Take Heart Now Stories

Are you seeking a deeper connection to your spirituality and the tools to feel anchored during challenging times?

The Take Heart Now series at The Guibord Center features inspiring and personal presentations from esteemed leaders in our community, designed to empower and uplift you as you navigate the journey ahead.

Speakers

Bishop John Harvey Taylor: Take Heart Now

Bishop John Harvey Taylor: Take Heart Now

In this inspiring installment of our Take Heart Now series, we were honored to feature the Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor, a lifelong Episcopalian and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop Taylor shared his mission to “feed hungry hearts” — a...

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Cheryl Romanowski: Take Heart Now

Cheryl Romanowski: Take Heart Now

Cheryl Romanowski's spiritual journey eventually led her to the Baha’i faith. As a Baha’i educator she co-facilitates Ruhi study circles and leads an Interfaith curriculum for high school students for Humanity Rising, a student-led movement to create a more...

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Brandon Vasquez: Take Heart Now

Brandon Vasquez: Take Heart Now

In this conversation of our Take Heart Now series, we’re honored to feature Brandon Vasquez—a devoted father, youth pastor, and chaplain for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Brandon shares the three simple but powerful practices that help keep him grounded...

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Amir Hussain: Take Heart Now

Amir Hussain: Take Heart Now

Are you seeking ways to stay spiritually grounded in uncertain times? In this Take Heart Now conversation, we welcome Dr. Amir Hussain—award-winning author and esteemed professor at Loyola Marymount University—who shares personal reflections and insights on navigating...

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Jaime Crumley, PhD: Take Heart Now Series

Jaime Crumley, PhD: Take Heart Now Series

This conversation in our Take Heart Now series features Dr. Jaimie D. Crumley, assistant professor of Gender Studies and Ethnic Studies at the University of Utah. She is a Black feminist public historian and intellectual historian, who previously served in ordained...

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Maia Ferdman: Take Heart Now

Maia Ferdman: Take Heart Now

This conversation in our Take Heart Now series features Maia Ferdman, Deputy Director of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute, which is dedicated to elevating the research and practice of kindness and compassion in the world. Conflict is a natural part of life, but how...

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endawnis spears: Take Heart Now

endawnis spears: Take Heart Now

​endawnis recounts her journey of uncovering a hidden chapter of her family’s history, shedding light on her grandmother’s past—one muted for decades. Her story delves into the painful legacy of Native American boarding schools, where children were forcibly removed...

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Dr. Antonios Kireopoulis: Take Heart Now

Dr. Antonios Kireopoulis: Take Heart Now

This conversation in our Take Heart Now series features Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, the Associate General Secretary at the National Council of Churches USA, who brings people of different religious backgrounds together to explore how they can enrich one another’s work...

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Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan: Take Heart Now

Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan: Take Heart Now

This conversation in our Take Heart Now series features Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan, an ordained United Church of Christ minister currently serving in Concord, New Hampshire. Her commitments include inclusive ministries that focus on Open & Affirming covenants,...

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Celina Alvarez: Take Heart Now

Celina Alvarez: Take Heart Now

This dialogue in our Take Heart Now series showcases Celina Alvarez, the Executive Director of Housing Works, a true leader among Los Angeles’ most pioneering and effective providers of homeless services. At the Guibord Center, we take immense pride in our partnership...

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Rev. Louis Chase: Take Heart Now Series

Rev. Louis Chase: Take Heart Now Series

The next conversation in The Guibord Center's online series, Take Heart Now: Spiritual Tools for Centering and Compassion features a discussion with the Rev. Louis A. Chase. retired United Methodist clergyperson who worked alongside the late civil rights leader and...

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Michael Frontier: Take Heart Now

Michael Frontier: Take Heart Now

Michael Frontier, an intuitive coach, reiki master/teacher, reflexologist, and entrepreneur with a passion for spiritual connection. Michael shares the story that changed the course of his life through his deep connection with Spirit, and then guides you in a powerful...

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Interfaith Youth Alliance: Take Heart Now

Interfaith Youth Alliance: Take Heart Now

This conversation features three high school students from Interfaith Youth Alliance (IYA). Each young storyteller, Rabina, Atousa and Leah, gives us a glimpse into their experience in the world as teenagers and why they are part of the IYA. IYA equips youth with the...

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Judy Vaughan: Take Heart Now

Judy Vaughan: Take Heart Now

Judy Vaughan, CSJ (Congregation of St. Joseph), is Founding Director of Alexandria House, where she lives and works. Founded in 1996, Alexandria House is a transitional residence and neighborhood center for women and children in need. With nearly 40 years of leading...

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