Emotions shape everything we do—how we think, react, and connect with others. In this episode of This Way Up, I sit down with Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about emotions and their role in our daily lives. We explore how curiosity can help us better understand what we feel and how creative expression—both traditional and unconventional—can be a powerful tool for emotional growth and healing. Get ready for an insightful discussion that just might change the way you see your own emotions!

BIO:

Matt Sandoval is an Arizona native who has served as an executive leader in human services and non-profit organizations for over 15 years. He is the Chief Executive Officer at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, which provides trauma-informed art activities through trained adult mentors for children and teens who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Matt is a public speaker and trainer on mental health and youth-related topics. He is also the host of Canvas of the Heart, the Free Arts podcast.

Matt leads the Free Arts' strategic vision to offer programs in Arizona and the effort to establish Free Arts as a sector thought leader in child well-being and mentoring through expressive art programming. Formerly, Matt served as the VP of Community Initiatives at the YMCA, focusing on workforce development, alternative education, juvenile justice, and mentoring for teens and young adults. Additionally, Matt has served as the Executive Director of an independent living community for adults with developmental disabilities and as a Clinical Therapist.

Matt has served on several non-profit and charter school boards for groups that support youth and community development in the greater Phoenix area. Matt holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Arizona Behavioral Health Board of Examiners.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

• Canvas of the Heart Podcast (The Free Arts Podcast) https://open.spotify.com/show/7JMia7Ab7t7qtpvZGIzw8h?si=d02209e6229248ba
• Podcast on YouTube (1) Canvas of the Heart Podcast - Art, Mentoring, and Trauma Recovery for Children, Youth, and Families - YouTube
• @freeartsaz on Instagram/FB
• On the web at www.freeartsaz.org
• Matt Sandoval on LinkedIn

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.