Laura holds a BA in both Psychology and Dance from Denison University and an MA in Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling from Columbia College Chicago. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), a board-certified dance/movement therapist (BC-DMT), and a certified movement analyst (GL-CMA).
Laura has worked in a variety of clinical settings including private practice at New Prairie Counseling Center, adult day programs, and psychiatric hospital units including inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment. Her areas of research and expertise include clinical supervision and the older adult population.
As a counseling educator, Laura provides clinical training and supervision for professional counselors and dance/movement therapists. Previously a full-time faculty member at Columbia College Chicago, she has taught courses including various DMT theories, counseling theories and techniques, and supervision courses for students doing practicum work. She has presented workshops at local and national conferences and been published in the academic journal, The Arts in Psychotherapy. As a former Clinical Coordinator at Columbia, she is well connected to the network of mental health services throughout the Chicagoland area.
Stacey holds a bachelor of fine art (BFA) degree in Dance from the University of Illinois and a masters degree (MA) in Dance/Movement Therapy from Columbia College Chicago. Her advanced training includes a certification in Laban Movement Analysis and two levels of training in the Internal Family Systems psychotherapeutic model.
In addition to owning Mind Body Connections, a successful therapy practice in Naperville, Stacey has taught courses in counseling, dance/movement therapy, and movement analysis at Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, Aurora University, and internationally through the Tanter Dance/Movement Therapy Association in the Czech Republic. She has served the national organization for dance movement therapy (ADTA) as Central region Member-at-large and Secretary, as a member of its Certification Board (DMTCB), and through numerous workshops and presentations. She has been published in newsletters, online, and most recently in the American Journal of Dance Therapy (2018).
Kris received his bachelor of science in Biology from the University of Illinois and a master of arts in Dance/Movement Therapy from Naropa University. He received advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level I) working with the navigation of trauma and a certification in Laban Movement Analysis.
Kris has been in private practice for 24 years and also provides clinical supervision to dance therapists and counselors. He has taught at the undergraduate and graduate level for 20 years at Barat College, Columbia College Chicago, and The School of the Art Institute teaching courses in group methods, supervision, interpersonal neurobiology, somatic practices, and creative collaboration. He has presented workshops extensively for the counseling community and at several conferences both regionally and nationally. Kris has served as vice president for the Illinois Dance Therapy Association (IDTA) and on the nominating committee for the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and has been published in the book Grief and the Expressive Arts: Practices for Creating Meaning. For the past 16 years, Kris has also been a co-collaborator in Sling Dance Co. and continues to explore the connection between the creative process and health.
Since graduating from Columbia College in 2006, Kim has worked as a dance/movement therapist in hospital settings, treatment centers, and private practice. Her current interests include Authentic Movement, matriscence, positive psychology, trauma treatment and resiliency. She particularly seeks to cultivate empowerment, self acceptance and positive body image for women. Kim joined the faculty at Columbia College in 2009, and she has served as treasurer and president of the Illinois chapter of the ADTA, and she is currently serving on the Committee on Approval for graduate programs in dance/movement therapy and counseling.
Check out Kim's podcast: The Return to Embodiment
Shannon has been a dance/movement therapist specializing in health and wellness for nearly 15 years. Shannon is certified in both Laban Movement Analysis and Movement Pattern Analysis. Shannon has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Columbia College Chicago since 2005. She has taught internationally through the Wesley Institute. Shannon has served as the President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as well as on the Board of Directors for the ADTA.