Title: 1) Owner, Founder and Instructor; 2) Founder and Director
Company: 1) Stephanie’s Academy of Dance Inc.; 2) Special Stars Inc. NFP
Location: Oswego, Illinois, United States
Stephanie Clay, owner, founder and instructor at Stephanie’s Academy of Dance Inc., and founder and director of Special Stars Inc. NFP, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in dance education and nonprofits.
Ms. Clay has dedicated over 20 years to the nonprofit sector, culminating in her current role as the executive director of Special Stars Inc. Since 2016, she has worked with speech-language pathologists, behavioral analysts and physical therapists to create therapeutic dance classes that improve social skills and friendships, especially for underserved groups and families with medically complex children. By identifying gaps in support services and encouraging collaboration among board members and community partners, Ms. Clay has played a key role in fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity. Under her leadership, Special Stars Inc. gained 501(c)(3) status in 2017.
Notably, Special Stars Inc. was born from Ms. Clay’s early desire to teach dance and music to children with special needs. In 2014, she joined the faculty of Haley’s Playground and created a sensory play and dance therapy program alongside occupational therapist Jackie Olson. In 2016, Ms. Clay assumed responsibility for and reinvented Haley’s Playground and incorporated it as Special Stars. Alongside this role, she has owned Stephanie’s Academy of Dance since 2003. Recognizing the need for specialized programs, she has developed various initiatives that support children with special needs and learning differences. Currently, the academy employs eight professional dance instructors to provide the best dance education for the youth.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Clay was a member of Especially Tap Chicago, a company that performs throughout the United States and Europe. She began her dance career at the age of 4 and went on to train professionally at age 13, operating under the tutelage of such individuals as Bruce Stegman, Julie Cartier and Lane Alexander. Receiving specialized training from organizations such as The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, the St. Louis Tap Festival and Chicagoland conventions, among others, Ms. Clay has directed many youth groups over the past three decades, and her choreography for her students has earned local and national titles, along with invitations to perform at the Taste of Chicago, the Orange Bowl Games, Dance Chicago, Dance America’s Dancer of the Year, and community events and fundraisers. Notably, Ms. Clay’s choreography has been used by professional tap companies and featured across the United States, China and Venezuela. She is highly sought after for her knowledge and expertise in tap technique.
Determined to expand her impact, Ms. Clay has served as a guest instructor at Northern Illinois University, sharing her expertise and passion for tap with aspiring dance students. She also began judging for the Applause Talent Competitions in 2008. She was previously associated with Gigi’s Playhouse, where she actively participated in initiatives that aligned with her mission of inclusivity and support for children with Down syndrome. Her dedication to serving children and families in need saw her recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2024 and 2025.
Ms. Clay attributes much of her success to hard work, determination, and the strong support system from her husband, family and close friends. Her deep faith and commitment to following her intended path have guided her through major challenges, helping her persevere and positively impact the lives of others.
Ms. Clay is happily married and proud to be the mother of her son, Ty. She also has a stepdaughter, Christian, and raised her niece, Alexia. She is passionate about volunteer work with her therapy dog, Tilly, a Bernadoodle trained at Happy Pup Manor, to support her programs. Looking ahead with determination, Ms. Clay plans to continue growing both Special Stars and Stephanie’s Academy of Dance while staying committed to volunteer work, ensuring she remains a positive and influential presence in her community.
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