕣 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 preferences. ➡️➡️➡️ Slide to see all of the magic ✨ We want to hear from you too! Screenshot the first slide, circle your answers, and share your customized response with us by tagging @breakingthechainsfdn ! Feel free to share on your story, page, with your friends, & family! We can’t wait to see the similarities and differences that each of you share. Have fun!! 💖 ~ Kayden Tokarski, #BTCF Youth Ambassador
We are thrilled to announce that our Advisory Boar We are thrilled to announce that our Advisory Board Member Karen Kelly, DMT, CEP, CPT, CES has joined our Board of Directors! 💜 For over 35 years, Karen Kelly has instructed and led thousands of people in dance, fitness classes, healing movement, and corrective exercise. She has taught a wide array of fitness class formats in fitness facilities, colleges, and universities from coast to coast, owned a fitness studio for many years specializing in small group and one on one training, and was a nutritionist and wellness coordinator at Canyon Ranch Resort in Tucson, Arizona. She is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, certified life and spirituality coach, healing touch practitioner, master’s degree level Dance Movement Therapist, certified and degreed exercise physiologist and a master personal trainer. She is the owner of Truly Fit DBA Focused Fitness in Arizona. She is also the founder of New Goddess, whose mission is to breathe life into the feminine energy of our world, to educate people to value, foster, enliven, and embolden their feminine traits and characteristics which will help usher in a world that is just, equitable, sustainable, and kind to all. Karen is a creative, free spirited, spiritually grounded healer, teacher and coach who is devoted to helping people to remember, reinvent, reclaim, and honor feminine consciousness. Her goal is to lead people back to their feminine spirit, through education, movement, and creative expression. She hopes to uplift and empower all people who identify as women and girls so that they will embrace their true selves, and deeply know their worth, beauty, and gifts. By empowering women, she believes we will create a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable world for everyone. https://www.thenewgoddess.com/
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©2023 Breaking The Chains Foundation. All rights reserved Breaking the Chains Foundation Tax ID - 47-2419843, 501 © (3), Nonprofit
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