BOARD & STAFF

Brooke Kidd, Founder & Executive Director

Rishi das, PresidenT

dr. adrienne charles, VICE PRESIDENT

Penny Mendoza, treasurer

dr. clover baker-brown

derrick coley

Angie Crews

martin mellett

RAVI NIRGUDKAR

MALOrI rHONES

JESSICA SMITH

Yazmin Bush, Arts Education Co-Manager

Yazmin (she/her) is a talented dancer and creative who strives to inspire others to follow their purpose. Her passion for the arts and the youth drives her to hone her craft and be a role model for the children in her community.

Belinda Caesar, Arts Administrator

Belinda (she/her) graduated from Bowie State University, where she obtained her B.A. in Music Technology. She has been involved in nonprofit arts programs from the early age of 12 as a student of the Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFE), also in Mount Rainier. With CAFE, she became a volunteer music tutor at age 15 and later, after graduating from high school in 2005, assistant to the Music Director. Following many of her older counterparts in CAFE, Belinda joined Pan Masters Steel Orchestra, another organization in Brentwood, MD, in 2003 as a performer and later became the Steelband Coordinator in 2012. In 2014, Belinda joined the administrative staff of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program as a Program Coordinator at Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts in Baltimore City. She still performs with Pan Masters Steel Orchestra today and thoroughly enjoys any craft project she can get her hands on.

Rina Campbell, Creative Suitland Program Coordinator

An avid writer with a love for words, this author, advocate, poet, and spoken word performer has a passion for all things creative. A South Florida native with a Chicago twist, Rina (she/her) is a multi-faceted artist who seeks to inspire change through creativity, empowerment, and her love for community activism. Through her “Poetry with a Purpose”, non-profit work and as a mentor she has developed several creative writing and poetry programs to expose at-risk youth to the arts in a non-traditional sense. Rina aspires to continue helping others through the building of community-based programs that embody healing and wellness through the arts. When she’s not thinking of ways to spread eternal optimism or breaking out in random 90’s sitcom theme songs, you’ll find her behind the microphone as Pi-Anir the Poet; or at home where she and her partner hilariously attempt to navigate the complexities of motherhood through gentle parenting.

Tarika Campbell, Creative Suitland Arts Program Coordinator

Tarika (she/her) is an artist born and raised in Washington, DC. She enjoys immersing herself within her art community while experimenting and taking risks with different art mediums and techniques. Her art is influenced by contemporary art, art history, art literature, and artists from the past. Her favorite artists are Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt from the Art Nouveau period. These artists use the female subject, stylized styles, organic shapes, and nature, which are often showcased in her paintings. Tarika describes her style as "Art Nouveau with a contemporary twist". She is ready to share her first love with the world and welcomes all support, thoughts, and ideas. Her overall objective is to find opportunities to share her work through live painting, shows, exhibits, murals, and painting classes. 

Violet R. Delgado, CreativeWorks Marketing Intern

Violet (she/him/they), real name Stephanie, is a young artist and a former CreativeWorks intern. They dabble in an array of mediums. While currently focusing on digital art, Violet also makes content for the CreativeWorks and Arte Para Todos social media pages.

Rakeem Delwin, Arts Education Specialist

Rakeem (he/him) has worked as a teacher and program assistant at Joe’s for four years. In addition, he is a professional Michael Jackson tribute artist, graphic designer, musician, and video and music editor. Rakeem has immense levels of energy and enjoys being active. He lives for adventure, exploration, and travel.

Liv Eddings, CreativeWorks Artistic Development Specialist

Liv (she/her) is a movement artist who finds passion in storytelling through movement. She is often creating choreography as a response to her reality. Liv is a proud University of Maryland Alumni (B.A. in Dance Choreography and Performance), and has choreographed, directed, and produced several works while attending the university. These days she teaches a dance fitness class called AfroFit, develops new artistic works, works in arts administration and production management, and practices artist mentorship.

