Staff Spotlight: Justin Breaker
Justin was born in Wisconsin and moved to Rochester when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from Mayo in June of 2007, he joined the Army Reserves the following October. He completed his initial basic combat training and then trained in welding and machining. After his initial 9 months of training, he worked a few years before attended RCTC where he received an associate degree in criminal justice. Discovering an interest in social work, he returned to RCTC for an associate degree in human services followed by a BSW at Winona State University. In 2021 he completed an MBA at Augsburg University.
Originally interested in juvenile probation, Justin moved to child protection and then mental health.
His interest in helping kids have better future came from his own experiences growing up and seeing the importance of strong mentorship guiding him in “the right path.” He wanted to be that strong mentor for kids.
Starting work at the county jail, he moved to child protection. An interest in mental health and a desire to take on leadership roles led him to Mayo Clinic where he helped open the John E. Herman Home & Treatment Facility at Mayo Clinic, a program for clients with severe and persistent mental health disorders. While that program was shut down during the pandemic, he applied for and was hired for as a program manager at FSR in January 2022.
In September 2023, he was requested by his reserve unit, the 322nd Support Maintenance Company in the Twin Cities, to report for a tour of active duty operational support. The initial six-month tour was extended an additional six months to September 2024. Justin has been in the reserves 17 years and is a Staff Sergeant.
Justin was attracted to his current position, Program Manager of the Family Advocacy in Recovery & Restoration (FARR), because of his interest in helping kids have better outcomes. He says, “If moms have the supports they need and maintain their sobriety it ultimately impacts the well-being of the children.” Coming back after a year, he is pleased to find the FARR program is expanding into more counties.
At all levels, Justin says he has found FSR to be more than accommodating in supporting his continued reserve service.
Welcome back, Justin. Thank you for your service.
