Dynamo Studios is composed of innovative music makers and creatives who are passionate about our community, education and music. We bring years of experience and expertise to you!
Kessler Cuffman // Executive Director // Instructor
Kessler is a graduate of Lee University with a degree in Secondary Education, Political Science & History. He is a full-time educator supporting local schools through Dynamo Studios and direct instruction. Currently, Kessler is using his professional experience in the music industry to promote growth in the greater Chattanooga area, specifically in the fields of innovation, tech based learning, and the arts. He has been involved with PEF as a successfully funded Teacherpreneur, the USC Annenberg Labs Innovation Think Tank as a Arts & Entertainment committee member, STEM School Chattanooga, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, various local foundations, and local arts-based innovation initiatives.
Domonique Whitaker // Programs Director
Domonique is a Chattanooga transplant hailing from Memphis, TN. Prior to graduating from UTC, Domonique interned with Dynamo Studios when we were still located at the Chattanooga Library. During this internship, his incredible work ethic and excellence in the studio placed him at the top of the list for candidates when we announced the newly created ‘Programs Director’ position. He is using his experience growing up in the inner city and his experience as a professional media producer to lead and grow students at Howard High School. We are thrilled to have him on the team!
Anthony Wiley // Mentorship and Mental Health Director
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Anthony never lost the power to imagine. He is a music producer, equity trainer, meditation teacher, activist, and community organizer with over ten years of experience. Anthony is a Second-Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy. After three deployments, two of which were overseas, he received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Coast Guard Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. While on active duty, Anthony wrote about his experiences in a white- male-dominated institution and was published in the anthology, Why Black Lives Matter (Too).
As a partner with the Chattanooga Racial Equity Collective (CREC), he invites us into his practice, providing us tools and insights to help navigate this long, tedious life journey and find the will to change. Blending Zazen and mindfulness to unify the body, breath, and mind to meet ourselves with compassionate, non-judgmental awareness Anthony developed this practice to respond to those who have experienced early childhood trauma, PTSD, or belong to a marginalized group. Anthony is the father of a magically brilliant girl—Hasi, who loves to keep him discovering with her many questions. When he isn’t fighting for freedom and democracy, you’ll likely find him in the studio or trying very hard not to think while meditating.
VOLUNTEER TEAM
Jered Scott // Instructor
Jered is a photographer with 10 years work experience in the music industry. From album covers, to US tours, magazine shoots and in-studio coverage, he’s seen a bit of it all. Jered started shooting bands as a way to stay connected to the music scene. He wanted to give bands a way to connect more with their fans, and to give fans what he always loved growing up: rad photos to hang on their wall. Jered has had the chance to work with some great artists, companies and more, including Blink 182, Rise Against, Paramore, New Found Glory, MxPx, All Time Low, Donavon Frankenreiter, WB Records, Hopeless Records, Island Def Jam Records, Alternative Press Magazine, Glamour Kills and more. His hope is to bring what he’s learned as a photojournalist, a social media manager, a marketer, a merchandise creator and more to the students of Dynamo.
Andrew Meador // Instructor
Andrew Michael Meador is a producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. From being a studio musician on trumpet and upright bass to creating EDM/pop music, he has a diverse musical background and draws inspiration from an eclectic library of personal tastes. He is also a total science nerd and has a degree in Chemistry & Physics — which allows him to appreciate the technology/science-side of audio engineering.
Swayyvo // Instructor
Swayyvo is a muliti instrumentalist/producer from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Swayyvo started playing saxophone and producing music in 2003 at Tyner Academy where he graduated as drum major over the Pride Marching band. He has been on production teams for many artists inside and out of the city and is now developing artists for FLOCK LLC (based out of Chattanooga) as well as developing his own artistry. Swayyvo has been seen playing anywhere from stages at Bonnaroo & SXSW to the morning news. Swayyvo has also been covered in hip hop blogs such as DJ Booth, 2 dopeboyz, Elevator Mag, Thisis50 and more. Currently, Swayyvo is working for FLOCK artist development, serves as content director of Killinthastreetz brand and teaches for Dynamo Studios.