Arts Ed Newark

Healing Centered Arts Education Podcast

Arts EN ↓ 4 episodes

Healing Centered Arts Education is a four-part podcast series from Arts Ed Newark exploring how healing-centered, arts-based practices are transforming Newark classrooms and communities. Through honest conversations with local leaders, the series makes the case for arts education as essential infrastructure for youth mental health—not mere enrichment. Research shows 45 minutes of art-making can reduce cortisol levels by up to 75%. This podcast is both a learning platform and an advocacy tool, amplifying Newark-based leadership at a moment when young people need it most.

Author

Arts Ed Newark

Episodes

Classroom Practice, Educator Reflection, and Student Transformation with Raheema Battles, Classroom Educator, Lincoln Elementary School 22.05.2026 15:21

Today I’m pleased to be joined by Raheema Battles, a classroom educator at Lincoln School in Newark who took part in our Healing Centered in the Arts work. Ms. Battles brings more than fifteen years of experience working with students across several grade levels, including first grade and upper elementary, as well as middle school. She began her teaching journey as a substitute teacher while finis...

School Culture, Educator Practice, and Student Impact with Principal Hillary Dow of Lincoln School 15.05.2026 17:47

Today I’m very excited to be joined by Principal Hillary Dow, a 26 year educator in The Newark Board of Education. Ms. Dow is the proud principal of Lincoln School where she was instrumental in leading the school in exiting the New Jersey Department of Education designation as a “school in need of improvement” to one where student academic growth, achievement and attendance is steadily on the ris...

Systems Leadership, Equity, and Sustaining Quality Arts Education with Devonne DeNose, Director, Office of Visual and Performing Arts, Newark Board of Education 08.05.2026 23:30

Today I’m very excited to be joined by Devonne DeNose, Director of Visual and Performing Arts at Newark Board of Education. She works closely with school leaders, educators, and community partners to expand access to high quality arts learning for students. Devonne brings deep experience in supporting arts instruction across schools and in thinking about how creative practice can support both lear...

Community-rooted Healing, Youth Voice, and Arts as Belonging with Al Tariq Best, Founder, The H.U.B.B. 01.05.2026 20:27

Today I’m honored to be joined by Al-Tariq Best, the Founder and Executive Director of The Hubb in Newark. The Hubb has become an important space in the city for youth development, creativity, and community connection. Through its work, the organization provides opportunities for young people to explore their interests, build skills, and engage in programs that support both personal growth and art...