Briana Falwell, Multimedia Coordinator

Briana (she/her) graduated from the CreativeWorks program in January 2020. She is a versatile multimedia designer whose introverted personality and impeccable eye for detail offer her a unique perspective on life, which often translates into her art. She finds solace and inspiration in the quiet moments. Beyond design, Briana passionately creates inclusive spaces where everyone can find inspiration, peace, and connection. She freelances, loves to travel, and is a cat mom to Delano and Biscotti.

Ariana Fobbs, Arts Education Specialist

Ariana (she/her) is a Bowie State University graduate where she studied theatre with a focus on acting and directing. She has performed in various dance concerts and productions throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Vinson Glover, Studio Manager

Born and raised in Hyattsville MD, Vinson (he/him), also known as “Vince”, is a former CreativeWorks intern who is now studying to be a filmmaker. Vince is currently a studio manager at Joe’s as well as a crew member at Trader Joe’s.

Otoniel Hernandez, CreativeWorks Digital Media Team Lead

Otto (he/him) is a CreativeWorks alumnus and former intern specializing in digital media. He leads the CreativeWorks Media Team, managing client projects and training new members. Currently, he works as Studio Manager at Joe’s Movement Emporium and freelances as a videographer and photographer.

Brooke Kidd, Founder & Executive Director of World Arts Focus, Inc.

Brooke (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of World Arts Focus, Inc. and its performing arts centers, Joe’s Movement Emporium and Creative Suitland Arts Center. She is a cultural arts leader supporting vibrant, creative communities with arts-based development strategies who was also a part of the team that created the Prince George’s Gateway Arts District.

Brooke created education and arts programs for many organizations and special populations, demonstrating the equalizing impact of dance and creativity. She has choreographed, directed, and performed with regional companies and specializes in site-specific public spectacles. She currently teaches yoga and dance.

Brooke holds an M.A. in dance education (1998) and a B.A. in International Relations (1991), both from American University. She served on the Mount Rainier City Council (2001-2003) and has been honored as the Maryland State Arts Advocate of the Year (2015), Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year (2015), and Gratitude Award (2018). Brooke is also a member of the Leadership of Greater Washington class of 2017. She currently serves as President of the Mount Rainier Business Association and Secretary of the Nonprofit Prince George’s. Originally from rural America, Brooke has explored dance in human history, finding that movement is one of the most transformative tools for education, personal development, and social equality.

Jen Leon, CreativeWorks & Arte Para Todos Program Operations Lead

Jen (she/her) started at Joe’s through the Theater Tech Program (now known as CreativeWorks), she had the opportunity to attend a summer work program at M-NCPPC’s Publick Playhouse as a camp counselor. Then, during the fall of 2009, she was hired part-time at M-NCPPC’s Publick Playhouse, where she found a calling for lighting design and has been designing for 10+ years. Jen returned to Joe’s in 2017 and shortly after became the Theater Production Coordinator where she worked with many wonderful artists. Towards the end of 2023, she joined CreativeWorks and Arte Para Todos where she is teaching theater to our young adults and serving the Hispanic/Latino community.

Patricia Long, CreativeWorks Program Coordinator & Digital Media Team Coordinator

Patricia (she/her) graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowie State University with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Secondary education. Afterward, she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Film and Electronic Media from American University in 2015 and used her knowledge to teach high school Film and Media, English, and Creative Writing courses for 8 years. Patricia hones her media production skills through her work as the owner of a digital media marketing business and an up-and-coming YouTube channel.

Max Ludden, GreenWorks Crew Lead

Max (she/he/they) spent their childhood in Upstate New York, where they took an early interest in ecological restoration and environmental justice. After studying Biology and Ecology as an undergraduate, they went on to obtain a Master’s in Education and moved to the DMV in 2020. Max has taught a range of subjects from early literacy to STEM and outdoor/environmental programs, and they are passionate about increasing community access to nature and green space. They joined GreenWorks in March 2024 and have especially enjoyed getting to plant trees alongside the crew!

