About Us

We enrich the lives of youth by empowering them to discover
their potential through academic achievement and the arts.

Our Story

Moves & Grooves is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization seeking to inspire youth to create for themselves and to discover, learn, and, grow through the Arts.  As a growing organization since 2002, Moves & Grooves is a testament to young people that using your talents to inspire others is one of the most powerful things that you can do in life and using your gifts to serve others can be most rewarding. In years to come, Moves & Grooves will continue to fulfill its mission to enhance the academic achievement of children through creative arts programs.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission is to enrich the lives of youth by empowering them to discover their potential through academic achievement and the arts.

Our Vision is for Moves & Grooves to be the premier organization for arts and innovation with youth.

Our Future Home

THE MOVES & GROOVES CENTER FOR THE ARTS 12,000 SQUARE FOOT SPACE INCLUDES

Multi-purpose classrooms for academics, visual arts, photography, music recording, video production & graphic design. The space boasts an independent study lounge, college/career center, computer lab, cafeteria, office space, dance studios, retail store, performance auditorium and STEM Lab.

As an added safety feature, the entire 12,000 Moves & Grooves Center for the Arts duals as a storm shelter. Providing emergency safety from tornadoes, storms, and natural disasters for children and families within a one mile radius.

Coming in 2025!

Help us make this vision a reality. Build a legacy with us!

Meet Our Team

emerald_hs

Dr. Emerald Mitchell

Founder / Executive Director

lori_hs

Lori Lloyd Belton,PHR

HR/Business Director

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Amber Hardin

Development Manager

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Britney Taylor

Trainer/Coach/
Past Program Director

Our Board of Directors

Board of Directors
Chair: Chase Manning, Dowdle Construction
Vice Chair: Jim Robert, Retired Nonprofit Executive
Treasurer: Herman Hicks, First Horizon Bank
Amy Blomme, Global Partnership for Education
Camillia Clayton, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC.
Carla Hawkins, Ingram Industries
Charlandra Watson, Schneider Electric
Chloe Cooke, Price Waterhouse Cooper
Delphene Oliver, Healthcare Coaching Group
Marina Carrier, Bass Berry Sims
Dr. Maya Bugg, TN Charter Schools
Racquel Davis, TN Department of Veteran Affairs
Shane Stevens, Retired
Shamille Wharton, Parks Realty
 
Young Leaders Council Board Interns
Rodmesia Clarke, Schneider Electric
 
Advisory Board
Allison Janeway, Silicon Ranch
Roberta Parker, HCA Healthcare
Sarah Stewart, Envision Healthcare

Our Values & Standards

Moves & Grooves, Inc’s. standards are founded upon the principles of confidence and courtesy. Confidence because believing in yourself is greater than anything and courtesy because showing respect towards others reflects one’s civility.

We greet each other every day with a smile and a handshake to strengthen the relationship between us.

We are considerate of those in need and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

We love our brothers and sisters and are respectful in everything we say and do.

We are striving to become a positive example to our community as well as the world.

We are beautiful in our own way and we each offer a gift that is unique.

We realize that life is a challenge, but with the mindset to persevere we can conquer anything.

Arts

Encouraging youth to be creative & use various forms of art as a positive outlet.

Education

Inspiring youth to excel in school.

Health

Promoting positive health by providing nutritious snacks and daily physical activity.

Diversity

Encouraging youth to be creative & use various forms of art as a positive outlet.

Service

Creating opportunities for youth to "give back" in their neighborhoods and beyond.

Leadership

Creating opportunities for youth to "give back" in their neighborhoods and beyond.