The Guibord Center Team

Dr. Lois (Lo) M. Sprague, President

Dr. Lois M. Sprague has worked closely with Dr. Guibord from The Guibord Center’s inception and been involved in every facet of planning and growth. “Lo” is a deeply spiritual and passionate leader who has dedicated her life to enabling others to find and follow the best within themselves.

She is a talented writer, educator, public speaker and Jungian-oriented psychotherapist who recently retired from her successful private practice. She has also served on the faculty of several academic institutions and on various nonprofit boards.

The Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Executive Director

The Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. In her first ministry position she served as the Executive Director of the Interfaith Hunger Coalition of Los Angeles after running an emergency food and shelter program in Southeast Los Angeles County. She went on to serve a bilingual church in Highland Park and then served as the Southern California staff of the California Council of Churches.

For the past 18 years Rev. Cooper Ledesma served as the senior pastor of the Hollywood United Methodist Church, the church with the two large AIDS ribbons on its tower, and has been deeply involved in serving the unhoused residents of Hollywood. She is excited about joining the amazing work of The Guibord Center as its first Executive Director. Rev. Kathy believes in the power of embracing a spirituality that transcends all faith traditions, and seeking the holy among all people.

A graduate of Occidental College and the Claremont School of Theology, Kathy was married to the Rev. Rene Ledesma for 26 years until his death in 2014. She has two adult children who live in Los Angeles and in Denver. And, she is one of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fans, having seen him in concert over 50 times worldwide.

Christine Budzowski, Web Development

Christine developed the original website for The Guibord Center prior to its launch in February 2011. She continues to maintain and update the current website with ongoing initiatives and programs.

As owner of Trinity Web Consulting, Christine develops and manages websites for small businesses and nonprofit organizations across the United States. She serves as president of Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Christine also continues working to raise awareness of and end gender-based violence against women and girls.

Yolie Carrillo, Administrative Manager and Assistant to Dr. Sprague

Yolie provides administrative support to the Dr. Lo Sprague and the staff. She oversees program events, coordinating all aspects of logistics. In addition, she supports the Board of Directors and Advisory Council with meetings and materials.

A California native, Yolie holds an associate degree in liberal arts and is pursuing her BA in business administration. She speaks Spanish and English fluently. Most importantly, no matter what language is spoken, she listens with an open and compassionate heart.

Terry Opalek, Community Liaison

Terry works to develop a solid support base of individuals and businesses for The Guibord Center. This base enables the Center to continue effecting interfaith understanding and harmony.

Terry brings over 30 years of experience in fundraising and membership development. He played a key role in significantly growing membership and programs for the Michigan, Illinois and California State Chambers of Commerce. In 2002 he resigned from his career. Nine months later, he founded Terry’s Toffee, based on his grandmother’s beloved English Toffee recipe. In the next dozen years the award-winning treat was enjoyed at 10 Academy Awards and the 2012 NATO Conference, and by dignitaries and celebrities including HRH Queen Elizabeth.

In 2015, ready for the next leap of faith, Terry sold the business. He began co-facilitating transformational workshops with his husband and partner, Michael Frontier. Joining The Guibord Center brings him full circle, allowing him to use his life experiences and skills to help the Center bring positive change in the world.