We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debra Hopkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debra, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Sharing our most vulnerable thoughts and feelings can be a powerful act of courage, even when it feels risky. Though the emotional toll of revealing long-held secrets and feelings of shame can be difficult, it can also lead to deeper connections and understanding. Speaking out can inspire healing despite the doubts that may keep us isolated.

When I first shared my journey with an eating disorder, it felt like stepping down from a pedestal, some of which was built on my pride as well as the perception of others. I was afraid of disappointing those who cared for me, but I recognized the importance of sharing my struggles. Embracing my voice allowed me to break my silence, and I hoped my experience could uplift and support others. We each have our own story and to share it with others is worth the risk. It gives such tremendous grace to ourselves and prompts others to share as well. This act helped me begin and continue my healing journey. In taking these steps, I aimed to make a meaningful difference.

Debra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am currently the Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) organization, the Breaking The Chains Foundation (BTCF), and a certified health coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). I have been married for over 20 years and have two sons.

My journey began with a deep involvement in the arts from a young age. I received a full scholarship for dance in college and pursued this passion through national tours, cruise ships, and teaching various youth camps. Along the way, I earned my certifications as a health and fitness professional, working with clients such as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), Sony, Warner Brothers, and other entities under the Time Warner umbrella. While teaching at prominent fitness studios, I was offered the position of Health and Fitness Director for RCCL. As a member of the ACE Faculty, I presented workshops and seminars internationally to health and fitness professionals.

In addition to my work in dance and health, I have experience as an actress, writer, and producer. Although I stepped away from acting, I continued to write and produce, which inspired me to combine all my interests and establish a non-profit organization that focuses on using various forms of art as healing tools for enriching positive body image, addressing eating disorders, and supporting mental health, including co-occurring conditions.

As a guest speaker, I have shared my experiences at numerous events, including the Eating Recovery Center’s National Virtual Symposium and NEDA Walks. I have also contributed to platforms like TedX Santa Barbara and Shout Out LA. Notably, BTCF was the first eating disorder organization to present at the 4th Annual Worldwide Women’s Festival in San Francisco, where I served as a panelist.

One of my favorite quotes is one I have on the Breaking The Chains Foundation website – “Art speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform”. I truly believe in this with all my heart! Our mission is to use the power of art and expression to foster creativity, build connections, and create a community in which individuals can thrive. We do this by transforming research and personal stories into artistic programs aimed at increasing self-love, self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-awareness. Tapping into those internal strengths and protective factors can greatly enhance mental, physical, and emotional health.

We focus on breaking the chains of mental health and body image struggles while providing artistic programming and services for those looking to “link” with others on their journeys toward mental and emotional wellness.

Our foundation uses art and expression to offer programs, events, and services that build efficacy in areas related to mental health, body image struggles, cancer, and eating disorders. We bring tools, skills, and shared lived experiences to life through initiatives addressing problematic social media use and the negative impact it has on mental health among youth and young adults. We also integrate dance with mind/body wellness principles and create unique beauty experiences for cancer survivors.

In 2025, we will be launching two new additional programs that I’m really excited about! We have a wonderful team and I am proud to serve with each and every one of them. We also have two big events coming up in September 2025! One is our second annual How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp Day in Burbank, California and the other is our second annual The Night Out: Big Hearts, Small Plates Benefit for our program, Big C New Me!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My personal journey has always led me to explore the healing aspects of artistic expression and storytelling. Artists and creatives are inherently curious and willing to take risks in their craft to investigate not only the process and journey but also the final outcome. They may even feel the need to recreate what they have previously created. To me, art is breathtaking, meditative, and capable of expressing both the darkest and happiest emotions simultaneously, or at different times. It serves as therapy for many people and transcends both space and time. The artistic process can be deeply immersive and impactful, touching lives in unique ways at any given moment. This, to me, is incredibly rewarding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a deep faith in God, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. My mission is to ensure that others never feel alone in their struggles and pain. Each of their stories is important, and it’s essential to get to the root of the difficulties they face and learn how to heal. While some may find it hard to talk about their experiences, I believe we can explore creative ways to express their “meant to be” joys, talents, dreams, aspirations, healing, comfort, community, hope, grace, and peace through art and expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://breakingthechainsfoundation.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthechainsfdn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamBreakingTheChains/ and https://www.facebook.com/debra.hopkins.37/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-hopkins-64b97a12/
• Other: Click here for Debra Hopkins EPK
  https://app-na1.hubspotdocuments.com/documents/39969214/view/1053175575?accessId=f7fc80

Image Credits

Edward Tovmassian
Jane Gonzalez