Meet Tiffany Moore: Educator, Councilwoman & Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I have done as a parent to impact the lives of my children is to always let them know “their journey is unique to them”. As a mother of three boys, 17-year-old BJ and 9-year-old twins Dallas and Dylan, it has always been important for me to instill confidence in them and assure them they are exactly the person God created them to be. In the age of social media, it sometimes difficult to raise children to enjoy the journey they are on and to not compare their life with others. This often looks much different with my oldest son than with my twins. BJ just recently graduated high school and has begun summer college courses. His senior looked much different than we imagined because of the pandemic. I have encouraged him since he was a little boy to focus on running his race and getting to his finish line (goal). I am proud to say he has continued to persevere towards accomplishing his goals even though his journey is taking him through a different path than what he planned. I literally cannot wait to see what God has in store for his future. Dallas and Dylan both have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Type 2. SMA is a genetic disorder that causes the muscles in the body to degenerate. As a result of this disorder, Dallas and Dylan are both confined to wheelchairs. Although they have physical disabilities, both boys are extremely bright with huge personalities. Ever since they were old enough to understand they are differently abled I have instilled in them that God creates all of us to be different. At times it has been difficult for their young minds to fully understand their limitations, but I encourage them to speak about how they feel and then we figure out ​how to enhance what they are able to do. Initially, Dylan aspired to be an NBA player, but with guidance and​a heartfelt talk, he knows wheelchair basketball is an obtainable goal. Dallas wants to be a sportscaster and is always studying about sports and in his words “how to perfect his craft”. They even have their own YouTube channel in which they have recently began to create, edit and their own videos. I am confident the twins understand “their journey” will look different from others, but more importantly they know from experience they can live full and happy lives. It is difficult for some adults to be content with “their journey” so it has and will continue to be my goal to assure my children understand “their journey is unique to them” and the only limits they will have in life are the ones which are self-imposed. Our family motto is “no boundaries, no limits”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Tiffany the Educator – I have been an educator for a little over 18 years. As a child, I aspired to be an attorney, so education was not a profession I ever considered. After the death of my younger sister Nicole at the age of 10 (she had SMA- Type 1) my freshman year of college, I soon realized my calling was to become a special education teacher in hopes of impacting the lives of my students the way Nicole’s teachers had done for her. Teaching is a selfless job and we often do not receive the credit and accolades we should. What other profession is responsible for all the other professions? As an educator what I am most proud of is the success stories of my former students. Often, I do not realize the impact I had on their lives until they continue to keep in touch long after they have graduated. Being able to see how well they are doing reassures me my work has not been in vain. I have and continue to grow as​ an educator, I have a Master’s in Special Education as well as a National Board Teacher Certification more importantly my experience as allowed me to better serve and advocate for my students and their families. It has also equipped me with the knowledge I need to advocate for Dallas and Dylan. Being an educator is not easy or often respected by others so at times ​it can be discouraging; however, I realize the work I am doing is vitally important. As educator, I have learned there is not a “one-size fits all” when it comes to educating students and self-evaluation as a teacher is just as important as students learning. I want the world to know that education first starts at home and parents are their children’s first teachers.

Tiffany the Councilwoman – I have always been interested in politics, and I have voted in every national and local election since the age of 18. I take my civic responsibility seriously so when the opportunity presented itself for me to run for a councilmember for the City of Center Point there was no other option but to run. Although it has been very challenging at times, I have enjoyed learning and working with my fellow council members and mayor and serving the people of Center Point. History was made when we were elected because for the first time in the city’s history, we had four Black Women serving on the council as well as our first Black Mayor. Juggling my full-time job, serving as a councilmember and being a wife and mom has been challenging, but I am learning to balance my time. I have enjoyed meeting so many different people and more importantly working towards improving the quality of life for our residents. Serving on the council has been a fulfilling and an eye-opening experience. I am blessed to have been entrusted with making decisions which not only impact my life but the lives of those in our city.

Tiffany the Advocate and Blogger – I started the blog Moms Inspiring Moms (MIMs) because God planted this seed years ago for me to provide inspiration to other mothers by sharing my story. It had been in my heart and on my mind for years to share with others like me, and during the height of the pandemic last year, I finally slowed down long enough to do things I had been thinking about. I began MIMs because it is my goal to help and provide inspiration to other women who are caring for a child (or in my case children) with a disability or differently abled. I have often been asked “How do you do it?” and in some instances told “I don’t know how you do it”. I never take offense to either because sometimes I ask and tell myself the exact same thing. To help other moms, I have been committed to providing support and being fully transparent about my life. Through my own experience, I know that sometimes we suffer in silence because we think we are all alone on an island. I just want other moms of warriors to know you are not alone, and we can take this journey together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I reside in Center Point, AL which is just northeast of Birmingham. If I were hosting friends, I would definitely take them to a baseball game at Regions Field to watch the Birmingham Barons play. This a spectacular venue which does not have a bad seat in the stadium. Did I mention the fireworks show after the game? We would also tour the Historic 4th Avenue Business District before we make our way to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. For dinner we would visit Zatie’s Southern Cuisine, located in Center Point, for a delicious soul food meal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to shoutout my wonderful husband and backbone, Dwight Moore! I literally could not imagine being on this journey called life with anyone but him.

Shoutout to my children BJ, Dallas and Dylan because of you all “giving up is never an option”.

Shoutout my mother, Sharon, hands down one of the strongest people I know; and my sister, Nikea, for constantly encouraging me and ALWAYS standing in the gap when I need them.

Shoutout to my other family members including my maternal grandmother and grandfather who both recently passed because of them I am!

Shoutout to my aunts, uncles, stepdad, mother-​in-love​ (Geraldine), cousins, sister-in-love, brothers-in-love, nieces and nephews, we are few in numbers but mighty in love.

Shoutout to my circle of sister friends, Shakera, Rashada, Lakeisha, Stephanie, Chandra, Kimberly and Betty, that have always held me down.

Shoutout to everyone who supported me in run for city council and who continue to support me as I work for our city.

Shout out to anyone that has encouraged and prayed for me and my family.

Website: https://www.cityofcenterpoint.org/

Instagram: cpcouncilwomantiffanymoore

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/tiffany-moore-861008125

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyMooreCenterPointCityCouncil

Other: Moms Inspiring Moms Blog – https://tiffanycmoore03.wixsite.com/website Moms Inspiring Moms Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Moms-Inspiring-Moms-MIMs-112488500293560 Dallas and Dylan’s YouTube Page – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosmtYc8Pp3zo2foPrfY0HQ

Image Credits
Reginald Grays Bobby Scott