Clara Majors, Arts Education Specialist

Clara (she/her) was born in Lima, Peru, where she graduated from Jose Maria Arguedas University with a degree in Folklore. She worked as a Folklore Teacher at the Catholic University of Peru for four years. Clara was also a member of the Theater Group of the Millennium, traveling around the globe and representing her native Peru in different folkloric dances. Her exposure to diverse cultures strongly influences her painting, combining many colors, objects, and textures into a tapestry that gives meaning to her work. Clara considers her art a tribute to the native peoples of the world, and her passion for painting, appreciation of diverse cultures, and love for children have made our world more vibrant and beautiful here at Joe’s.

Nazarene Maloney, Arts Education Specialist

Nazarene (she/her) is a young artist who has dedicated herself to making her passion for classical music her career. She started at Joe's as a CreativeWorker and is now sharing her passion as an Arts Ed team member. In addition to administrative duties, she teaches vocals and music theory to our Club Joe's participants.

Atanga Mancho, Studio Manager + Social Media Manager

Atanga (he/him) is a dynamic Cameroonian filmmaker and musician, currently making waves in Prince George's County, Maryland. With a passion for storytelling that transcends borders, Mancho's cinematic creations capture the essence of cultural diversity and human connection. In addition to his filmmaking prowess, he channels his musical talents into compositions that resonate with authenticity and emotion. As a proud resident of PG County, Atanga Mancho not only enriches the local artistic landscape but also actively contributes to the community's vibrant cultural tapestry through his impactful and multifaceted creative endeavors.

Ebony Pleasants, CreativeWorks Apprenticeship Coordinator

Ebony (she/her), a native New Yorker, has recently returned to the U.S. after spending a decade in El Salvador. During her time there, she specialized in grassroots human rights, developing expertise in Program Management, Development, and Communications. She’s eager to contribute to the launch of the new CreativeWorks Registered Apprenticeship Program at Joe's, bringing her skills to further enhance the organization's impactful community-building efforts with this new, dynamic initiative.

Ricardo Quinteros, Studio Manager Specialist

Ricardo (he/him) began at Joe’s in December 2006 as a volunteer with Club Joe’s. He then joined the Arts Education staff in January 2007, and Ricardo has worked with the children in Club Joe’s and Camp Joe’s, helping them develop new skills and working with them to create a positive learning environment.

In addition, Ricardo worked with Joe’s workforce training program, now known as CreativeWorks, as a trainee and trainer learning video editing, essential theater tech, and event management. Based on his institutional knowledge and wide range of experiences at Joe’s, he joined the Studio Management team in 2009 and became the Studio Manager Supervisor in 2016.

LaTanya Farrish Robinson, Development Director

LaTanya (she/her) dreamed of being a teacher as a child. She holds a B.A. from Morgan State University and is a Level 3 credentialed MSDE certified educator. But, after a decade in the IT field as a developer and technical trainer, she discovered Joe’s. She was instrumental in growing Club Joe’s our signature afterschool arts program from a 3-day, 15-participant program to a state-licensed aftercare program with a capacity for over 80 children. Additionally, she revised Camp Joe’s from a 4-week, 20-participant model to an all-summer experience reaching hundreds of children. Now, she will apply her coursework from the University of Maryland, Nonprofit Management and Leadership program to the tasks of cultivating relationships in Maryland with businesses, government and local agencies; stewardship of donors and policy reform for nonprofit organizations striving to make change. She hopes for all young people to change the trajectory of their lives through the arts.

Occasionally, LaTanya may be found at local schools talking about Joe’s or in communities with a hula hoop at local festivals hooping it up! She is continuously looking for ways to bring the arts into the lives of youth, as well as, positively impact the next generation.

Wil Sanders, GreenWorks Program Coordinator

Wil (they/them) is an advocate for greener communities. They hope their support of the Urban Tree Team and other environmental projects at Joe’s will make the benefits of green spaces more accessible to residents of the DMV. Wil started at Joe’s in March 2023 and welcomes any and all local nature facts as they get used to living around DC. They graduated with an MSc. in Environmental Science and Policy from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Paul Shelton, GreenWorks Team Member

Paul Shelton (he/him) is a DMV native who spent his childhood frequently outdoors with an intense interest in the natural world. He graduated from UMD where he obtained a B.A. in Studio Art. His professional background is in landscaping, outdoor maintenance, and native plant gardening. He joined GreenWorks in September 2024 in anticipation of planting trees and tackling invasive plants.

