Stephanie Clay

Stephanie Clay began dancing at the age of four and began professional training at thirteen under the mentorship of Bruce Stegman, Julie Cartier, and Lane Alexander. She received specialized training from renowned organizations including The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, the St. Louis Tap Festival, and various Chicagoland conventions. In 1997, Ms. Clay joined Especially Tap Chicago, a company that has performed across the United States and Europe.

Over the past three decades, Ms. Clay has directed numerous youth groups, with her choreography earning local and national titles as well as invitations to perform at the Taste of Chicago, the Orange Bowl Games, Dance Chicago, Dance America’s Dancer of the Year, and various community events and fundraisers. Her choreography has been showcased by professional tap companies throughout the United States, China, and Venezuela. Recognized for her mastery of tap technique, Ms. Clay is highly sought after as both an educator and choreographer.

In 2003, Ms. Clay founded Stephanie’s Academy of Dance in the suburbs of Chicago. The academy employs eight professional instructors and offers comprehensive training across all dance genres. Its mission is to provide exceptional dance education while nurturing confidence, discipline, and creativity in young dancers.

Committed to expanding her influence beyond the studio, Ms. Clay has served as a guest instructor at Northern Illinois University and has been a judge for Applause Talent Competitions since 2008. She has also been involved with Gigi’s Playhouse, supporting programs for children with Down syndrome. Her dedication to inclusive education and community service earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award in both 2024 and 2025.

With more than two decades of service in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Clay currently serves as the Executive Director of Special Stars Inc., an organization she established in 2016 to provide therapeutic dance, movement, music, and social programs for children with special needs and medically complex conditions. Working closely with speech-language pathologists, behavioral analysts, and physical therapists, she developed inclusive classes that foster social interaction and friendship. Under her leadership, Special Stars Inc. achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2017.

Ms. Clay is a certified instructor with Rhythm Works Integrative Dance; a groundbreaking rhythm and movement program designed for individuals with learning differences and special needs. Her vision for Special Stars Inc. grew from her earlier work at Haley’s Playground, where she partnered with occupational therapist Jackie Olson to create a sensory play and dance therapy program. In 2016, she restructured Haley’s Playground into

Special Stars Inc., building a lasting platform for inclusive dance education and community support.

In recognition of her achievements, Ms. Clay was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in September 2025, honoring her professional accomplishments, leadership, and positive community impact. She credits her success to hard work, determination, faith, and the unwavering support of her husband, family, and close friends.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Clay finds joy in family life. She is married and the proud mother of her son, Ty. She also has a stepdaughter, Christian, and raised her niece, Alexia. Deeply passionate about giving back, she volunteers with her therapy dog, Tilly a Bernedoodle trained at Happy Pup Manor, to bring comfort and smiles to the communities she serves. Looking ahead, Ms. Clay remains dedicated to growing both Special Stars Inc. and Stephanie’s Academy of Dance, continuing her lifelong mission to inspire, educate, and uplift others through the art of dance and music.