Founded in 2002, HeARTS Giving Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization driven by people who believe in the power of music and arts to heal, inspire and empower. We focus our services on children (age 3 to 18) facing many types of life challenges. HeARTS does this with a growing staff and dedicated volunteers – these creative, committed and passionate people have allowed HeARTS to help thousands of kids in its first eight years.
We currently serve children throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County at various children's homes and partners sites.
Our services are FREE to children who qualify. These is no charge to a child, family, partner site or service provider.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
HeARTS is dedicated to improving the lives of abused and underprivileged children by providing them with positive outlets of self-expression and growth through music and visual arts.
We are committed to facilitating programs incorporating music and visual arts, directed toward the development of each child’s talents, mental and physical abilities, and creativity, enabling them to realize and achieve their full potential.
In order to achieve this commitment, we have partnered with local communities, schools, fine arts organizations, churches, and others, working together to accomplish these goals, and to celebrate each child and his or her greatness.
HeARTS VISION
All children find their own unique voice and self-expression through the power of music and arts.
HeARTS GIVING HOPE: Who We Are
OFFICERS AND BOARD
Christiane Kinney
HGH – Co-Founder and President, Attorney
Christiane did her undergraduate work at University of California at Irvine, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor. She is a Partner at LeClairRyan and Chair of the firm's Entertainment Law Industry Team. She stays true to her passion for music, as the lead singer and pianist for the band Riddle the Sphinx. Christiane’s unique experience in the entertainment and legal industries, along with her love of children and facilitating their growth, learning and creativity lends her to be a motivating role model for all those who have been enlightened by her compassion and dedication. Christiane’s tenacity and ability to bring various key forces in the community together has garnered the attention and success of HeARTS.
M. Karene Cargill
HGH – Co-Founder, Vice President, & Treasurer
Karene graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA, with a degree in Merchandising and Communications, and from Concordia University in Irvine with a BA in Liberal Arts with a Business Emphasis. She currently works as the Office Manager at Sound Vitality in San Juan Capistrano, CA and is currently undergoing training with the Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaching program to expand her creative talents and to help others to achieve new levels of creative brilliance. Her involvement in HeARTS allows her to use her passion for the arts, and her compassion for others to bring hope and healing to children. This passion is a driving force behind the success of the organization and its art programs.
Loretta M. Cargill
HGH – Secretary
Loretta was on the administrative staff at St. Joseph Hospital, Orange for 33 years until her retirement in 1999. She continued to do occasional consultative or part-time work for the hospital for several years after retiring. She had served on its Institutional Review Board (human subjects research) for more than 30 years until 2010. Since retirement she has served on a number of religious affiliated or community boards in a variety of leadership roles. She was involved in children’s ministry for more than 20 years teaching Sunday school in her church. She has supported HeARTS Giving Hope in their various projects since its inception. With a strong background in organizational management, she brings these abilities to her position as secretary to this organization to carry out its mission to serve at-risk children.
DRUM CIRCLE MODERATORS
Christo Pellani
Drum Circle Moderator
Christo is a dynamic individual with a diverse range of talents. Recognized as a master drummer/percussionist, teacher, and healer, he facilitates human potential by creating experiences that blend principles of rhythm and sound awareness for personal expression and wellness. Christo’s musical journey led him from entertainment to community service by virtue of a series of life changing experiences with community drumming circles. After touring the world playing concerts with the likes of Air Supply, Mary Wells, The Shirrelles, and Fabien Mamman, he answered a spiritual calling to support people in unfolding the expression of their truth and purpose. His dedication to community service springs from his years as a social worker with various counseling and therapeutic recreation programs such as The Men’s Center of Los Angeles, The Rhythmic Arts Project, Mi Star and HeARTS.
MUSIC THERAPISTS
AmyLynn Dimaano, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
AmyLynn Dimaano, MT-BC, holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music and the Music Therapy Degree Equivalency Certificate from California State University, Northridge. She is Board Certified and specializes in treating populations facing the challenges of illness, addictions, abuse, grief and psychological disorders. Her business, ALternativeDestinations Music Therapy Services, encourages Transformation through Empowerment, inviting all participants to discover solutions and insights for themselves through the healing power of music. AmyLynn lives in the Long Beach area with her husband and two wildly spirited dogs.
Laurel Terreri, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Laurel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Therapy from Montclair State University in New Jersey. She specializes in working with children with developmental disabilities as well as with hospitalized children. She has been the music therapist at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles for eight years, and has recently expanded her services to include the pediatric inpatients at Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
ADVISORY BOARD
Ronald Borczon, MT-BC
Director of Music Therapy Program and Clinic,
Cal State University at Northridge
Sean P. Kinney
CFO, Electric Elephant Entertainment, Inc.
CEO, Fender Bender Films, Inc.
Bryan Nash
Founder and President of the Eddie Nash Foundation
Christo Pellani
Musician / Drum Circle Moderator