Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., 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 currently the Chief Executive Officer at Free Arts, where he has led the organization over the last three years. Under his steady leadership, the organization has dramatically steadied its financial position, adjusting to post-pandemic giving levels and “right-sizing” program expenditures in line with income projections by implementing common sense, cost-saving measures. Free Arts, under his leadership, has continued to be an innovator in trauma-informed art healing experiences for children, youth and families. His extensive research work with Indigo Cultural Center was recently highlighted at the annual Conference for The Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children in New Orleans. He subsequently presented at the Child Abuse Prevention Conference in Arizona, the AZ Statewide Mental Health Conference, and Free Arts’ own Resilient Hearts Symposium. The organization’s work has received increased attention nationally, in part due to its extensive research work with Indigo Cultural Center and frequent citations in mental health and nonprofit media venues.
Matt has a number of workshops and presentations in his repertoire, from short, 30 minute presentations, to half- and full-day interactive workshops. A partial sampling includes:
Additionally, Matt is a regular guest, interviewee, and contributor on a variety of mental health podcasts, blogs and media outlets. He is the host of Free Arts’ Canvas of the Heart podcast, now entering its fifth season.
In his own words: “I am strategic, passionate, and willing to coach and mentor in all my roles. These are the necessary ingredients of being a highly successful executive with 15+ years of operations management and community relations experience. I have experience in nonprofit/human service fund development and program implementation. I have served as a day-to-day operator of multi-branch business units, which includes human resources, board development, budgeting, and legal/fiscal compliance responsibilities.”
Use the contact form below to schedule a media appearance, book Matt for a workshop or lecture, or to reach out with any other inquiries.
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.