Tailored Solutions for Pregnancy Help Organizations
Heartbeat training and consultations support the uniqueness of your organization as you equip staff, board, and volunteers to carry out your mission with excellence. Heartbeat’s personalized consultations provide unique training solutions that elevate your organization to new heights. Whether through a one-day, multi-day, or customized Concierge Consultation, we help you move forward with confidence.
At the core of our consulting services, we’re proud to offer Heartbeat foundational training that equips your team for success:
① Governing Essentials - This practical training gives new and experienced Board Members the tools, insight, and confidence to lead effectively. Shining light on core governance responsibilities helps boards at any stage grow and strengthen their roles with the executive director, staff, community, and each other.
Offered as a one-day onsite experience or two engaging virtual sessions, the training is led by a Heartbeat expert and tailored to your organization. Topics include mission and vision alignment, legal and financial duties, planning, policy, evaluation, board development, fundraising, and more. All content is based on Heartbeat’s Governing Essentials Board Manual , ensuring a comprehensive and practical foundation for effective governance.
▶ On-site consultations are available on weekdays and Saturdays, usually beginning at 9 AM and ending by 4 PM. We ask that all Board Members and the Executive Director be present.
▶ Virtual consultations consist of two three-hour sessions held via Zoom, ideally scheduled on consecutive days to maintain continuity. Sessions can be booked on weekdays, weeknights, or Saturdays. Your team may choose to gather in one place or remotely from individual locations to meet with your virtual consultant. To ensure a productive and engaging experience, we ask that all Board Members and the Executive Director attend both sessions, be on camera, and contribute to group discussions.
**Please note that for both onsite and virtual Governing Essentials consultations, every participant will need their own Governing Essentials manual, which is approximately $35 each for affiliates.
② Strategic Planning - Prepare your organization for the future with a 1½-day consultation that helps answer a powerful question: What should your organization accomplish one to three years from now—and what must happen to make your vision a reality?
Step back, reflect, identify challenges, optimize opportunities, and dream big as a Heartbeat consultant guides your Board and Executive Director in discerning clear, actionable steps for growth and long-term sustainability that will foster missional alignment, strengthen teamwork, and provide a compelling roadmap you can share with your community, partners, and potential donors to help them understand your goals and get excited about supporting your mission!
③ The L.O.V.E. Approach - This one-day, on-site training led by a Heartbeat expert equips staff and volunteers to compassionately engage clients with confidence. Through personal, hands-on instruction, participants learn the core principles of service in a life-affirming organization and have the opportunity to address their own questions and concerns so that they feel more confident going into their initial client interviews, whether on the phone or in the office. This training is based on The L.O.V.E. Approach , the well-loved and proven program developed by Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D.
*This training qualifies for the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) Designation
**Please note that for The L.O.V.E. Approach Consultation, every participant will need their own L.O.V.E. Approach training manual, which is approximately $35 each for affiliates.
Pricing for Heartbeat’s Governing Essentials, Strategic Planning, and L.O.V.E. Approach
For both onsite and virtual consultations, the consultation fee is $1,000.00 per day for affiliates/$1,200.00 per day for non-affiliates. For the 1½ day Strategic Planning training, the fee is $1,500 for affiliates/$1,700 for non-affiliates. The consultation fee is due prior to the training.
For onsite consultations, the organization is also responsible for all expenses related to your consultant’s travel, stay, and meals.
We ask for a 6–8-week lead time to schedule, along with an initial exploratory conversation by phone with Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services, or Sara Dominguez, Affiliate Services Specialist. Training can be scheduled by request at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by contacting Christine Grimmett at 614-885-7577.
Through Concierge Consulting, Heartbeat offers a variety of expert guidance from our talented consulting team focusing on organizational & leadership development, creating a healthy team culture, conflict resolution, sexual wellness, fundraising, donor development & more! The great thing about Concierge Consulting is that it is fully customizable to fit YOUR specific needs! Whether you need a one-time strategy session, ongoing mentorship, or a deep dive into a specific subject, our team of experienced consultants is here to help you thrive!
Heartbeat partners with you to develop a personalized support strategy specifically designed for your team that advances your mission. Pricing will be based on your individual consultation. To learn more about how Concierge Consulting can serve your organization, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (888) 550-7577 for more information.
Become a Life-Affirming Specialist
Heartbeat International has developed a professional designation for those working in Life-Affirming Ministries. Having the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation will provide you with credibility when working with clients. Its purpose is to show that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life affirming information and training.
