Meet Our Mentors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our dedicated Mentors participate in weekly Restorative Justice circles with each other as well as create meaningful relationships with their local youth mentees. Read through their bios to get to know them!
Clifford Johnson
Active Mentor
Born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana, Clifford attended high school at Elkhart Memorial and went on to earn his Associate Degree from Grace College. He is also a certified recovery coach and a member Greater Prayer House COGIC. Clifford currently works as a welder for Barletta and owns two small businesses: AC Eats and AC Kennel. His hobbies include cutting and braiding hair and locks for men, women, and children. Clifford loves cooking on the smoker, watching professional and collegiate football and basketball, and he enjoys all parts of nature including camping, hiking, fishing, or anything with dogs. Clifford lives with his wife Aimee and is the father of two children.
Mentor coming soon
Creating opportunity and restoring lives.
Noel Townsend
Active Mentor
"Now that I have settled into life, I consider myself a family man. With just two sons in their early twenties, my mission is to give them the best advice and guidance I can, and of course cash-app them money when they ask for it, which seems to occur more than I ever expected. I just don’t remember asking my parents for money this much way back then, but maybe my memory is fading as I have just passed the half century mark. At least they are out of the house. Today, the joys of parenting and my new passion comes from fostering kids; at the time of this bio, we have 9-year-old identical twin girls in the house. They are a joy to spoil and play with since I had always wanted daughters of my own. They do wear me out at times with winter activities like tubing at Wilson Park. I had to tap out after two hours and they seemed like they were just getting started. I consider myself a nerd or at least a lover of education. I now have three degrees: Liberal Studies Associate from Holy Cross; Bachelor’s in Engineering from Purdue University, and a MBA from Indiana University South Bend. Today, I am using the knowledge and experience I have acquired over the years as an Operations Manager for Crossroads Solar, a Solar Panel manufacturing plant located in South Bend, IN. Currently with just over 20 employees, long hours are spent working to double our staff and production in the next year. In addition to being the only solar panel manufacturer in the Michiana area, Crossroads is a company with a mission, and the mission is to provide employment to felons returning to the community. My second newfound passion has been working with youth and returning citizens in the Restorative Justice and Peacekeeping Circles. It has been an enlightening experience these past two years volunteering at Take Heart Inc., and while the perceived goal is to help the participants, there has never been a circle by where this NERD has left without several new nuggets of wisdom. My plan is to one day attain certification in Circle Keeping so that I can expand my ability to continue helping the kids and returning citizens (And myself!) Oh yeah, I’m also an avid billiards player always ready for a good game of 8-ball. And I love sports - Boiler Up! Professionally speaking, I’m all Chicago - Bulls, Bears, and Cubs!"
Marc Winphrie Jr.
Active Mentor
"I am a dedicated servant leader committed to empowering youth to reach their full potential. With a passion for fitness and personal development, I inspire individuals to become their best selves. Through my mentorship and fitness programs, I foster growth and wellness, creating positive change in communities worldwide."
Justin Bland
Active Mentor
Justin was born and raised in South Bend Indiana. He attended Lasalle High School and is a member of South Gate Church. Justin currently works at Earthway as a swingman. His hobbies include landscaping, remodeling, and working out. Justin also enjoys spending time with youth and adults with dreams and ambitions of change for the better. He loves animals; watching MMA, football, hockey, and basketball; spending time outdoors; listening to music; and cooking.
Mentor coming soon
Sean Turner
Former Mentor
Sean Turner is a dedicated mentor for Take Heart and a consistent presence at our Wednesday night circles. Although originally from Indianapolis, Sean now lives in South Bend were he received his Associate's Degree from Holy Cross College in 2019. While pursuing his education, Sean met our founder Ellen Williams and even took two of her classes! Now, Sean serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at Big Dog Fitness, a company he started with the other Big Dogs as a way to promote a positive culture and mindset through fitness. Beyond his passion for wellness and improving the lives of others, Sean enjoys researching the global economy and finance. When asked about his drive and motivation, Sean responded, "It is only because of Big Dog Fitness and the culture that we have created that I am able to live right now. This ideology we have created gives us purpose to help others... I owe it all to them."
Anne Huston
Former Mentor
Anne Huston served as a mentor with Take Heart's program working with our mentees at the Juvenile Justice Center and participating in weekly circles. Anne is a South Bend native, attended Riley High School, and was even a member of their last graduating class before the big remodel. She currently works at Crossroads Solar creating solar panels, but in her free time, she loves to do anything outdoors, especially near the water. Anne is passionate about art, such as drawing and painting, and her favorite escape is to go to the museums in Chicago and practice her photography. When she is not being artistic or serving the local community, Anne can be found at any type of sports game or spending time with her son and daughter.