Art is the doorway, mentorship is the key, and together, they unlock resilience. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon is joined by Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, an organization transforming trauma into resilience through the healing power of art and mentoring relationships. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement, Matt is a passionate advocate for mental health and trauma-informed care. Under his guidance, Free Arts supports children, teens, and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and homelessness through innovative, equity-centered programming rooted in creativity, choice, and connection. Matt is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, bringing his insight on mental health and resilient living to communities across the country. In this conversation, we explore the origin and evolution of Free Arts, the role of trauma-informed practices, and how art can open the door to agency, identity, and healing, especially for youth navigating complex emotional landscapes.

Resources

For more information about Free Arts AZ, please visit:

For more information about the Resilient Hearts Symposium, please visit:

For more information about Canvas of the Heart podcast series brought to you by Free Arts, please visit:

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