A Life Affirming Specialist (LAS) has up-to-date training on information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and other related life affirming issues.
You can receive and maintain your LAS designation through the application process, signing the LAS agreement, and fulfilling the on-going continuing education requirements.
What is a Life-Affirming Specialist?
LAS is a professional designation developed specifically for those serving faithfully in the pregnancy help movement. The LAS designation indicates that the holder has participated in on-going training on the latest information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and related, life-affirming issues.
Why should I want the LAS designation?
The LAS designation behind your name provides you with professional credibility when working with clients. The designation shows that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life-affirming information and training. Example: Sarah Smith, LAS
Professional Designation
Heartbeat International has developed this professional designation for people working in life-affirming ministries.
Those eligible must have completed the requirements as stated by Heartbeat International.
Life-Affirming Specialist Requirements:
- Person has received HB training: L.O.V.E. Approach, all chapters or attended the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute –OR–If person has not had L.O.V.E. Approach training or attended the New Directors track but can provide proof of training from a ministry that abides by the Commitment of Care and Competence the first requirement has been met.
- Person has two years of consistent experience in a Life-Affirming Ministry: Pregnancy Resource Center, Medical Clinic, Maternity Home, Abortion Recovery, and/or Adoption Agency.
- Person attended the Annual Heartbeat International Conference (14 hours minimum) or future qualified Heartbeat International conference or training. 14 conference hours may come from: Seven hours of key notes, seven hours of workshops and/or seven hours of an in-depth day training. Person has received Heartbeat training: L.O.V.E. Approach training and all chapters completed or completed the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute.
- Must receive a minimum of 14 hours qualified Heartbeat International training every two years to maintain LAS Designation available online .
Designation Fee
The initial $99.00 fee is paid upon application. A Designation Certificate of Completion is mailed to those who meet the qualifications. The bi-annual membership remains in effect for two years from the original date of earned designation. The bi-annual renewal fee is $99.00.
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Conference FAQs
HEARTBEAT GUIDELINES: All exhibitors must abide by the Heartbeat Principles. Heartbeat International reserves the right to accept or deny, at its sole discretion, sponsors and exhibit space to organizations that it deems inconsistent with or contrary to Heartbeat’s Principles.
- Exhibitors propose and offer, through education and creative services, positive choices for women challenged by pregnancy.
- Exhibitors shall not discriminate in their services on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, or marital status.
- Exhibitors' services are personal, confidential, and non-judgmental.
- Exhibitors shall not advise, provide, or refer for abortion, abortifacients, or contraceptives.
- Exhibitors encourage chastity as a positive lifestyle choice.
SECURITY & LIABILITY:Exhibitor and Heartbeat International agree to defend, indemnify and hold each other, their affiliates, officers, directors, managers and employees harmless from and against all claims for loss or damage, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred as a result of any claims related to or arising out of either Party’s performance of its duties under this Agreement, unless such loss or damage shall arise from a Party’s own negligence, misconduct or gross negligence. In the foregoing sentence, the words “loss or damage” shall include, but is not limited to, loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any actions or omissions of any employee or authorized representative of either Party. The exhibitor understands that neither Heartbeat International nor the Hotel maintains insurance covering the exhibitor’s property and it is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor to obtain such insurance. The exhibitor understands that it also has the sole responsibility to pay any applicable taxes, including, but not limited to, sales tax, that may arise out of the exhibitor’s use of the exhibition premises.
CANCELLATION: If written notification of cancellation is received by March 28, 2025, all exhibitor monies, less a $75 processing fee, will be refunded. No refunds will be given after midnight ET on March 28, 2025. All refund requests must be made in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Should the State of Alabama enforce regulations that make an in-person event impossible, all elements of the conference will be transferred to the Virtual Platform. Your sponsorship will be guaranteed on the Virtual Platform at the same level and any monies received beyond the cost of the Virtual Sponsorship at the level you selected will be reimbursed within 30 days of the Conference.
USE OF SPACE: Exhibitor shall not assign, sublet, or share the space allotted without the knowledge and consent of Heartbeat International.
EXHIBIT SETUP AND TEARDOWN: The 2025 conference begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, and runs through Friday, May 2. Heartbeat International has contracted with the hotel to allow for exhibit set-up beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 29. We request that you make every effort to have your exhibit set up by 8:00 a.m. CT on April 30; however, if you cannot come until later, you must make arrangements with Heartbeat International.
