Who We Are
The Guibord Center brings people together to challenge assumptions, embrace the sacred, and experience the Spirituality that transforms the world.
At the Heart of Spirituality: Discovering What Connects Us
The Guibord Center invites people of all backgrounds to explore the realm of spirituality in relevant and personal ways through immersive gatherings, profound experiences, and heartfelt conversations.
We honor people where they are, whether new to spiritual exploration, deepening a long-held practice, or seeking meaningful connection during challenging times. By creating space for deep conversations and shared experiences, we help bridge divides and build understanding across faiths and beliefs.
Our Founder’s Story
The Guibord Center was founded by the Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, a true ecumenical and interfaith visionary on the global and national stage as well as a passionate bridge-builder who believed that deep personal friendships could transform the world.
After decades of working alongside spiritual leaders from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Pagan, Zoroastrian, Indigenous, Bahai and Christian communities, she created The Guibord Center as a place for every person to be valued and respected as they share in and explore the wonder and strength of sacred traditions and spiritualities.
Her vision was deeply rooted in honoring the relationships we form from the place within each of us where we connect to our heart, to our own inner knowing. It was an invitation to honor one’s own experience of the sacred while recognizing the sacred in another as well.
“The success of interreligious bridge-building is born out of forming relationships that nurture and foster friendship, trust and mutual respect… deepened in valuing the Holy in one other’s faith and practice.”
— The Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord
The People Who Make it Possible
The Guibord Center’s work is made possible by a dedicated group of people who believe in the power of connection, compassion, and spiritual exploration.
From our staff and advisory council to our volunteers and board of directors, everyone brings insight, lived experience, and a shared commitment to building understanding across faiths and communities.
Dr. Lois M. Sprague
President
Throughout my life, I have lived in constant wonder of Nature and the reality of something larger than myself. I traveled the world when I was young to experience people and their practices first-hand, and spent time deeply immersed in Nature and metaphysics. Following the Watts Rebellion, a nonprofit organization (TRY Foundation) was established, working with church leaders in Willowbrook to develop an educational/community center.
Partnered with my colleague, Dr. Gwynne Guibord, for 40 years to develop our highly successful psychotherapy practice and consulting firm. Supported her call to the ministry for many years and joined her with a handful of others to create The Guibord Center – Religion Inside Out in 2010. Following Gwynne's death in 2019, I became the President of The Guibord Center.
Christine Budzowski
Webmaster
I came to work for The Guibord Center when it was still in the forming stages, and I was the only employee. Today I work part-time to maintain the website and keep it updated with the latest news and events. I have been supporting my clients' website needs since 1995, with a focus on non-profits and small businesses. I have been actively involved in interfaith work for over thirty years, as well as in efforts to address justice issues affecting women, people of color, and all underserved communities. I live with my two cats, who keep me on my toes, and tend to a balcony garden to stay in touch with Nature daily.
Marium Mohiuddin
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Marium Mohiuddin is a communications strategist, interfaith educator, and founder of Pracca, Inc. and Isma/Shema Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in journalism, nonprofit leadership, and crisis communications, she has worked with organizations like the Muslim Public Affairs Council, CAIR-Austin, and the American Red Cross LA. Her work focuses on combating Islamophobia, antisemitism, and bias through dialogue, education, and storytelling. A frequent speaker and workshop leader, Marium has presented across the country in classrooms, houses of worship, and community spaces.
She is an alum of NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change and the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute. Marium holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from American Jewish University and a degree in English from Texas A&M University. Through her work, she continues to build bridges across differences and support organizations in navigating hard conversations with clarity and compassion.
Yolie Carrillo
Director of Operations
Yolie serves as the Director of Operations, where she oversees the full spectrum of the organization’s operational and financial management. She provides essential support to the President and Executive Director, helping ensure the Center functions smoothly and remains grounded in its mission. Through her strong leadership, attention to detail, and warm interpersonal skills, Yolie creates an environment where staff, advisory council members, and the Board of Directors are supported in both their practical responsibilities and their spiritual engagement. She manages the organization’s programs, overall budget, cash flow, and financial systems, collaborates with the CFO, and leads the annual audit process.
Overseeing administrative operations across departments, maintains data systems, donor management tools, and ensures effective internal communication and accountability. A California native, holding a B.A. in Business Administration and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Most importantly, no matter the language, she listens with an open and compassionate heart—bringing both professionalism and spiritual intention to all she does.
Terry Opalek
Community Liaison
Terry Opalek is a multi-talented individual with a background in business, entrepreneurship, and metaphysical studies. He is known for his work with The Guibord Center as a community liaison and workshop facilitator. Terry is also an intuitive coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, published author, and public speaker ~ sharing his insights and stories to inspire and educate others.
Opalek's journey reflects a commitment to personal growth, spiritual development, and fostering positive social change through his diverse endeavors.
Mary Kirchen
Board Member and Treasurer
Mary Kirchen is a founding board member of TGC and serves as Treasurer. As a member of Immaculate Heart Community, an ecumenical community rooted in Jesus and united with the people of God, its partnership with TGC is a manifestation of her desire to be of service through the mission of both organizations.
Mary has served in the nonprofit sector for over 40 years as Executive Director and board member of several organizations, bringing to TGC a passion for the possible through respect for diverse understandings of the Holy and through systemic change.