About Us
About Breaker28
For nearly six years, Breaker28 has been a trusted partner to leaders willing to shift their practices to unlock extraordinary production, trust and engagement from their teams. From nonprofit executives to small business CEOs and corporate change-makers, we help organizations create high-accountability, high-trust cultures where people thrive and produce at the peak of their potential.
Why we focus on leader behavior as the unit of change
It’s been our experience, in good times and in bad, that when your team is supported, aligned, and energized, you get better results. You build a more resilient organization. People operate at the peak of their potential. And you sidestep the avoidable conflict and dysfunction that slow everything down.
Leading teams to success isn’t just about casting vision and determining strategy—it’s about how we manage day-to-day to get work done with and through others. Clear expectations, thoughtful oversight, and intentional development aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re the essential practices that build and sustain success. When leaders shift their own practice to consistently prioritize support, trust-building, and accountability, they create the conditions for people to grow, perform, and contribute to stronger, more sustainable results.
If you're a values-driven leader looking to elevate your culture, grow leadership capacity, and create an environment where your team can predictably achieve, you’re exactly who we’re built to serve.
Testimonials
Nikki Barnes, Executive Director, KIPP MA
Sabrina Tellez, Director of Workforce Education, Teaching Lab
Jenny Xia Spradling, Co-CEO, FreeWill
Meet Mel, Our Lead Practitioner
Melanie Rivera is the CEO and Lead Practitioner for Breaker28 and creator of the H.E.A.R.T. model, a framework for building equitable, inclusive, and high-performing teams. With 15+ years of experience, she has coached and trained leaders across 40+ organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and private firms. Previously, she held leadership roles at DonorsChoose.org and The Management Center.
Melanie holds an M.S. in Organization Development from American University and certifications in DEI and conflict resolution from the Winters Group, Coach Diversity Institute, and ICS Inventory.