Failure to occupy the exhibition space does not release the exhibitor from the obligation to pay the full exhibitor fee. Please contact us at 888-550-7577 if special arrangements for late arrival need to be made.
RECORDING RELEASE: The Heartbeat Conference will be recorded. Your registration constitutes your organization's consent to such recording for the booth representatives and/or any guests.
360 Center Assessment
"Our organization was seen with new eyes and the discoveries were extremely valuable."
This 360º Center Assessment is Heartbeat International’s endeavor to bring a fresh yet seasoned perspective to the efforts of your life-affirming organization. Heartbeat involves several staff members in a penetrating look into the various fundamental, formational, and future-oriented aspects that shape the ministry and its outcomes.
Though this is not an exhaustive review, it is an extensive one that looks in-depth at the core areas:
- Financial
- Services
- Marketing
- Leadership/Organization/Staff
- Fundraising
- Legal
"On a scale of 1-10, the 360 Assessment ranked 10++. The results of this process exceeded way beyond our hopes."
Our team spends many hours, in advance of a two-day on-site visit, reviewing documents, analyzing various points of data, gathering additional information, and preparing specific questions for the on-site evaluation. All of our observations, commendations, and recommendations are compiled into a report presented to the governing leadership (board and ED/CEO).
"The assessment is amazing. You found things that we would have continued to miss."
Perhaps the strongest identifier of a good organization is good leadership. Leaders are learners. Good leaders constantly seek to improve. The 360° Center Assessment is designed with this in mind.
"The Heartbeat representatives had great insights, a world of knowledge and a tender heart in presenting their findings."
The cost for this assessment for Heartbeat affiliates is $1,500 plus the expenses for at least two consultants to come on-site. (For very large multi-site/multi-program organizations, additional consultant(s) may be needed to complete the effort with a two-day visit.) Non-affiliates cost is $1,800, plus expenses.
Academy Courses
Heartbeat Learning Modules
Learning modules provided through Heartbeat International Academy are dynamic, highly interactive presentations that take users through some of our most popular materials. These trainings work in conjunction with Heartbeat materials and can help releive the burden on time and resources that training can pose for a busy center. Each training is available as a general course (where you send your student to HeartbeatServices.org/Academy and allow them to enroll themselves) or as part of your center's Private Course.
Academy Webinars
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Webinar trainings available through Heartbeat International Academy give you the opportunity to engage in dynamic, focused trainings on a wide variety of topics. These trainings vary greatly in topic, length, and cost, giving you the opportunity to participate in trainings that best meet your needs. You can choose to participate in an upcoming live training, or acess our library of recorded trainings available 24/7.
Webinar trainings provide you the opportunity to engage deeply into a given subject. Partcipation in live trainings often allows you to ask the presenter questions during a designated questions and answer period. Typically, you are able to have continuous access to the material coverd during live webinar sessions as the traings are generally recorded for continued access at a later date.
To participate in a live training, all you need is access to a computer and the internet and either speakers or headphones.
Check out our upcoming live trainings below, or visit HeartCart to see a full list of recorded trainings available. Please Note: Unless otherwise noted, times for live events are EST.
Visit HeartCart to see a full list of training available through Heartbeat Academy!
Academy Custom Training Courses
Exclusive to affiliates, Heartbeat International Academy provides the opportunity for you to take our online training materials and bring them to your staff members volunteers in your own personalized style and format with our custom training course option. In this option, you take control of your staff member's online training by controlling enrollment, tracking progress, offering your center's own customizing training, and monitoring their activity.
Priced as an annual plan, this option is ideal for:
- Centers interested in exploring new models for training that combine online and onsite training components.
- Staff and volunteers who are consistently too busy to devote entire days to training or prefer the convenience of accessing training 24/7.
- Centers who may have an annual or semi-annual all day training, but have volunteers ready to commit throughout year.
To purchase or inquire about a Private Course please contact Dawn Lunsford at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or at (614)885-7577.
Initial Set-Up Fee: $150.00
| Available Trainings |
| The LOVE Approach Online |
| Answering Tough Calls |
| Raising the Standard |
| Abortion Procedures Information for Pregnancy Help Organizations |
| How to Identify and Assist Victims of Human Trafficking |
| Introduction to Abortion Pill Reversal |
| Custom Trainings |
| Recorded Webinars |
| And More! |
How to Order: Ordering a custom course is easy! Use the link below to select your trainings and complete payment. Once you've placed your order, complete and return a brief questionairre so we can set your course up to best meet your needs, and 10 business days after receiving both of these, you're ready to be trained in your Private Course!
