Our Board
President - Ashlea Palafox (she/her) LCPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Howdy, y’all! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas, a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT), and a Certified Movement Analyst (GL-CMA). I utilize Polyvagal Theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dance/Movement Ther
Howdy, y’all! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas, a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT), and a Certified Movement Analyst (GL-CMA). I utilize Polyvagal Theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dance/Movement Therapy to treat emotional and behavioral challenges in children, adolescents, and adults at Dr. Messina & Associates, in Southlake, Texas. I am a formally trained professional modern dancer who performed with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and the Rockettes in New York City. I have danced since in the womb. Dance is my favorite form of self-regulation and expression.
I currently specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, child behavioral issues, eating disorders, and other emotional and relational difficulties. I’ve worked with clients on issues related to quality of life, mood and emotional regulation, trauma, body image, life transitions, relationship challenges and prenatal/postpartum difficulties. Since 2014, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in inpatient medical and psychiatric settings, an eating disorder clinic, and in outpatient settings.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance from Texas State University-San Marcos and a Master of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago. I recently completed training to become a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. My vision for the future includes pivoting to work more intimately with women who face perinatal and postpartum challenges. I was drawn to serving this vulnerable population when I became a first time Mom who struggled with my own mental health challenges. I hope to help women reconnect to their bodies again after giving birth.
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” – Martha Graha
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Originally from Taiwan, I grew up most of the time learning to conform and to be in community. It was so strongly embedded in our daily constructs that I did not feel like I knew how to take ownership of my voice. In my past work both clinically and artistically, I have observed and experienced repeatedly the importance of an embodied sel
Originally from Taiwan, I grew up most of the time learning to conform and to be in community. It was so strongly embedded in our daily constructs that I did not feel like I knew how to take ownership of my voice. In my past work both clinically and artistically, I have observed and experienced repeatedly the importance of an embodied self to truly achieve integration and growth with one’s unique voice. I have seen how the energy of fear imprisoned the body and created a distorted sense of self and false connections to the world. I believe that for us to live a satisfying and full life, we must be mindful of living in our bodies. Therefore, I cultivate an embodied mindfulness and reflectivity in my work. I value grace, intentionality, and ease in playful and spacious movement. Improvisation, Authentic Movement, Performance as Therapy are a few frameworks among my go-to. Primarily trained as a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT), with person-centered, strength and mindfulness-based, Polyvagal theory/trauma-informed, and body/somatic-oriented approach. The idea is that an event that occurs, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, or spiritual, impacts our whole being. And our body is the direct organism, symbol, and process for all living experiences and the possibility of being. It is a disconnect from our direct body experience of the real, sensing world that leads us to suffering. I also hold a MFA in Dance and have been participating in the professional dance worlds both as a dancer and a movement maker. Personally, I continue to educate myself about somatics and mindfulness, where my biggest joy and growth has been coming from being a somewhat new parent. As an immigrant myself, I also strive to continue to advocate for a vast population of immigrant and refugee individuals, all to support them to rediscover their strengths and honor differences in facing violence and its impact. I've worked with TBI, dementia, Parkinson's, domestic violence survivors, PTSD, anxiety and depression, and more. Currently working in a group practice in Chicago.
Secretary - Lauren Milburn (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Vice President - Chih-Hsien Lin (she/her) LCPC, BC-MDT, MPA, EMDR
Treasurer - Nicole Anderson (she/her) MA, LCPC, BC-DMT, RYT
I currently accompany survivors of sexual violence on their healing journey as a Trauma therapist and Dance/Movement therapist at Resilience, a Chicago non-profit. I completed my Individualized Study BA at New York University and my Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling MA at Columbia College Chicago with a participatory-action research t
I currently accompany survivors of sexual violence on their healing journey as a Trauma therapist and Dance/Movement therapist at Resilience, a Chicago non-profit. I completed my Individualized Study BA at New York University and my Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling MA at Columbia College Chicago with a participatory-action research thesis project exploring relational movement practices for social change. My prior clinical experience facilitating groups within residential settings and inpatient psychiatric hospitals compelled me to root into ethics and embody advocacy that subverts oppressive tactics of the medical-industrial complex. My trauma-informed and resilience-oriented approach empowers creative process and integrates polyvagal theory, harm reduction, and nurturance culture. In sessions with survivors, I engage responsive witnessing to hold space for body liberation—resourcing soma sanctuary, untangling harmful internalized patterns, and harnessing embodied courage to breathe meaning into movement making. I am honored to implement collective visions of accessibility with the Disability Access Affinity Group of the Multicultural and Diversity Committee and to serve my local dance/movement therapy community as Secretary of the IL ADTA Chapter Board.
