Member of the Counseling Honor Society
Why Stephanie chose Rider
After taking a 10-year hiatus from her work in art administration to care for her children, Stephanie decided it was time to fuse her love for dance and nurturing nature, and explore the idea of dance/movement therapy (DMT). Stephanie had heard about dance/movement therapy and she decided to search the internet for more information. She found the American Dance Therapy Association’s website, which directed her to Rider University. She then learned that Rider was the only college in New Jersey to offer DMT as a program and Stephanie was eager to enroll in the inaugural DMT class.
Rider welcomed me with open arms.”
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy
Rider’s impact on Stephanie
As part of the inaugural dance/movement therapy class, Stephanie gained a unique perspective into the world of creative art therapy and the inner workings of the profession. Stephanie found the professors and staff at Rider to be accessible, flexible and understanding, especially with the many challenges presented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie juggled homeschooling her children, interning and studying, but with the support of Dr. Eri Millrod, assistant professor of dance/movement therapy, and other faculty, she felt “cared for and heard.”
I am not the same person that entered this program, I am much more globally, socially and personally aware.... It really opened my eyes and I am more self assured, a little more flexible and a little bit more compassionate.”
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy
Despite the pandemic, with some help from Rider she was able to find an internship that held in-person sessions. Stephanie later completed two internships at the Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford and Princeton House Behavioral Health.
Through studying and working hard, she learned that self-awareness in the profession is vital. While anyone in the counseling field must have compassion for others, Stephanie discovered that it is just as important to have compassion for herself.
Continued success
After completing her required clinical hours, Stephanie continued with Pinelands as an employee. She graduated in December 2021 and remains appreciative of the positive impact that attending Rider has made on her future. “I am proud to be one of the first students from the dance/movement therapy program to graduate from Rider University.”
Her advice to current students and soon-to-be graduates is to enjoy this stage of life when learning takes center stage. “Soak it up!”