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.
Thank you @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe Thank you @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe featuring your Strawberry Vinaigrette! See the recipe below! Chef encourages how different forms of movement can support mental health and enrich daily life. 🌟 #BTCF continues to team up with board member, Chef Gason to engage in culinary experiences that honors all aspects of food, from preparation to enjoyment. He believes that plating is a canvas for self-expression and creativity—there are no right or wrong ways to do it. The possibilities are endless! The aim is to have fun, create shared experiences, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Having purpose can be bold and exciting!💛 Strawberry Vinaigrette ¼ cup strawberry vinegar 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar, to taste) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ¾ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper How It’s Made Bowl method: In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies. Stir in salt and pepper. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tang. Mason jar method: Add vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust as needed Yield: About 1½ cups — enough for a few salads. #chefgason #tooeasy #neworleans #btcf
#BTCF Featured Artist Sonja Xie 💜✨LINK IN BIO for #BTCF Featured Artist Sonja Xie 💜✨LINK IN BIO for full feature✨ Sonja Xie is a 17-year-old visual artist, brain health advocate, and Founder/Executive Director of @brainwavesforchange , a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit reimagining the stigma surrounding neurological and mental illness. Based in Westchester, NY, Sonja has loved painting, sculpting, and creating since age 3, and now channels that passion into educational programs that inspire creativity and neurological well-being. As a published author in Schizophrenia Research, Yale School of Medicine research intern, and Regeneron STS 2026 Scholar, as well as a gallery-showcased, award-winning multi-media artist, Sonja aims to combine neuroscience and art into uplifting programs for her community. It’s been incredibly inspiring and educational to chat with this brilliant and creative young woman. Sonja is a deeply thoughtful and out-of-the-box thinker. Her insights and support for her work significantly contribute to this field and its new discoveries. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sonja and Brain Waves for Change! Thank you, Sonja! #btcf #feature #artist #bwfc
We are excited about our new partners and look for We are excited about our new partners and look forward to enriching our shared mission services. Together, we will continue to explore the important connections between brain health, mental health, and the arts, while also empowering youth through valuable opportunities. Stay tuned! #btcf #bwfc #brainhealth #mentalhealth #arts
💜Selfie #5: Cherish Yourselfie - Encourage positiv 💜Selfie #5: Cherish Yourselfie - Encourage positive actions & embrace optimism A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @kaydentokarski for sharing her insights and reminding us to stay away from comparing ourselves to others, as not all social media is real. Instead, cherish yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #4: Be Yourselfie - Engage in social media 💜Selfie #4: Be Yourselfie - Engage in social media literacy A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @audenwyle for sharing her insights on the importance of embracing who you are because your story matters and to always be yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. Link in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #3: Help Yourselfie - Reduce perfectionism 💜Selfie #3: Help Yourselfie - Reduce perfectionism & increase self-compassion A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @alicianotsograceful for sharing her personal insights on overcoming self-criticism and the importance of helping yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #2: Explore Yourselfie - Enhance self-awar 💜Selfie #2: Explore Yourselfie - Enhance self-awareness A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador, @kennedyjean04 for sharing her personal spin on “you are enough” and selfie exploration! 💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #1: Love Yourselfie - Promote real versus 💜Selfie #1: Love Yourselfie - Promote real versus “ideal” body image. A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @jordyncuret_ for sharing her personal perspective on diet culture and the importance of loving yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is our online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
Jillian Rose Reed, Board Member and Director/Creat Jillian Rose Reed, Board Member and Director/Creator of the “How to Love Yourselfie” program at BTCF, shares her personal story behind its creation and more! Stay tuned for this week’s BTCF youth ambassadors as they express their personal connections to the various pillars of the “How to Love Yourselfie” program. Thank you, Jillian!❤️ 🔗 in bio to learn more #btcf #howtoloveyourselie #htlys #socialmedia #literacy
