Amy inspires us to connect art and social work. She teaches us how art and social work have been helping her to be curious about the possibilities that rest in people and places, and how she can be the best “helper” and walk with people in their stories. Amy Morales Lara is a daughter of immigrant parents and a native of the Bronx NY who is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at CUNY Hunter College, as she working toward becoming a counselor for the diverse youth of the Bronx. Amy is deeply determined to merge her life's greatest passions: the creative arts and mental health work, as she finds that their intersection can bring healing and liberation in the lives of others. Along with being a graduate student and working full-time as a researcher coordinator at the Rose F. Kennedy Center, Amy also finds deep value and meaning in the community work she does with her local church. Amy is also a Cabrini-Hunter clinical fellow, published playwright, and emerging singer-songwriter. Her first EP, "In Bloom", is available on all major streaming platforms. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx