Funded Partner Spotlight: Mindful Movement Florida
In 2009, Mindful Movement Founder Clayton Sizemore’s world turned upside down when his wife Andria Hall, a CNN broadcaster, died from breast cancer.
The next year, he retired from his job managing operations for CNN in New York City and went on a wellness journey.
“I was an overweight executive. I left TV, went on a journey of health and holistic healing, and I haven’t turned back since,” said Sizemore. “I turned my whole life around.”
Today, he strives to bring the gift of mindfulness and well-being to students in underserved schools through St. Petersburg.
“Anger is not a bad emotion. We just have to teach young people to manage it, so it doesn’t manage you,” said Sizemore. “The greatest computer in our world is between our years, and self-regulation is key. The goal is to have complete total control over yourself so that you can manage what you’re about.”
In 2018, Mindful Movement began working with the students of Academy Prep. From there, the group’s roster of schools and after-school programs grew, spreading into more than a dozen public schools throughout St. Petersburg with a goal of operating in all Pinellas County schools in the next several years.
While Mindful Movement focuses on yoga and meditation, they also work to help students gain skills managing stress, expressing themselves, understanding their own goals, and more.
“When you become aware of yourself and take that time to think before you react, you always make a better decision,” Sizemore said. “It can take two to three years to get to that level of mindfulness where young people can truly change what they’re about. But that’s why we’re here.”
Mindful Movement became a Foundation funded partner in 2023 with a $112,303 grant to expand support mindfulness offerings in schools and neighborhood centers. The group has also been selected as a 2026 capacity building funded partner.
“Foundation funding came at a time that allowed us to stay and get to another level,” Sizemore said. “I’m so grateful to be part of this community. Every day is a blessing. I have a great team. I never thought I’d be as active as I am but I’m so grateful to be active. Our health is our wealth – I want to use it to the best of my ability to positively impact communities.”
Learn more about Mindful Movement through their website at https://www.mindfulmovementflorida.org/. The group offers three community yoga classes weekly at locations throughout South St. Pete. Check them out Monday from 6-7 PM at the Enoch Davis Center, Wednesday from 5-6 PM at Mt. Zion Church, and Saturday from 9-10 AM at the Carter G. Woodson Museum.