Hannah Whitley
Summary
Dedicated Dance/Movement Therapist with expertise in emotional well-being, group therapy facilitation and collaboration. Committed to developing creative, person centered therapy sessions that engage patients holistically.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dance/ Movement Therapist/ Internship Coordinator
Napa State Hospital
Napa
02.2025 - Current
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions, drawing from a range of approaches, to support patient mental health and wellness
- Created new multi-modal groups with co-facilitators; created new dance and art, and dance groups for patients across the hospital
- Recruited and supervised D/MT interns
- Developed and implemented treatment plan objectives tailored to patient needs and progress
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and work towards treatment goals
- Worked on both the Special Events committee and Credentialing committee
Freelancer/ Professional Teacher and Performer
Various
NC, NH, DC, PA, CA
06.1998 - Current
- Developed engaging creative movement performance work and somatic/ dance experientials for individuals and groups across a range of settings and cities
- Collaborated and performed with dancers and musicians in the DC area: Nancy Havlik Dance Performance Group, Human Landscape Dance, 2011-2015
- Choreographed for community and university productions, Keene, NH, 2009-2011
- Taught and performed in NC: Rainbow Dance Company, Even Exchange Dance Theater, Choreo Collective"Acts To Follow" at the American Dance Festival, 1998-2011
- Yoga and Movement Teacher, for children and caregivers, Arlington VA, 2012
Dance/ Movement Therapist
Napa State Hospital
Napa, CA
11.2017 - 05.2022
- Developed D/MT groups and expressive therapy groups for both 1370 and 1026 patients; groups were infused with a range of offerings, including: drama therapy, psychodrama, yoga, mindfulness, visual art, and recreation
- Created and led improvisation experientials for D/MT professional practice group meetings
- Supervised D/MT interns
Dance/ Movement Therapist
Washington Adventist Hospital
Takoma Park, MD
10.2013 - 11.2015
- Led D/MT and expressive arts therapy based groups
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve treatment and prepare patients for discharge
- Presented on D/MT at hospital events
- Created and co-facilitated the pet therapy program
- Created and led the "Yoga for Nurses" evening program; offered yoga and relaxation for unit based nurses
Education
Master of Science - Dance/ Movement Therapy And Counseling
Antioch University New England
Keene, NH05-2012
200 Hour Yoga Certification -
Kripalu Center For Yoga
Stockbridge, MA2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Peace College
Raleigh, NC12-2006
Skills
- Dance/ Movement Therapy
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
- Mind-Body psychology
- Group therapy facilitation
- Building rapport and empathy; person-centered approach
- Crisis intervention
- Multicultural competence
- Psychoeducation
- Intern recruitment and clinical supervision
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Clinical treatment planning and clinical documentation
- Professional ethics
- Interpersonal skills
Accomplishments
- Awarded "Outstanding Achievement Award" with team of Rehabilitation for collaborative patient musical, 2025
- Led presentation and experientials for RT meetings, RT summit, and The Social Worker retreat, 2018, 2019, 2026
- Highlighted Speaker: NCSU Panel for Dance Professionals, 2017
- Highlighted Speaker: Presented on dance and dance/ movement therapy for "Arts for the Aging," D.C., 2013
- Danced professionally in D.C. metro area, 2011- 2015
- Choreographer of the year award, Peace College, 2005
Certification
Board Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist, BC- D/MT
RYT, Registered Yoga Teacher
Timeline
Dance/ Movement Therapist/ Internship Coordinator
Napa State Hospital
02.2025 - Current
Dance/ Movement Therapist
Napa State Hospital
11.2017 - 05.2022
Dance/ Movement Therapist
Washington Adventist Hospital
10.2013 - 11.2015
Freelancer/ Professional Teacher and Performer
Various
06.1998 - Current
Master of Science - Dance/ Movement Therapy And Counseling
Antioch University New England
200 Hour Yoga Certification -
Kripalu Center For Yoga
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Peace College