Breakthrough, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people living with severe mental illness achieve their independence, will come under new leadership in July. Kathy Walter, Division Manager of Arrowhead West, Inc., will assume the executive director position of Breakthrough on July 1. Retiring executive director Barb Andres, who has led the organization for 23 years, will leave in June to pursue a consulting career.

Walter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of Kansas and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation from Drake University. She worked as a Recreational Therapist with adults, adolescents and children in psychiatric in-patient and out-patient settings for 13 years before assuming the position at Arrowhead West.

"My initial interest in Breakthrough and the Executive Director position stemmed from my years working directly with individuals struggling with mental illness, combined with my management experience in the non-profit sector," Walter said. "Breakthrough has been successful in providing much-needed support for hundreds of individuals. The strength of Breakthrough is the focus on individual’s talents and abilities, not on their mental illness. That positive and progressive approach is what drew me to want to be a part of this organization."

Breakthrough Board President Mike Ruggiero said that the search committee was looking for someone with a passion for mental health, a dynamic understanding of both business and health aspects of the organization, and fundraising experience.

"What impressed me most about Kathy is that she had great answers to the questions we asked," Ruggiero said. "We were also very impressed with her interaction with the community and staff here at Breakthrough."

Walter plans to drive the mission of Breakthrough by expanding its presence in the Wichita community. This involves reaching out to more individuals struggling with mental illness, particularly by expanding the organization’s efforts in reaching adolescents.

"I want to continue to reach [young adults who struggle with mental illness] at a time when a nurturing, positive environment is critical," Walter said. "Of course, all of these efforts take money, so I plan to focus on advocating for adequate reimbursements for our program and the continued generous support of our other funding sources, our donors, and the community."