Save the date for a full day of engaging, trauma-informed learning opportunities for mentors, hosted by Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Gabriel’s Angels, and New Pathways for Youth.

This is a great educational event for mentors, youth workers, artists, partnering agencies, and educators in the greater Phoenix area who want to better understand their role in supporting resilience-building work for children, teens, and young adults



WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix

Join Free Arts for the inaugural Inspiring Creativity in Mentoring Symposium, an annual training opportunity for volunteers, artists, staff, and partner agencies to collaborate, celebrate, and learn from one another.

Learning sessions, breakout sessions and expressive art experiences will provide the more than 200 expected attendees with an expanse of information to implement in their unique mentoring styles, including evidence-based mentoring principles, information on fostering inclusive mentoring relationships, how to support healthy relationships, information on emotional regulation, support for self-care, and trauma-informed arts-based activities for children and teens.

Featured speakers for the Symposium include:

Frank Thompson and Folade, Free Arts Professional Teaching Artists, speaking on “Community Music Making with Found Sounds”

Terra Schaad, Founder and Executive Director of Hunkapi Farm, speaking on “How your past affects your present: A guided experience on how trauma affects our ability to create safety and connection”

Darryl Tonemah, Ph.D., Psychologist and Musician, speaking on “The Pursuit of Wellness and Wholeness”


The symposium supports the mission of Free Arts by building skills and deepening relationships among staff, volunteers, and community members interested in the transformative power of the arts to help children heal from traumatic experiences.

Tickets for the Symposium are available now at a special early bird price of $129 (plus fees) per person until February 14. Tickets purchased from February 15 – March 14 will be offered at a discounted rate of $159 (plus fees) per person, and tickets purchased on March 15 or after will be charged at the full admission price of $199 (plus fees) per person. Secure your spot at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-inspiring-creativity-in-mentoring-symposium-tickets-775673940637.