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ Alicia M #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ Alicia Mitas shares her personal story of navigating the ins and outs of living with OCD. Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, BTCF Board with guest @alicianotsograceful , Content Creator 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. #creator #ocd #selfcare #ambassador
We are excited to welcome our new #BTCF Youth Amba We are excited to welcome our new #BTCF Youth Ambassador, Nicole Keledjian💜 At age of 21, Nicole has already dedicated nearly two decades to mastering the art of hip-hop dance. What began at age three evolved into a lifelong passion and a career spent sharing that love with others. Known for her dynamic teaching style and energetic choreography, Nicole creates a fun, inspiring environment for dancers to grow and express themselves. Nicole teaches hip-hop at @mihrankstudios in Burbank, CA. Her students range from ages 5 - 25+. Having been a trainee for so many years, Nicole is committed to nurturing her students’ unique talents and helping them fall in love with movement, just as she did! #dance #hiphop #choreography
We are thrilled to welcome our new #BTCF Youth Amb We are thrilled to welcome our new #BTCF Youth Ambassador Aria Parry💜 Aria has always had a passion for music and the arts. But she never thought her passion would connect with so many people, especially young people. Those who have experienced bullying and difficult interpersonal situations they are trying to navigate in their daily lives. “In going through these experiences personally, I realized bringing positive energy and empowering youth is how us young people are going to get through the challenges we all face. To build a community of leaders, grow in our talents, and support one another to reach our potential. And for me, it’s through music, performing and spreading good vibes through the arts and entertaining.” ~ Aria She works with “Girls Make Beats”, a non-for-profit organization that works towards empowering girls in communities to become the next generation of female leaders in music industry, and singing for “No Place for Hate” for schools, to connect and give back to the people of our community through music and positive collective energy. #youth #ambassador #singing #music
Thank you @chef_gason for bringing in the new year Thank you @chef_gason for bringing in the new year with your Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies! See recipe below😊 “Stay in the moment and trust the process” - Chef Gason #BTCF continues to team up with board member, Chef Gason to engage in culinary experiences that honors all aspects of food, from preparation to enjoyment. He believes that plating is a canvas for self-expression and creativity—there are no right or wrong ways to do it. The possibilities are endless! The aim is to have fun, create shared experiences, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Having purpose can be bold and exciting!💛 Moist Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • ½ teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon salt • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¼ cup white sugar • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk • 1 tablespoon buttermilk • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavor & Mix-Ins • ½ cup strawberry preserves (or chopped freeze-dried strawberries) • 1 cup white chocolate chips Start by mixing your melted butter with the brown sugar and white sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg, extra yolk, buttermilk, and vanilla. Just know that this is the key to that soft, moist center. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Don’t over mix. Gently swirl in the strawberry preserves (don’t fully mix those strawberry pockets matter), then fold in the white chocolate chips. Chill the dough for 30–45 minutes. Trust me this step keeps the cookies thick, soft, and moist. Scoop onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Centers should look slightly underbaked & that’s where the magic lives. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Makes about 18 soft, moist cookies #tooeasy
A recap of 2025! We are truly grateful for the man A recap of 2025! We are truly grateful for the many opportunities and experiences we’ve had to meet and work with incredible communities on both the West Coast and East Coast. It has been amazing to connect with so many people at different stages in their lives and to share impactful experiences. We’ve had the chance to explore, create, enrich, learn, and have a lot of fun together! Let’s do it again💜 Wishing you all an amazing 2026! Happy New Year! Love, BTCF xo
Wishing you all joy, peace, and love this holiday Wishing you all joy, peace, and love this holiday season. May you cherish time with family, friends, and loved ones. We appreciate you! With love, the BTCF Team❤️
