OFFICERS AND BOARD
Christiane Kinney
HGH – Co-Founder and President, Attorney
Chris 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 currently works at LeClairRyan as a civil litigator in the firm's tort defense group. She also stays true to her passion for music, as the lead singer and pianist for the band Riddle the Sphinx. Chris’ 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. Chris’ 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, 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 in the office of the President at the District Office of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, in Irvine, CA. 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 has continued to do consultative or part-time work for the hospital, and has served on its Institutional Review Board (human subjects research) for many years. 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 twenty 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
Jean Beres
Communications Promotions,
The Write Message
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.
Sheena Metal
Music Promoter / Radio Host
Christo Pellani
Musician / Drum Circle Moderator
Dr. Lee Settgast
President and Executive Director,
The Los Angeles Nehemiah Project
Mark Strickland
National Director of Top 40 Radio Promotion,
All Access Music Group
Carla Trier
Fundraiser Guru Extraordinare!