Empowering Change

Deana Cerniglia grew up with a teen mother and absent father, facing numerous challenges that ignited her passion for helping others break generational cycles of hardship. Armed with a Psychology degree, a minor in Sociology, and a Master's in Special Education, she taught emotionally challenged, high school students, where her desire to educate a 'Cycle Breaker Method' took root.

As a mother and wife, she felt called to write a parenting book about healing past traumas before passing them down to children, which inspired her to establish The Open Door, Breaking Family Cycles, a nonprofit at supporting young, single parents. After running the program for over a decade, Cerniglia has developed a curriculum and module based on her experiences with impoverished, fatherless families, allowing her to extend her reach beyond her community to share how God can heal the past and bring stability, peace, and hope.

'Change doesn't occur by accident - it happens when you understand what's driving your behavior!' Deana Cerniglia

'The generational reset! A 40 day program to break family cycles and build healthier futures, two generations at a time!' Deana Cerniglia

Despite Challenges

Despite the challenges of launching a nonprofit, the program successfully took off, with its first graduating class being a remarkable accomplishment. However, societal shifts and changes in cultural norms led to a decline in participation in accountability programs where education and changes in trauma based behavior are a requirement.

In response, she adapted her strategies, focusing on online courses and building curricula for various groups, including incarcerated parents, chemically dependent parents, parents looking to change and teen parents. Becoming certified in REBT, the courses are founded on the principles of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, promoting personal responsibility and encouraging healthier choices.

We believe that our courses and programs, backed by our dedication and commitment, can make a significant impact on society, one family at a time. We look forward to a future of continued service and growth, and thank all the past supporters for their invaluable contributions to The Open Door, which has led to this mission.