Meet our Staff

As the Executive Director for Breakthrough Pittsburgh at Sewickley Academy, Carrie Miller specializes in strategic programming for students resulting in motivation that encourages sustainable learning and drives high school graduation rates and college matriculation. The program develops critical thinking skills encouraging research based engagement with content. Ms. Miller’s previous work experience as an educator turned administrator in the public school system where she was an advocate for under-resourced students and families, as well as, advocating for undervalued teachers. Ms. Miller’s vast professional experience encompasses leading, coaching, retaining high performance senior management teams across education and administration. Ms. Miller earned a B.A. in General Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.S. in Education Administration from Duquesne University.

Ms. Miller believes you can accomplish anything with the right team, amount of time, planning, dedication, and stamina. In addition to her role with Sewickley Academy, she served as a regional board member of Strong Women Strong Girls, and is a founding board member of The Nelson Foundation and holds several memberships within the nonprofit sector.

Lawrence has been with Breakthrough since May 2019 starting as the Coordinator of Student and Family Support and then Program Coordinator. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration, Lawrence cultivated a 20 year career in the retirement plan administration industry as a Plan Administrator, Relationship Manager and Consultant. With service and achievement of African American males in the forefront of his heart, he has been an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. since his initiation in 1992. He serves the community by volunteering at Light of Life on the Northside of Pittsburgh as well as Project Pittsburgh. The Kappa Alpha Psi Guideright program, Kappa League, is where the bulk his focus goes in serving under-resourced, African American middle school young men to provide mentorship. Lawrence is also a member of the National Black MBA Association as well as an active member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. A transplant to Pittsburgh from Washington, D.C., Lawrence is the husband to a beautiful wife, Aisha. They share 2 wonderful children together, Lawrence and Layla. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and trying out new recipes in the kitchen or on the grill.