This week Erica talks to Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., M.S.W., LMSW, about his work as the CEO of Free Arts Arizona. They talk about how his background in social work helps create an honest place for social justice in in his organization, the effects of politics for organizations in purple states, and how his experiences influence his choices.

Bio:

Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., M.S.W., LMSW, is a widely sought after speaker, workshop facilitator, and mental health clinician. He holds a master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, as well as a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. He is the CEO of Free Arts Arizona.

About Free Arts: Through talented staff and volunteers, Free Arts transforms trauma into resilience through the arts by creating meaningful mentoring relationships. We serve children, teens, young adults, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, and homelessness. We apply a simple relational formula, Art + Mentors = Resilience. We serve Arizona and provide thought leadership to child welfare, arts and culture, mentoring, and nonprofit spaces. We serve with an understanding of social justice, trauma-informed care, and equity commitments that recognize that care for each other and our environment is a loving act of self-care.

Reach Matt at www.freeartsaz.org or via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-sandoval-94765b5/

Follow Free Arts Arizona on IG at @freeartsaz

For social media sharing, contact me or Barry at bhalvorson@freeartsaz.org

I have attached his headshot down below as well!

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about school social work with Michelle Ribadeneira, MSW, M.S.Ed.

Guest Information:

In Latinx/e in Social Work Vol. III, Michelle Ribadeneira, MSW, M.S.Ed shares her story “Falling Into Social Work” about her unconventional path to the profession. Now a school social worker, Michelle discusses the importance of making schools safe and supportive places, especially for students dealing with challenges at home.

In this webinar, we will explore the field of school social work and how Michelle’s experiences shaped her into the social worker she is today. We will discuss how societally perceived “weaknesses” can actually become strengths, the value of finding community, and the power of redirection. The webinar will examine particular struggles that Michelle faced as a first-generation Latina, and how she channeled her challenges into a passion for helping others.

Michelle is a passionate social worker focused on working for troubled youth and their families by conducting sessions on improved behavior, academic achievement, maintaining effective communication, and understanding personality.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

Erica is talking to the authors of with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 3 along with their Madrinas/Padrinos (mentors) for a look into the process of what it takes to build community in the social work field. She is joined by Vol. 3 Author Elizabeth Amadiz, MSW and her Madrina for her chapter, and social work mentor, Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R. They are talking about what it takes to find, work with and become a mentor in your business community.

More about our guest::

Madeline Maldonado is a bilingual clinical social worker, leader, and advocate, dedicated to transforming mental health care through culturally competent practices. With over 20 years of experience, she is the founder of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C., offering impactful workshops, staff training, and diagnostic evaluations for children, and cofounder of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC, a clinic addressing the unique needs of Latino and BIPOC communities.

Elizabeth Amadiz is a social worker and a passionate community educator focused on mental health awareness. She actively participates in community events, providing education to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage seeking care. On social media, Elizabeth engages her audience by discussing crucial topics like self-care and self-awareness. Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Elizabeth witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by disproportionate communities, which inspired her to dedicate over a decade to serving primarily Latinx populations. Her mission is to change the perception of mental health, advocating for it to be recognized as an integral part of overall health.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766