Happy Holidays! Join #BTCF board member @chef_gaso Happy Holidays! Join #BTCF board member @chef_gason as he prepares his flavorful dish of Redfish Almandine. Enjoy your family and friends during this time! Recipe below. Thank you, Chef! 🌟 Ingredients • 2–4 redfish fillets (or your favorite filets) • Salt & black pepper • Cajun seasoning (light) • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 4 tbsp butter • ¼ cup sliced almonds • 1 lemon (juice + wedges) • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • Olive oil (as needed) How It’s Made 1. Season the fish with salt, pepper, and a light touch of Cajun seasoning. Dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess. 2. Pan-sear redfish in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, skin-side down first. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm. 3. Make the almandine sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast until lightly golden. 4. Finish the sauce with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Swirl the pan to bring it together. 5. Serve by spooning the almond-butter sauce over the redfish. Add lemon wedges on the side. ENJOY!! #tooeasy #cooking #chefgason #merrychristmas
#BTCF Featured Artists Atlee Feingold and Dee Wisn #BTCF Featured Artists Atlee Feingold and Dee Wisne 💜✨LINK IN BIO for full feature✨ Atlee Feingold has worked in TV and Film Production for over fifteen years. Working primarily on documentaries – Atlee has worked for some of TV biggest networks such A&E, Hulu, BBC and NBC to name a few. Her journey with disordered eating, eating disorders and body dysmorphia started at around ten years old. Now, after years of self-motivated healing, Atlee is proud to say she is fully recovered. She now resides in South Slope, Brooklyn with her partner, their two cats, and anxious rescue pup. They are so excited to welcome the newest member of their family, their beautiful baby girl! Dee Wisne is a Brooklyn-based documentary producer who has worked on films for HBO, NBC, and PBS. After struggling with binge eating and self-hatred for much of her adolescence, Dee found herself leading” self-love” clubs in high school and in college. Dee fights to remain healthy and grounded in an ever-thinner culture while centering her art on women’s stories. Today, she spends her free time performing improv comedy around the city and doesn’t mind taking up space. It was such a joy to chat to both of these creative, intelligent, and wonderful women about their animated film, NORMAL as well as their unique storytelling, lived experiences, inspirational messaging, empowering voices, life, and so much more! Thank you ladies! 💛💛 #film #art #recovery #journey
This is Part 3 of a 3-part series featuring our #B This is Part 3 of a 3-part series featuring our #BTCF youth ambassador, @alicianotsograceful . Alicia is a dedicated advocate who shares her personal experiences with OCD to connect and inspire others. In this post, she shares her tips, skills, and strategies for managing her OCD in her daily life. Stay tuned for more about Alicia and her advocacy in our “a Health and Wellness Conversations”. Thank you, Alicia, for sharing your journey with us! 💜 #btcf #youth #ambassador #ocd #tips #strategy #management
We are thrilled to welcome Tina Avedissian to our We are thrilled to welcome Tina Avedissian to our BTCF Advisory Board! 💜 Tina is the Founder and CEO of the gourmet artisan business, Tasty by Tina ~ @tastybytina ! Growing up, Tina’s kitchen was the heart of her home, and some of her favorite memories were the hours she spent by their sides, watching and learning. “Whether it was the perfect pinch of seasoning or the way they always seemed to know when something was done just by its smell, their passion for cooking wasn’t just a skill—it was an act of love.” Tina says that her mom and grandmother deserve the most credit for inspiring her journey with “Tasty by Tina”. They didn’t just teach her how to bake; they showed her how food can bring people together, how a homemade pie could light up someone’s face, and how a family recipe could carry stories and traditions. It’s that same love and care that Tina pours into everything she makes at Tasty by Tina. To her, baking isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments that people will cherish Today, Tina channels that passion into creating artisanal “crisps”—delicious, seasoned baked tortillas that come in four unique flavors. These crisps are the perfect addition to elevate any charcuterie or grazing board, adding flavor, texture, and a touch of handmade charm to your spread. https://www.tastybytina.com/ #btcf #advisory #board #tastytina #artisan #crisps #health #wellness #baker #creator
Join #BTCF board member @chef_gason as he chats ab Join #BTCF board member @chef_gason as he chats about what it means to him to stop overthinking, have fun, and take control in nurturing areas of your life while he serves up a creative and flavorful dish. Thank you Chef! 🌟 #neworleans #chefgason #tooeasy #mentalhealth #cooking #creativity #btcf
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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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