Oluwatoyin Tella, Community Program Coordinator

Tella (she/her) holds both a BSEE and an MFA from the Mecca, Howard University. Born in Oyo, Nigeria to a Jamaican mother and a Yoruba family, her diasporic lineage gives her a compelling point of view, which she is passionate about conveying. Her visual art can be described as both contemporary and ancient.

As an artist, she continues to promote creative offerings to the wider population. Tella coordinates Joe's The ABILITY Project and programming for the ARC of Prince George’s County as well as a hand in grant writing and creating new programming that brings together the history, culture, families, and artists in the DMV and beyond. She currently has a residency at Red Dirt Studios in Mount Rainier, Maryland and is also an Adjunct Art Professor at Bowie State University.

Gustavo Trejo, Theater Specialist

Following the successful completion of the CreativeWorks program in 2010, Gustavo (he/him) seamlessly integrated into the Joe’s Movement Emporium team, where he dedicated nine years to his role as a technician. With expertise in lighting and sound design, Gustavo serves as a key member of the technical crew, contributing significantly to the execution of high-quality productions. Complementing his practical experience, Gustavo holds a certificate in Theatre and Entertainment Technology from Prince George’s Community College, underscoring his commitment to ongoing professional development. Motivated by a passion for theater production, Gustavo aspires to further advance his career in this dynamic and creative field.

Adio Trice, Studio Manager

Adio is an artist from Washington, DC. His goal is to help spread passion and love for ourselves, others, and art.

Xiomara Valdez, Arts Education Specialist

In addition to working in Joe’s Arts Ed department, Xiomara (she/her) studying psychology at Prince George’s Community College. She plans to pursue education after transferring. Xiomara loves working with kids by developing great, fun, and productive environments for them.

Pavel Vallejos, Arts Education Co-Manager

Pavel (he/him) was born in Nicaragua, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, music, and culture. He found passion in sports, new cultures, and Latin rhythms, which led him to have an extroverted personality. This developed his passion for teaching and working with children by guiding and helping them to have self-confidence, respect, and creativity.

Shannon White, Creative Coordinator

Shannon (she/her) is a professional dancer, choreographer, creative director, and journalist in the DMV area. She previously served as an Arts Educator at Joe’s for eight years, teaching the kids dance, voice, theatre, and step movement. Shannon is the Creative Coordinator at Joe’s, specializing in marketing and communication. For the past decade, she has choreographed award-winning competition routines for dance companies and studios across the DMV area. Since 2011, Shannon has worked with various international and local DMV artists and performers, choreographing and dancing in concept videos, music videos, and live tours worldwide.

Ke’Shaun Whitehead, Visual Arts Coordinator

Ke’Shaun (he/him) is a born and raised DMV creative artist. He is a professional photographer, videographer, editor, lighting technician, and has many other attributes. He earned an associate’s degree at Prince George’s Community College. While working at Creative Suitland his goal is to learn new skills, be the best at his job, network, and teach/give back to the younger generation the skills he has learned.

Jessica York, CreativeWorks Director & Arte Para Todos Creator & Director

Jessica (she/her) has served this amazing organization since 2008. She holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Nicaragua. Mrs. York brings 21 years of service in the areas of management and customer service. She also brings 15 years to include, Arts Education, and non-profit organizations in areas of program planning, management, human resources, and as an MSDE Certified Educator. Prior to joining JME, Jessica worked for a financial Institution in her country, Nicaragua. Her career has provided work experience in management, accounting, financial management, reporting, analysis, budgeting, and leadership of complex sensitive programs, she is judicious and organized. A native of Nicaragua, and current resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Mrs. York also has a passion for Latin Dance and serves as a mentor for young people, challenging them for a better future