I am a bilingual social worker
and artist in public health.
But really, I am a champion of creativity,
self-care &
self-compassion.
Hi, I’m Cris.
I have a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, a global leader in the field of arts in health, where I serve as a research assistant at the Center’s Interdisciplinary Research Lab led by Dr. Jill Sonke.
I also hold degrees in Social Work with a concentration in Latino Families and Children and Modern & Classical Languages & Literatures: Spanish.
I am a bilingual/bicultural person
providing a lifelong bridge between English and Spanish language and cultures. I was born in Santiago, Chile, and raised in my early years by my Spanish-speaking grandparents who nurtured my creative spirit.
An insatiable curiosity for life and the cultures of the world has propelled me throughout my life. My international studies include studies at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, and Universidad Veracruzana in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. During my time in Cairo studying art history, I participated in an arts program for children living in a refugee camp and witnessed how art-making elevated the energy of the camp. The experience changed the trajectory of my life and cemented my interest in working with refugee and immigrant groups.
This experience led me to transition from studying art history to specializing in social work with a focus on international relief work with Latinx families and children. I went on to earn degrees in Social Work, Spanish, and Arts in Medicine. I spent a decade working to help non-government organizations and other nonprofits work more effectively with Spanish-speaking populations.
Now, I consult and facilitate the creative process with relief organizations, medical institutions, and other nonprofits.
Additional Experience
I have pursued continued professional training and certifications in arts in health: Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice with Dr. Tasha Golden, Director of Research at the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Engaging Arts and Minds (leading museum experiences for people with dementia and their care partners) with Arts & Minds in NYC directed by Carolyn Halpin-Healy, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator training, virtual arts in health facilitation with Constanza Roeder at Hearts Need Art in San Antonio, and Grief & Loss Certification with grief expert Claire Bidwell-Smith.
I have experience facilitating art for health with social workers and other helping professionals, adolescents and young adults with cancer, people with dementia and their care partners, newly immigrated and refugee youth, as well as bereavement groups.
To all the my students: I’ll hold your hand while you’re doing this hard thing.
I’ll help you build community. There’s more to life.
You can be your own person. I’ll help you reconnect with your identity outside of being someone experiencing loss or illness or someone who takes care of other people, and remind you that you are still a living, breathing human being.
THe benefits of my Offering for institutions:
I offer my services as a contractor
As a contractor, I am less expensive than hiring a full-time artist in residence. I’m also a senior-level professional who you don’t need to train, so you don’t have to waste any of your time, which I know is so precious. I know your needs. I’ve worked for many institutions just like yours. I don’t need to become oriented. I’m a member of your team, ready to go. People keep telling me I’m a unicorn.
All-inclusive package
I take care of everything. I offer a self-contained, stress-free project that is not intrusive or a burden on the institution or staff.
Arts in health professional
As an arts in health professional, I have excellent artistic proficiency and training to safely navigate healthcare environments for the purpose of a positive creative experience that enhances health and wellbeing.
6 things you might
not know about my process
I believe…
The power of creativity can enhance the quality of our lives.
Play and rest increase health and happiness.
Creativity is our birthright. There’s no need for special training, credentials, or materials: you have everything you need.
Self-care and self-compassion are liberating + life-affirming.
There is joy in play and discovery. There is no right or wrong way. Play with different mediums and find what works best for you.
The goal should be progress, not perfection. Move quickly and playfully, use what you have, don’t overthink, trust the process, and make beauty from chaos (also a metaphor for life and current experiences).
We already have the answers (trust in yourself).
Self-compassion changes everything. Practicing compassion with ourselves helps us have more compassion and empathy for others.
A better world is possible. . . and it can start with channeling the transformative power of the arts to bring about healthier, happier individuals.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Love, Cris
Wanna go deeper?
→ Want to work with me? Get in touch.
→ Be notified when my schedule opens for the next quarter.
→ Read my latest blog posts.