Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Goodwin.
Mandy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew my desire to create was significant when, in elementary school, I caught myself creating portraits of my peers in the ketchup with my corn dog stick. Still to this day, I always have markers, colored pencils, or paint nearby.
I was always drawn to art programs, materials, books, classes, and I was sure art school was in my trajectory until I found social work. Social work engaged my creative mind while also fulfilling my desire to build a better world.
School social work jobs are hard to come by, but thankfully, I met a supervisor willing to take a chance on me right out of graduate school.
On breaks and in the evenings, I started to volunteer with an organization called Paint Love. I found out about their agency from a flyer in Panera. Eventually, my time with them turned into a part-time position.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The social work profession is not shy about reminding its people to have strong supports. My road has been like most roads – smooth in some areas, rough in others – but I’m not where I am today without the encouraging individuals surrounding me. Georgia’s School Social Workers are a force to be reckoned with, and the staff of Paint Love are the same. Each group is shaping the world with their own two hands, molding it into a place of hope and acceptance.
My career is so young, but again, I have people who believe in me. I’ve been able to stand in front of social workers and clinicians to train them on using Expressive Arts and a Trauma-Informed Art Model in their practice. I recently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am unbelievably grateful for where I am and for those moment when I realize that I’m doing something I absolutely love.
I’d say with two jobs, my biggest ongoing challenge is balance. I still have people I care about and want to give attention to. I still have hobbies, including making my own art. I’m consistently having to check in with myself to know when my brain, body and spirit are warning me to slow down and say “no” to a few things.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As mentioned, I work full-time as a School Social Worker for the Cobb County School District. School Social Workers support students and their families within the school system. We lead individual sessions and groups, provide mental health expertise, and connect families with needed resources. We have a strong presence in the community – building relationships, advocating, and educating.
In my Social Work practice, art is a tool I often use to engage the students in my three Title 1 schools. At Mableton Elementary, I led students in painting a mural in our food pantry. The counselor, Jennifer Susko, and I led them in a conversation about receiving help and helping others. Earlier this school year, students painted their houses on a large canvas to illustrate our community. Last year, a counselor and I led students in creating positive affirmation street art using Atlanta street artists as examples. Our more transient populations (kids in foster care and kids experiencing homelessness) designed pillow cases of the things they love. All of my groups with students center around art – from using it to cope with anxiety to building self-love to processing the past. I am constantly inspired by the youth and families I work with. Sometimes, I think they give me more than I could ever give them.
I am also a part-time staff member at Paint Love, Inc. At Paint Love, we provide extraordinary art programming to youth experiencing poverty or trauma. I have worked on several large-scale murals– two being at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite and Egleston Campuses. Paint Love has provided me the opportunity to assist with projects at amazing Atlanta agencies like Wilderness Works, Kate’s Club, Camp Peace, Center for Child Advocacy, Ronald McDonald House, and New American Pathways. One thing I love most about Paint Love is not only its dedication to the kids served but also the artist community in Atlanta. Supporting the arts community is a large part of our mission. We are growing and dreaming, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this organization.
Working for these two organizations has been a unique opportunity to explore the healing power of art. In both spaces, I am creating alongside youth who have experienced hardships. Art provides a language for topics often difficult to discuss. The process of art-making has so many rich metaphors for conversation. If we create in a non-judgmental space, we’re modeling to ourselves how to open to our experiences. We posture our imaginations toward wonder versus judgment. Creating together often builds relationships and reminds us what it means to be a part of a greater whole – while still honoring our own identities.
Some of my favorite art experiences have impacted the kids from both of my jobs. Paint Love has created large-scale pieces for multiple Cobb County Schools: Austell Elementary, Clarkdale Elementary, and Dowell Elementary. This past week, Paint Love began a large clay installation for the newly remodeled Cobb County DFCS office. I was able to assist children in foster care and their families create clay goldfish. Each goldfish houses a piece of paper with a note by the creator on how they contribute to the community. This project, designed by Nikita Raper, will suspend from the ceiling.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Respect. Respect for the process of art-making and healing. I’m often meeting with students and families at their most vulnerable – I have to respect where they are and what they have been through. When I’m sitting on the couch with a parent, I have to respect that I’m in their home, a sacred space. I have to respect that a child is the artist and they assign meanings to their piece. I have to strip away my notions and honor what is before me.
But also, courage. There’s always courage involved in making a dream happen. You’ll fail. You’ll not do so great, but eventually, something beautiful will happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: Mandy@CobbK12.Org
- Instagram: @ohmandygee
Image Credit:
Jason Noa
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