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.

Learn More: https://centralfloridavocalarts.org

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvmo...

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w...

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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