Breakthrough Team
Ivry Ector Mshos,
CEO,Workforce Development Director
Born and raised in Chicago, Ivry Ector's journey is a story of faith, resilience, community, personal empowerment and unwavering dedication to uplifting others. As the CEO of Achieving Breakthroughs, Inc., she empowers individuals, communities, and organizations to achieve their full potential through coaching, training, and strategic development.
With over 27 years of service with the Chicago Park District, Ivry's leadership extends into the heart of her community and beyond the boardroom. As ordained elder and Executive Pastor at The Powerhouse Chicago, Ivry's passion for leadership has allowed her to mentor aspiring leaders. Her commitment to spiritual growth is evident in her books, "The Aromas of God" and "The Aromas of Worship," and her spoken word EP, "He's Coming," which resonate with audiences seeking deeper connection.
Ivry's dedication to service is rooted in her Chicago upbringing, where she discovered her love for the arts and her ability to positively impact lives. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business Management Administration, and Human Services and Organizational Leadership. Ivry's life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and a belief in God's transformative power.
D`Jon Meek
Health & Physical Fitness DirectorD’Jon Meek holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management from Northern Michigan University. With over a decade of experience in training and coaching, he has worked with a diverse range of clients—from competitive hockey players to stay-at-home mothers striving to maintain an active lifestyle.
Since 2018, D’Jon has served with the Chicago Park District, where he develops and leads community-based fitness programs for participants of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. His work reflects a strong commitment to making health and wellness accessible, engaging, and impactful across generations.
D’Jon’s passion for fitness and wellness began at a young age, driven by a desire to help individuals reach their highest potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He believes that through intentional training and consistent effort, anyone can become the best version of themselves. As he often says, “You are a conqueror—so dominate like one. One rep and one set at a time.”
Dr. Dana Laughlin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified
Counselor with over twenty-one years of experience in the mental health field. Her career began.
in community health settings, where she served diverse and historically underserved populations,
specializing in addictions, dual diagnosis, severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and
correctional mental health care. Throughout her work, she has remained deeply committed to
addressing the unique mental health and trauma-related needs of BIPOC communities through
culturally responsive and equity-centered care. She holds several professional certifications,
including Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Integrative Mental Health
Professional, and Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Laughlin serves as the Department Chair of the Clinical
Mental Health Counseling program at The Chicago School. Her teaching philosophy is student-
centered and grounded in social justice, with an emphasis on preparing counselors to
competently serve BIPOC and marginalized communities. She intentionally cultivates learning
spaces that recognize the diverse experiences, beliefs, and goals each student brings while
challenging future clinicians to confront systemic inequities that impact mental wellness.
Driven by a passion to reduce disparities in mental health access, Dr. Laughlin founded her
private practice, Positive Approach, LLC, in 2016. Guided by the philosophy “Together we take
care of the mind,” she provides counseling services that honor clients’ cultural identities, lived
experiences, and resilience. Her clinical approach integrates trauma-informed care, faith-
affirming support, and strengths-based interventions to empower individuals and families
navigating depression, anxiety, racial stress, intergenerational trauma, and other mental health
concerns.
Dr. Laughlin actively serves on the boards of several mental health organizations, volunteers
with professional counseling associations, and has presented at numerous state and national
conferences on topics including trauma, cultural humility, and BIPOC mental health.Dr. Dana Laughlin, MA, NCC, Lcpc.
Arts & Recreation Department Director