Meet Joy McElveen

Meet Joy McElveen, a versatile entertainer, child play specialist, and producer on a mission to enrich the lives of children. With a foundation in theater and television, complemented by a Yale University certification, Joy offers a distinctive fusion of creativity, expertise, and a profound grasp of child development in her coaching and enrichment initiatives. Through her non-profit, Joy Is Everywhere, and her Play Dates with Joy program, she is committed to crafting enduring, joy-filled experiences that nurture mindfulness and empathy in young minds. (Our Founder a South Carolina Native Joy McElveen is a commercial model actress and child play specialist. Determined courage, perseverance, overcome and doing the impossible are all attributes that Joy knows well. Growing up she always had a love for the entertainment world even though when she was younger, her dreams were to play in the WNBA.

Joy attended the University of South Carolina Aiken where she fell in love with the stage. Her first play, “How I learned to Drive,” earned her an Irene Ryan Nomination. Whether she is bringing to life memorable characters or walking the runway with a fierce style/fashion of attitude, Joy has always found a way to empower her next “doing the impossible!” Working with clients including Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless, Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Disney, and project runway’s Johnathan Kayne.

She is a producer of the 6-time award-winning short film “Hands to the Sky,” directed by Kim Townes. This award-winning short film is about overcoming the impossible (an African American family overcomes tragedy and obstacles stemming from society’s misconceptions about autism). Which aired on Aspire TV Network. Joy has appeared on the OWN’s hit drama Queen Sugar, ABC’s Single Parents, Netflix’s Comedy Friends from College and the hit YouTube Series Poz Roz and Giants, which earned 11 Daytime Emmy Nominations and an Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress.
She made history in South Carolina when she became the first African American winner of the Miss Sun Fun USA pageant in South Carolina.
With a passion for sports, travel, and the great outdoors, Joy served as a U.S. ambassador for the international organization People to People Sports, that was honored with the Beverly Hills Basketball League’s 2015 Coach of the Year Award. With her love and passion for children that developed over the years from coaching and working with The Amazing Kid Company. She launched Playdates with Joy which is about connecting with children and families all around the country bringing them a full Joy Experience through functional play and empowerment. Purpose driven and a strong will Joy does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Limitless Possibilities Says, Joy!

Teaching principles of exhibiting JOY wherever you go 

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