Wellness Liaison

The Heart of Art is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to using the performing arts as a gateway to foster literacy, education, creativity, and community building. We empower children and youth through programs that combine the magic of storytelling with the transformative power of the arts.

The Wellness Liaison serves as a key bridge between artistic expression and emotional well-being at The Heart of Art. This role ensures that all programs, environments, and youth-facing practices are grounded in trauma-informed care, child development principles, and social-emotional learning (SEL).

Working closely with the Board Chair of Arts & Program Development, the Wellness Liaison brings a holistic lens to creativity, ensuring that every program not only inspires, but also nurtures the emotional and psychological well-being of the children we serve.

Purpose of the Role

At The Heart of Art, we believe creativity is healing. The Wellness Liaison ensures it is also intentional, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

This role exists to:

• Embed trauma-informed and SEL practices into all programming
• Support staff and volunteers in responding to a range of behavioral and emotional needs
• Foster environments that prioritize emotional safety, expression, and belonging
• Strengthen the organization’s ability to support the whole child

Key Responsibilities

Program & Curriculum Alignment

• Review all new and existing programs for:
  • Age-appropriateness
  • Emotional and sensory considerations
  • Alignment with trauma-informed and SEL practices
• Provide recommendations to ensure programming supports both creativity and well-being

Behavioral & Emotional Support Frameworks

• Develop and maintain clear, trauma-informed guidelines and response strategies for:
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Neurodivergent needs
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Ensure staff are equipped with practical, compassionate approaches

Staff & Volunteer Empowerment

• Provide guidance and training to teaching artists and volunteers
• Offer brief learning moments such as “Wellness Minutes” during team or board meetings
  • Topics may include SEL, emotional regulation, and supporting diverse learners

Environment & Experience Design

• Advise on program environments to ensure they are psychologically safe, inclusive, and supportive
  • Lighting, sound, space flow, and sensory considerations
• Recommend tools and resources that support emotional regulation (e.g., calm-down kits, sensory supports)

Wellness Integration & Student Experience

• Ensure that student experiences are designed to promote:
  • Emotional expression
  • Confidence and self-awareness
  • A sense of belonging and community

Impact & Insight

• Support the organization in identifying indicators of student well-being and engagement
• Contribute to storytelling and reporting that highlights the emotional and developmental impact of programming

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Background in one or more of the following:
  • Child development
  • Social work
  • Counseling
  • Psychology or behavioral health
  • Youth development or education
• Experience working with children and/or adolescents
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning
• Ability to translate wellness concepts into accessible, practical strategies
• Passion for the arts as a tool for healing, expression, and growth

Impact of the Role

With a Wellness Liaison, The Heart of Art evolves into a space where:

• Programs are both creative and emotionally supportive
• Staff feel equipped and confident in navigating student needs
• Students feel seen, safe, and empowered to express themselves
• The organization leads with both heart and intention

This role ensures that every child who engages with The Heart of Art experiences not just the joy of creativity, but the power of being supported, understood, and uplifted.