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Treasurer - Nicole Anderson (she/her) MA, LCPC, BC-DMT, RYT
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Treasurer - Nicole Anderson (she/her) MA, LCPC, BC-DMT, RYT
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). Originally from North Carolina, I have been dancing since I could walk. Dance has always been a way for me to express myself freely and find connections with those around me. I earned my BFA in Dance Performance and Choreograp
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). Originally from North Carolina, I have been dancing since I could walk. Dance has always been a way for me to express myself freely and find connections with those around me. I earned my BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University and my MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago. In my free time I use movement to stay grounded, practicing dance, yoga, cycling, and running. I am a registered yoga teacher and I lead small classes for friends and family online and outdoors.
I currently serve as Program Supervisor at a behavioral health hospital in Chicago, working to elevate therapy programming and improve patient care through strongly advocating for patient needs. The population at the hospital is always changing and I work with a large variety of people each day. My work as a dance therapist is grounded in a humanistic, person-centered approach. I focus on staying present in the moment and shift movement interventions according to the needs of the person(s) I am with that day. One goal I always incorporate into my groups is strengthening connections with others and generating positive social interactions to promote a sense of community. I observe the positive impact DMT can have for individuals receiving treatment services at the hospital and I’m motivated by the work being done in my groups.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart” – Helen Keller
Event Coordinator - Stephanie Kilper (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. I have several years of experience working in a variety of mental health services including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and inte
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. I have several years of experience working in a variety of mental health services including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient care. My approach to treatment includes supporting individuals with increasing their mind-body connection and reconnecting to their bodies in a safe, gentle manner through facilitating groups and individual sessions with integrated movement and mindfulness experiences. My focus on reconnecting individuals with their bodies is a key piece of the recovery process as clients learn to live and love themselves in their physical homes. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I also support individuals in identity exploration and self-discovery as clients deepen their understanding of all aspects of who they are in the recovery process. Additionally, I serve on the board of the Illinois Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association in an event planning and production role and on the National American Dance Therapy Association Board as a member of the nominating committee.
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Multicultural & Diversity Representative - Catherine Miller (she/her) LPC, BC-DMT
Hello! I am Catherine (Cat) Miller, the IL ADTA Chapter Board MDC Liaison. I am a multiracial, neurotypical, spiritually open, cis-gendered woman. As a dance/movement therapist, I work from a primarily Chacian approach with humanistic and feminist orientations, though I use techniques from other approaches depending on the needs of my cli
Hello! I am Catherine (Cat) Miller, the IL ADTA Chapter Board MDC Liaison. I am a multiracial, neurotypical, spiritually open, cis-gendered woman. As a dance/movement therapist, I work from a primarily Chacian approach with humanistic and feminist orientations, though I use techniques from other approaches depending on the needs of my clients. I am currently a dance/movement therapist at Weinberg Community for Senior Living, working with older adults living with dementia and other memory and physical impairments. It has taught me much about patience, gratitude for the small moments and the never ending need for flexibility and creativity throughout life. Prior to this position, I have worked with adolescent boys with behavioral and emotional difficulties in a residential setting, girls who have experienced sexual abuse/assault and non-offending significant others, as well as adults with developmental delays, and adults with chronic mental illness in an outpatient setting. Working with these populations have contributed so much to my growth as a dance/movement therapist, but they have especially impressed upon me the importance of meeting each person where they are that day, remaining genuine with them and honest with myself within and throughout the work. As a person who relates best to the world through movement, I am always excited to learn about movement styles and forms and the people and cultures behind and within them. My dance background is varied and includes ballet, contemporary, hula & ori, Bharata Natyam, Scottish Country, jazz, contact improvisation and more. As the IL Chapter's MDC liaison, I would like to see dance/movement therapy in the U.S. become more inclusive and equitable to all types of diversity in the way it is practiced and serves clients and dance/movement therapists alike. I believe that the changes we make to allow for that equality and inclusivity will also lead dance/movement therapists to become better advocates for marginalized communities and dance/movement therapy itself in greater society.