Dr. Emerald Mitchell is the founder and Executive Director of Moves & Grooves, Inc., where she oversees strategic planning, grant writing and daily operation of five S.T.E.A.M programs for over 250 undeserved youth in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Dr. Mitchell is a trained ballet, jazz and contemporary dancer and served as a 4th grade teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools for 5 years. This is where Emerald saw the "power of arts" in action as she often integrated music and movement into each math and literacy lesson which brought excitement, focus and enagagement for even the most unruly student. Dr. Mitchell leads a team of educators by promoting the agency's mission of arts integration in schools, communities and on Capital Hill. Dr. Mitchell serves as a member of Tennesseans For the Arts, The Art & Business Council of Middle Tennessee, The VP of Development for the Junior League of Nashville and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has served on the Education and Report Card Committee for two consecutive years.
Her advocacy for youth, arts, wellness and education has been featured in printed media and television such as Today in Nashville, Urban Outlook, the Nashville Scene, Nashville Arts Magazine, The Tennessean, and the Nashville City Paper. She is the recipient of the 2019 Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award, Finalist for the Nashville Emerging Leaders Award (NELA), Pamplin Fellows Leadership Award and many others. Dr. Mitchell earned her bachelor's degree from Fisk University, MBA from the University of Phoenix, Masters in Education from Tennessee State University and Doctorate of Education from Trevecca Nazarene University in May 2016. Whenever Emerald isn't out and about, she enjoys kickboxing, boats, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Deitrick Mitchell, and their four amazing children - Success, Chosen, Believe and Purpose (and YES, those are their real names).
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
Life Motto/Quote: "Get it done!"
Favorite Sport: Dance
Favorite TV Show: Shark Tank
Fun Fact: I like horseback riding.
Why she started Moves & Grooves, Inc: Dr. Mitchell believes that Moves & Grooves is her opportunity to give to other people what was once given to her - choice.
Ashton Mothersbaugh is originally from Madisonville, Kentucky and has always been involved in the arts. She considers herself as a visual artist and has tried (and failed) to play many instruments over the years. Ashton studied at the University of Kentucky and obtained a Bachelor in Arts in Administration with a minor in Art History in 2009. In 2015, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration to help further her work in the non-profit sector. Ashton has lived in Nashville for nearly a decade working at various arts agencies and she loves being able to serve the youth in her community.
Favorite Food: BBQ Nachos
Favorite Book: Salem’s Lot, by Stephen King
Life Motto/Quote: "If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one." – Dolly Parton
Favorite Sport: Cheerleading
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to fifteen countries... and I try to go to a new one each year.
Why I work with Moves & Grooves, Inc: I truly believe in the power of the arts and I believe that our youth are worth investing in.
Lori Lloyd-Belton, a native South Carolinian, was born and raised in Latta, SC (a small town about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach). She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Francis Marion University, an AACSB accredited business school in Florence, SC. She double majored in both Business Management and Marketing. After moving to Nashville, TN, in 1999, she trained as a court reporter and worked as a freelance court reporter for 10 years. During her career, she also worked in management and human resources at for-profit organizations in the banking industry, the legal field, and the healthcare industry. She received her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in January 2019. She is currently pursuing her Master in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resource Management, from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Lori has two handsome and intelligent sons, Tyson and Coby, and their sister-dog, Angel. When Lori has free time outside of attending her sons’ sporting events (basketball, football, track, and baseball – yes, their sports cover the entire year), she enjoys home DIY projects, yoga, relaxing by the pool, or running. She has completed two half marathons and plans to do more.
At Moves and Grooves, Lori manages the Human Resources and Finance areas of the organization.
Favorite Food: King Crab Legs
Favorite Book: The Servant: A Simple Story about the True Essence of Leadership, by James C. Hunter
Life Motto/Quote: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - Matthew 7:12
Favorite Sport: Running
Favorite TV Show: Blackish
Fun Fact: As a court reporter, I could write 225 words per minute... (yes, per minute).
Why I work with Moves & Grooves, Inc: I want to do meaningful work. I feel so blessed to work with an organization that focuses on improving society through youth development. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child and Moves and Grooves can be an integral part of the village for children in Metro Nashville.
As a person who has lived in Nashville for the last 2 decades, I can call myself a Nashville native although I strongly identify with my birthplace in Hawaii (even though I was only there for 8 years lol) because I love all things beach-related. As a native Nashvillian/Hawaiian, the arts have been in my life from an early age as an amateur musician and I have managed to play the piano, cello, and clarinet starting at the age of 8 and am hoping to add the guitar. I’ve also taken visual arts coursework during my college career however I completed a degree in Spanish literature and language in 2009 at Johns Hopkins University. I have worked with youth for about 10 years in both volunteer and professional capacities, and I’m excited to move our youth forward with dance, the arts, education, and socio-emotional learning to empower them as they transition into productive citizens of their community.
Favorite Food: Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Favorite Book: Mary Oliver, New and Selected Poems, Volume One
Life Motto/Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Fun Fact: I love to write, especially poetry.
Why I work with Moves & Grooves, Inc: I have lived the reality of how the arts can propel you to success and I know I will see that unfold with the youth we reach out to in Moves & Grooves.
