The premise under which Creative Arts for Developing Minds operates is that no child is hopeless and that children in foster care and adoptive children have not been given the opportunity to get what they need to develop in the healthiest way possible.

​All children in foster care have been exposed to trauma - the very act of being put into foster care is traumatic.  Children experience the loss of their birth family and often friends, school mates, teachers and everything that is familiar.

​Trauma affects children's' brains, bodies, behavior and ways of thinking.  Ongoing trauma disrupts a child's sense of security, safety and sense of self and alters the ways in which they see and respond to people and situations in their lives.

​The benefits of processes that engage the senses and the role that non-verbal expression can have to help youth manage trauma and loss are numerous.  Creative arts therapies offer children and adolescents impacted by trauma a safe outlet to express feelings of worry, sadness, fear, anger and more.

​Creative Arts for Developing Minds has over 200 activities (music, art and movement) that directly address the right side of the brain.  We provide an atmosphere of safety, continuity and community. Each class begins and ends with the same activity.  Children are encouraged to participate in the activities with respect for themselves and the other class members.  Children learn how to channel their energy in ways that are positive, healthy and productive.

​Programs are offered in 8 week sessions with classes meeting once a week.  All programs are experiential and integrate music, art and movement into each class.  Class size is limited to 10 children and are grouped according to age and functioning level.  All programs are designed for children between the ages of 2 and twelve.  A certified instructor leads each class and is assisted by a para-professional.

---