More...
Academy Nursing Courses
Continuing Education Contact Hours for Nurses
Heartbeat International Academy is an approved provider through the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider Number CEP 16061). Please review the objectives and requirements for each course carefully.
These courses offer between one and two hours of continuing education contact hours for nurses. Certificates are available immediately upon completion of the course. Although specific requirments may vary between each course, typically, you will be required to view a presentation, complete a final quiz, and complete a survey in order to receive credit. Please contact Heartbeat's Medical Specialist Christa Brown at (614)885-7577 for more information about contact hours.
All Academy courses are always open to anyone who is interested, regardless of your specific educational goal. Please visit HeartCart to see a list of all course from Heartbeat Academy, including resources for nurses.
Academy LAS
Academy Resources for Life Affirming Specialists
Renewal
As part of the renewal for your Life Affirming Specialist designation, you are required to earn fourteen hours of continuing education credit at an approved training event, such as an onsite training or Heartbeat's Annual Conference. Heartbeat has made it even easier for you to renew your Life Affirming Specialist designation by offering CEU's for most of our courses and webinars.
This means if you are a Life Affirming Specialist, you can earn enough CEU's for renewal online! Once you've completed a course through Heartbeat Academy, click "Get LAS Credit" when prompted, submit the application, and within 3-5 days you will receive your certificate.
Certification
To become a Life Affirming Specialist you can now meet the training requirements through Heartbeat International Academy's new course Life Affirming Specialist Certification. This course offers more than fourteen hours of instruction on key topics anyone involved in Life Affirming ministry should know, including abortion, adoption, peer counseling skills, fetal development, sexual integrity, and (most importantly!) the Biblical basis for why we are Pro-Life. Each course is taught by carefully selected instructors and points to several resources for additional information.
At the conclusion of this training, you will have earned 14 hours of approved LAS credit, and will be able to demonstrate that you have met the LOVE Approach peer counseling training requirement. This means that you'll have met 2/3 of the qualifications for Life Affirming Specialists just with this one course. For a limited time, this course is offered at the introductory rate of $115.95. Heartbeat affiliates and individuals associated with affiliated centers receive an additional discount!
Are you a Learner?
By Betty McDowell
“Responsibility for learning belongs to the student, regardless of age.” Robert Martin
One of the joys of working at Heartbeat is that I am always learning. I love learning, which is a good thing, especially since I serve in a ministry that is always changing, growing, and being challenged.
Next month is Heartbeat’s annual Institute for Center Effectiveness℠ (Nov. 27–30 in Columbus, Ohio). One of the key principles we teach each year is that we are always functioning in one of two modes: judger or learner.
How do you know which mode you’re functioning in right now? Ask yourself, “What questions am I asking?”
You see, we talk to ourselves on a regular basis, and we’re constantly asking ourselves questions. When you look in a mirror, for instance, you are undoubtedly able to say something about yourself. It may be a derogatory remark about your looks or perhaps “a thumbs-up”, but it might also be a question about what you expect the coming day to bring. If the question you’d ask yourself has to do with your looks, you’re in “judging” mode, but if your question has to do with the upcoming day, you’re in “learning” mode. In other words, your self-talk tells you which mode you’re in.
Besides self-talk, we are also in one of these two modes when we’re dealing with other people. Do you find yourself thinking, “How can I prove I am right?”, or is the question your asking yourself more of, “How can I better understand what he/she is saying?” The first of these indicates you’re in “judging” mode, while the second shows you’re in “learning” mode.
If you work in a life-affirming ministry, you need to become a student of the clients you serve. Stay in learning mode and you’ll become a better listener, which will put you in a position to be of much more help to another person. Ask yourself inquisitive learning questions, rather than deciding you already know everything you need to know about a person and their situation.
The best leaders are always the best learners.
Like an inquisitive child, start to enjoy the process of learning again. Begin to examine your self-talk and the questions you ask yourself on a regular basis, and begin forming better questions about the people you are talking with and the situations you find yourself facing.
You’re never too old to become a learner.
To think more about this, pick up Change your Questions, Change your Life, a book by Marilee Adams, and attend ourInstitute for Center Effectiveness this November.
