Supporting a Child's Emotional World With Creativity - Theresa Smith-Levin of Central FL Vocal Arts

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, about how music and the arts can play a powerful role in children's health and development. Theresa shares her "overnight nonprofit founder" story, explains how CFVA expands access to arts education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and discusses how creative expression builds confidence, resilience, empathy, and emotional well-being. The conversation also offers practical insight into how families and schools can normalize creativity and help children find and use their voice.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/SIf9gR1Hy0s

Learn More: https://centralfloridavocalarts.org

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvmozFJQ-r1T_fbiZbhIzJx5uG64Ms2M/view?usp=drive_link

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Meet Teresa: Her Background and Journey 01:53 Founding a Nonprofit Overnight 03:31 Identifying Needs in the Arts Community 05:41 Central Florida Vocal Arts Today 07:01 Breakdown of Programs and Accessibility 10:24 Impact and Expansion 12:12 Barriers to Access in the Arts 14:22 Societal Undervaluing of the Arts 16:18 The Role of Arts in Mental Health 18:56 Fostering Creativity at Home and School 21:40 Avoiding Inhibition and Criticism in Artistic Expression 23:19 Arts, Free Play, and Education Policy 27:00 Celebrating Diversity in Talent and Education 30:05 Arts Access in Different Communities 33:14 Challenges in Implementing Arts in Schools 36:38 Changing Narratives: Making Arts Cool 39:41 Arts as Antidote to Loneliness and Disconnection 42:01 Performing Arts, Vulnerability, and Connection 44:28 Building Resilience Through Stage Experience 48:07 Handling Anxiety and Performance Nerves 51:01 Prescribing Arts to Foster Growth in Kids 53:52 The Arts Against Conformity 55:08 Reasons for Hope and the Power of Arts 56:02 Supporting Central Florida Vocal Arts 57:04 Rapid Fire – Teresa's Favorites & Opinions 59:30 Closing Thoughts and Thanks

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