Photo courtesy of Mind Body Connections

When I first started the dance/movement therapy & counseling program here at Columbia College Chicago, I heard nothing but amazing things about Stacey Hurst. After my first year here, I am truly beginning to realize why.

Stacey Hurst is a board-certified dance/movement therapist and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). Stacey has been involved with the CCC community for over 20 years now, having graduated from the dance/movement therapy & counseling program herself in 1996. She was first convinced by her friend Lisa Goldman, (fellow faculty member) to pursue a career in dance/movement therapy after earning her Bachelor of fine art in dance with a background in psychology from the University of Illinois.

Photo Courtesy of Mind Body Connections

Very soon after graduating from CCC, Stacey was offered a faculty position teaching the Observation & Assessment course. While teaching for almost eight years, she was also able to work for several different facilities including: American Day Treatment Center, MacNeal Hospital, Rush behavioral health chemical dependency program, Rainbow Hospice, and many others. She became involved with the GLCMA program, eventually stepping into the role of coordinator while also becoming a thesis advisor. Possibly one of her most influential achievements, Stacey served on the ADTA board of directors for eight years, spearheading the board certification process that we still abide by today as future dance/movement therapists.

Photo Courtesy of Mind Body Connections

As if all of this wasn’t impressive enough, Stacey also developed her very own private practice, Mind Body Connections. Her practice focuses on guiding her clients to move confidently in their daily lives, learning how to tap into the wisdom and power of the body’s natural healing resources. During her career Stacey has worked with clients suffering from eating disorders, trauma, emotional regulation, body image, life transitions and relationship challenges. She has been hugely influential in the world of dance/movement therapy and also to our program here at Columbia College Chicago. Hurst stated, “I am so proud to have been a part of the department for 15 years. The growth has been absolutely phenomenal.”