What Is Emotions in Motion?

Emotions in Motion is a healing-through-movement program that uses guided choreography and expressive dance to help survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma explore and process emotions in a safe, supportive environment. Participants are invited to connect with their bodies, emotions, and others through structured movement experiences — no prior dance experience required.

The program was thoughtfully developed as a partnership between VSC and the Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division. It brings together the therapeutic expertise of VSC and the creative power of movement and performance art typically associated with ballet.

Voices From the Podcast

On the episode, Brandi Godbee — Lead Therapist and Clinical Manager at VSC — and Shane Bland — Head of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet — share their vision for the program:

Brandi discusses the ways trauma can get stored in the body and how movement offers survivors a unique avenue for expression that words alone sometimes can’t reach.

Shane brings the artistic perspective, describing how choreography and physical expression can facilitate emotional release, support reconnection with oneself, and build community among participants.

They are joined by Renzo, a participant in Emotions in Motion, who offers powerful firsthand insight into what the experience has meant on their healing journey. Hearing directly from someone who has taken part in the program helps illustrate the transformative impact that structured creative movement can have for survivors.

Why Movement Matters in Healing

Traditional therapy is invaluable — but grief, trauma, and emotional memories don’t live only in thoughts or words. They’re also rooted in body sensations, tension, posture, and instinctive reactions. Programs like Emotions in Motion allow participants to:

* Reclaim agency within their bodies
* Release stored stress in a non-verbal, embodied way
* Build confidence through intentional movement
* Connect with peers who understand similar experiences
* Reframe physical expression as a source of strength rather than fear

For many survivors, movement becomes a language of its own — one that helps process past harm while also fostering joy, resilience, and self-trust.

A Space Where Healing Meets Art

One of the most compelling elements of Emotions in Motion is that it doesn’t require participants to be dancers — it simply invites them to move with intention, presence, and community. This accessibility makes the program a unique addition to VSC’s continuum of trauma-informed healing practices, blending clinical insight with artistic expression.

As Brandi and Shane remind listeners, there’s no one “right” way to heal — whether someone uses words, movement, art, or all of the above, what matters most is creating safe spaces for expression and connection.

Listen & Learn More

If you haven’t already, listen to this deeply moving episode of the VSC Podcast — it’s a beautiful example of how healing can happen in unexpected, embodied ways. Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a supporter of someone in healing, or simply interested in creative approaches to wellness, Emotions in Motion offers rich insight and inspiration.

Brandi Godbee

Brandi Godbee, Lead Therapist/Clinical Manager at Victim Service Center, Co-creator of Emotions in Motion – Brandi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor. Education: Master’s degree with Honors in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and a Bachelor’s degree in English. Trained in EMDR & DBT.

Shane Bland

Shane Bland, Head of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet and Co-creator of Emotions in Motions – As head of Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division, Shane is a dynamic theater artist with an accomplished career spanning Broadway, national tours, regional theater, television, choreography, and directing. His Broadway credits include Bombay Dreams, Show Boat (Harold Prince), and Disney’s The Lion King. In Orlando, Shane has starred in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cabaret (as the Emcee at Orlando Shakes), and Beauty and the Beast (as The Beast at the Garden Theatre). His choreography credits include Frozen Jr., Matilda (Broadway World Nominee), and Hairspray. Shane also serves as an adjudicator for the Applause Awards, supporting young performers across the region.

Segment 1

In our first segment, we’re joined by Keri Higby, Program Specialist with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida. Keri created the S.A.F.E. Women’s Self-Defense program and brings over a decade of experience in crime prevention, empowerment education, and community safety.

Segment 2

In our second segment, we’re joined by Natasha D’Arcangelo, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works closely with clients processing trauma and rebuilding their sense of self. Natasha’s work frequently involves helping individuals explore what healthy love and connection look like—especially when they’ve experienced harm or have never had a model for respectful relationships.

Segment 3

In our third segment, we are joined by Corrine Phillips, a Forensic Nurse Examiner with the Victim Service Center. Corrine works directly with survivors of sexual violence and brings valuable insight into the real-world impact of consent misunderstandings and dating violence.

Guest Speakers

Keri Higby
Title: Specialized Services Senior Program Specialist; Adjunct Professor
Organization: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office; UCF
keri.higby@ucf.edu or khigby@seminolesheriff.org, 407-474-5127

Natasha D’Arcangelo, LMHC
Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Organization: LBee Health
Contact information to be displayed on screen: LBee Health www.lbeehealth.com
natasha@lbeehealth.com

Corrine Phillips, FNE
Title: Forensic Nurse Examiner Coordinator
Organization: Victim Service Center of Central Florida

Segment 1

In our first segment, we’re joined by Maria Torres, a volunteer for the Autism Society of Florida, an educator in the field and a parent of a child affected by autism spectrum disorder. Maria shares some of the safety challenges that she see’s children with autism struggling with today – including wandering and being drawn to water, which increases the risk of drowning. Also, Maria discusses the importance of families seeking support groups and community.

Segment 2

In the second segment, we’re joined by Michelle Zeman, a neurodivergent self-advocate, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and co-host of the REACH podcast—an initiative from the Autism Society of Florida. Michelle uses both personal experience and professional insight to uplift neurodivergent voices, challenge stigma, and expand the conversation around relationships, communication, and safety.

Segment 3

In the third segment, we’re joined by Catharine Warren, an Autism Specialist with the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Catharine will share how CARD supports individuals, families and professionals in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people on the autism spectrum. For many neurodivergent individuals, safety is a concern. Catharine shares some of the practical safety strategies that have been effective in supporting neurodivergent people and protecting their family.

Guest Speakers

Marria Torres
Volunteer, educator, parent. Volunteer at the Autism Society of Florida

Michelle Zeman
Host of the REACH Podcast, Autism Society of Florida. REACH – https://www.autismfl.org/reach. Safe Space the ABA Podcast – https://www.safespaceaba.com IG – @theautisticbehavioranalyst

Catharine Warren
Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist at UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)UCF Center of Autism and Related Disabilities Contact method: Phone: 407-823-6011 or Email ucfcard@ucf.edu Website: https://ucf-card.org/

In our first segment, we’re joined by Dr. Trenton Marsh, Assistant Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.

In our second segment, we broaden the lens to look at how community leadership can shape safe, supportive pathways for youth—especially boys and young men who are too often overlooked. Joining us is Commissioner Mike Scott, Vice Mayor and Orange County District 6 Commissioner. A lifelong Orlando resident, Air Force veteran, and passionate youth mentor, Commissioner Scott brings a community-centered perspective to leadership and community.

In our third segment, we’re focusing on culture—and how it shapes the way boys learn to express themselves, seek help, and treat others. Joining us is Fidel Gomez Jr., a community educator and advocate at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Florida. Fidel works directly with youth and is here to provide some insights on gender norms and machismo.

Guest Speakers

Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, Associate Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.

Commissioner Michael “Mike” Scott, District 6 Commissioner of the City of Orlando.

Fidel Gomez Jr., LGBTQ+ & Immigrant Justice Organizer at Hope CommUnity Center Email: fgomezjr@hcc-offm.org Website: www.hcc-offm.org Instagram: @hccapopka

Below are hotlines we recommend:

VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325
National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit myflfamilies.com to report online
Victim Service Center 2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210 Orlando, Florida 32806 24/7 Helpline (407) 500-HEAL Main Office Line (407) 254-9415