Board of Directors

An Administrator, educator and encourager of dreams, Zena's leadership philosophy has been to find the best people, support them, encourage them, inspire them by example and work with them collaboratively to improve all aspects of the lives they impact. With over 30 years in education, she has worked with teachers, parents, and students to make an impact.  

Despite these efforts to make a difference, she has watched a seemingly endless cycle of unfulfilled potential, abandonment, incarceration and death claim people of low economic status and people of color.

The desire to create more significant impact ultimately led to the  2020 establishment of Breaking the Cycle (BTC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to Educate, Build and Unite located in Southern Illinois.

Toya Wilson received her Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and her Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.  Toya is a former Middle School Language Arts teacher, an avid reader, a current Administrative Assistant, and a self-published author of several children’s books.  

Toya began writing stories at an early age and dreamed of sharing those stories with others.  While teaching she learned valuable lessons about seeing children as individuals and the importance of being tenacious in order to make a difference. As an Administrative Assistant, she learned how to navigate different personalities and situations while developing communication skills and process improvement skills.  

Toya’s ultimate goal is to impact the world through her words and to continue creating tales filled with delightful characters that will encourage young dreamers to sprout their wings and fly.    

As a Licensed Practical Nurse with three years of dedicated hands-on experience, I thrive on providing compassionate care that truly makes a difference in the lives of my patients. My journey into nursing was preceded by a decade spent as a devoted paraprofessional in the school system, where I supported both students and teachers, fostering an environment of growth and success. This background instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of patience, empathy, and teamwork.

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud wife of nine years and the mother of three incredible children—two energetic boys and a spirited girl. They inspire me daily with their curiosity and resilience, fueling my passion for caregiving in every aspect of my life. My experiences in the classroom, the clinic, and at home collectively reflect a steadfast commitment to nurturing and supporting those around me. Whether I’m advocating for a patient’s needs or cheering on my children’s latest accomplishments, my goal remains the same: to uplift and empower others through kindness and understanding.