KNX Hero of the Week

Steven Angel is the President and Founder of the non-profit, Drumming For Your Life Institute. It helps young people and adults who struggle with reading, learning, anxiety, addiction and more! He created the Reading, Rhythm & Life Skills Drumming Program, and his unique and tested technique is changing the lives of people all over the Los Angeles metro! Click to hear his conversation with KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan, as he explains how it all works! (Photo: Steven Angel, courtesy of Steven Angel and DFYL.) https://dfyl.org/

Heather Jordan chats with former KNX Hero of the Week Summer Willis about the new “Denim Run” running event in Santa Monica on April 12th, 2026. Summer is a marathon runner and sexual assault survivor, and with the assistance of LA's Laurence Cohen, she is spearheading this movement all across the nation! Heather and Summer also talk about the importance of speaking out against sexual violence, and ways to support victims with positivity and strength! Photo of Summer Willis, courtesy of photographer Tierney Gearon.

You may know him as a radio host on our sister station “K-EARTH 101” - but to young kids all over SoCal, Kevin Schatz is merely a musician, who is full of fun and creativity! Click to listen to his full interview with Heroes Host Heather Jordan! Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Schatz (kevinsongs.live)

Guided by her mother's compassionate spirit, Christian Starks is creating healthier communities across SoCal! She is the Director of Community Health for Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center, combining creativity and kindness to make a difference every day! (Photo courtesy of Christian Starks: Vendors and Christian (center) at the farmer’s market in February 2026.)

Camille Wright specializes in helping out during those crucial days leading up to, and after, the birth of the baby. She also volunteers for a group called 4th Trimester, and is a member of the Happy Baby Journey’s doula collective group. Click and listen to a special extended Heroes edition, with host Heather Jordan! Photo: Camille Wright, working with a family that has a newborn, courtesy of Camille Wright.

Sarah Sobel is leading the way at Shoes for Souls, a non-profit started by her older sister, Lindsay, back in 2016. Sarah chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about the organization, how it works, and who they help! Photo: Sarah Sobel (center, kneeling) and classmates with shoes donated by the community, to help those in need! Courtesy of Sarah Sobel. https://shoesforsouls.com/

As the Director of Nursing Research and Innovation at Rady Children's Hospital OC, Jennifer Hayakawa is creating a safe space for nurses, doctors, techs and hospital staff to reflect, get support, and share their personal own stories of triumph and hardship. The work is not easy, so Jennifer helps create a positive, bright light of encouragement for those around her! Photo: Staff members (left to right) Becca, Paulina, Choco the Bear, Jennifer Hayakawa, and Edison during a recent pop-up gallery for Dear Hospital. Courtesy of Jennifer Hayakawa.

When a man with a serious gunshot wound stumbled into the Richard Alatorre Pool asking for help, John Lopez and his staff jumped into action to save his life! John shares the moments as they unfolded with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan, and remarks how their extensive training helps everyone on staff be ready for emergency situations like this. Photo: John Lopez, Aquatic Facility Manager II (center) and members of his staff: Diana Huerta (Lifeguard), Lauren Brown (Pool Manager), Angel Sapida (Lifeguard), Betzaida Cervantes (Lifeguard Aide). Courtesy of John Lopez.

Meet Exercise Physiologist, Michelle Galanti! She is a woman of many talents, and she has a heart for serving others! She works as the Director of Cardiology, Transportation, Patient Experience & Volunteer Services at Glendale Memorial Hospital. Michelle chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about following in her father's footsteps and working in the field of cardiology, and how she hopes to make an impact, like he did! Photo: A dated picture of Michelle Galanti and her late father, Richard J. Alan, MD. He was a Cardiologist at Glendale Memorial Hospital. Photo Courtesy of Michelle Galanti.

The series closes with the voice of Nataly’s late father, Carlo, whose love, artistry, and spirit still echoed through the home he built. As the family returns to the ashes, small survivors, a palm tree, a ring, become symbols of enduring love and legacy. Through memories, laughter, grief, and resolve, this episode explores what it means to rebuild not just a house, but a sense of home, honoring a father whose presence is still deeply felt.

You can call him the "Poppy Papi" or even Mr. Altadena! Rene Amy is changing the landscape of Eaton Fire burn areas by sowing millions of poppy seeds across the community, bringing areas back to their former beauty. But there is so much more, beyond the poppies. Rene is a powerful pillar of stability and hope for Altadena and all of Southern California, with his volunteer efforts to make the world a little bit better. Photo: Rene Amy as Santa Claus for a recent community event, courtesy of Rene Amy.

Rene Amy is bringing hope back to the town of Altadena! He's sowing MILLIONS of poppy seeds all over the community, helping homeowners who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire heal. He's also bringing neighbors together with his bright light and passionate heart. Listen to Part #1 of his conversation with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Rene Amy, sewing poppy seeds for his Great Altadena Poppy Project. Courtesy of Rene Amy.

Joining forces with the Dana Point Women's Club, Debby Thrailkill and her non-profit "My Own - A Case For Kids" is growing into a new warehouse, with capabilities to help more foster kids transition into new homes! Join KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, Debby and DPWC’s Toni Nelson chat about the program, who it’s helping, and how you can make a difference by joining the effort! https://www.danapointwomensclub.org/projectfoster Photo: The ribbon cutting for Project Foster’s new warehouse. Center, Founder Debby Thrailkill, joined by members of the Dana Point Women's Club.

As a volunteer with Center for Caregiver Advancement, Andrew shares his experiences caring for his own grandfather, to help others going through similar situations. Hear some of Andrew's guidance dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's, by clicking the interview link. Photo: Andrew, with his wife and daughter. Courtesy of the So family.

Cara Kim created TarTar Threads, a boutique-style donation center, located in a spare classroom at Torrance High School. It allows students dealing with financial insecurity at home get a new, clean pair of jeans, or a pretty dress. It also helps with “awkward situations” at school, so kids can feel secure in their clothing in the case of an emergency. It's private and anonymous, so kids can feel confident, even though they are asking for help! Hear more by clicking the audio link! Photo: Cara Kim, center, surrounded by fellow classmates and leaders who helped donate and organize the center. Photo courtesy of Cara Kim.

Dr. Guillermo Rios Rios is a respected pediatrician who loves to run! Admitting he’s “addicted” to running, the 67 year-old is on track to run a total of 500 marathons in his lifetime! He’s an inspiration to us all! Photo courtesy of Dr. Guillermo Rios Rios, at a recent race finish.