Proud of Our Roots

Meet the Owners
Director of Artistic Engagement - Karon Johnson
Karon Johnson is an accomplished educator, consultant, and arts leader with over 15 years of experience shaping culturally responsive, equity-driven learning in Prince George’s County Public Schools and beyond. Her career spans roles as a Dance Director, Dance Team Head Coach, Health Educator, Curriculum Developer, Equity Lead, and Executive Director, reflecting her versatility and commitment to student success.
As Dance Director and Coach at Gwynn Park High School, Karon designed and led a comprehensive dance program rooted in inclusivity and excellence. She developed a curriculum spanning ballet, modern, hip-hop, and world dance traditions, integrated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies, and ensured students of all abilities had equitable access to performance opportunities. She hosted workshops, competitions, and masterclasses—most notably the “Dancin’ in the Beehive” Dance Competition—creating spaces where students thrived artistically and personally. Her leadership extended into mentoring pipelines, connecting high school dancers with middle school students to foster leadership, confidence, and continuity in arts education.
Karon is also the co-owner of RC Johnson Enterprises, LLC, operating as The LabX, a consulting firm that merges education, creative arts, and technology to design transformative programs for schools, nonprofits, and communities. She has directed large-scale youth initiatives, written curricula aligned with trauma-informed and restorative practices, and facilitated professional development for educators across Maryland in arts integration, equity, and behavioral intervention strategies.
Her academic background includes a B.S. in Exercise Science from Towson University and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Loyola University Maryland, where she authored influential blogs on arts and technology integration. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Urban Leadership at Johns Hopkins University, with research centered on Western influences on school discipline in urban districts.
Throughout her career, Karon has received recognition as a National Dance Education Organization National Award Nominee, Simon McNeely Award recipient, and Teacher of the Year Nominee. Her work continues to bridge education, arts, and social justice, rooted in her mission to empower communities through creative, justice-centered learning experiences that amplify student voices and foster belonging.
Director of Operations - Renie Spriggs
Renie Spriggs is an accomplished leader with more than 18 years of experience in project management, organizational development, and administrative oversight, combined with over 20 years of expertise as a dance educator and competitive performer. With a career that bridges the corporate, nonprofit, and arts sectors, Renie is widely recognized for her ability to integrate strategic business management with creative leadership and cultural enrichment.
In her corporate career, Renie has excelled in managing multimillion-dollar projects, financial operations, HR functions, and compliance oversight. As Project Manager at Ricoh USA, Inc., she implemented Agile methodologies that increased team efficiency by more than 40%, oversaw risk management and continuity planning, and provided executive-level reporting that informed critical decision-making. Proficient in QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, ADP, and Workday, Renie leverages technology to ensure operational excellence. Notable achievements include implementing Agile frameworks that improved efficiency by 40%, leading multimillion-dollar construction projects, and developing emergency response strategies that safeguarded business continuity. Her leadership in budget management, vendor relations, and operational process improvement has consistently resulted in streamlined systems, cost savings, and enhanced organizational performance.
Alongside her corporate achievements, Renie is deeply rooted in the arts and education community. With over two decades of experience in teaching, choreographing, and directing competitive dance, she has trained and mentored countless students, instilling discipline, creativity, and confidence. As Assistant Dance Director at The Dance Lab, she led program administration, event production, and marketing initiatives that doubled student enrollment while expanding community impact. Renie’s commitment to the arts extends beyond performance, positioning dance as a tool for both personal growth and community connection.
Renie’s professional development includes international travel for training, leadership growth, and cultural exchange, experiences that have broadened her perspective and shaped her as a leader who values inclusivity, global awareness, and innovation. These experiences enhance her ability to engage diverse stakeholders, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and bring fresh insights to organizational strategy.
Her career also includes significant contributions in nonprofit and faith-based organizations, where she has served as a sound engineer, program coordinator, and property manager. These roles highlight her versatility, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering excellence across varied environments.
Renie’s leadership style is defined by strategic vision, operational excellence, and a passion for empowering people and organizations to thrive. With her unique combination of corporate expertise, artistic leadership, and cultural insight, she is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to boards, advisory councils, and community initiatives that prioritize innovation, equity, and sustainable growth.
