Stephanie Schiller, MSW, LCSW is the founder and director of Dancing for Dancers, a concept she developed in 2014. Stephanie's goal was to help raise money for a local dance organization that provided free dance classes to underserved communities in Chicago (Everybody Dance Now! Chicago). She brought together five local dance studios to perform in a show to benefit dancers in need. The show was named "Dancing for Dancers" because the performers were truly dancing for other dancers in their community. The first show took place in a dance studio arranged with 100 chairs. Over the years, the organization has grown and celebrated its 10 year anniversary benefit concert at the College of Lake County in 2024. Dancing for Dancers has welcomed thousands of performers from more than 50 different studios to take part in our benefit concerts. The concerts are the heart of our organization and helped start their scholarship program 2019. Since 2019, Dancing for Dancers has awarded 38 scholarships to dancers from all over the country. D4D scholarships cover studio training, workshops, convention tuition, summer study, and college tuition.The organization offers scholarships to help provide dancers with training opportunities to further their education and passion for dance. In 2021, Dancing for Dancers launched a Mission Ambassador Program to promote the organization’s mission. This program provides dancers with a chance to connect with other dancers in the community.
Stephanie has been a professional dance educator and choreographer since 2009. Stephanie has been on staff at Reverie Dance Academy since 2014. She received her foundational dance training at Giordano Dance Center before earning her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. She furthered her dance studies in the NEIU dance department as a scholarship recipient. She later completed her Master's Degree in Social Work at Aurora University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Supervisor, and Therapist, Stephanie works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
In 2025, Stephanie opened her own private practice, Stages Counseling PLLC.The name of her practice was inspired by her love of dance, her work as a social worker, and a favorite quote from childhood: "Life is a dance from one stage to the next." She see life and approaches therapy as a continuous dance, moving through different stages.
Through Dancing for Dancers, Stephanie seamlessly blends her love of dance with her dedication to helping others, creating a powerful platform that uplifts both dancers and the community.
Dannie has been an integral part of Dancing For Dancers, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting dancers, for over seven years. As the Secretary, Dannie plays a key role in the administrative operations of the organization while also contributing to its mission through active involvement in numerous benefit shows. In these events, Dannie has served as the backstage manager, ensuring that dancers are well-organized and prepared to perform, helping to create a smooth and successful experience for everyone involved.
In addition to the work with Dancing For Dancers, Dannie has a rich background in teaching and coaching dance at various levels since 2014. This experience spans a range of age groups and skill levels, allowing Dannie to share a passion for movement and creativity with others. Alongside their dance career, Dannie is also a dedicated preschool special education teacher, further highlighting her commitment to nurturing and guiding young minds in both artistic and educational settings.
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Karen started studying dance over 30 years ago in suburban Chicago and continued at the University of Illinois. After graduation, she continued to study throughout Chicago with various studios and performances including working with Disney and the Magnificent Mile Parade. She has taught, choreographed, and directed dance programs for over 20 years and choreographed many award-winning competitive routines. Currently, she is choreographing in suburban Chicago and judging for the IHSA, Indiana High School Dance Team Association (IHSDTA), American Athletic Union (AAU), UDA, Dance Team Union (DTU), and United States All Star Federation (USASF). She is the Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Alliance of Illinois Dance Adjudicators as well as has worked with various high school dance teams in the Chicago area to improve their technique and performance. She also judges in the studio world for Beyond the Stars/One Beat dance competitions and Impact Dance Adjudicators.
Karen also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cheer and Dance Industry Professionals Judiciary Committee helping shape fair scoring and education across the dance team world. She is a member of the Illinois Dance Officials Association, the National Dance Education Association, the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts and has completed all the judging credentialing levels through the National Dance Coaches Association. Outside of the dance world, Karen has always loved giving back to her community.
Before becoming a mom, she would travel across the United States and beyond serving on missions helping to rebuild communities after disasters, such as Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, or impoverished communities with little to no water or power. Now, she is active in her local community serving as the Vice President of her children's elementary school PTO helping plan events for the school and parents. She also is the Director of Communications for the Lake Zurich Flames Football and Cheer program keeping athletes and families not only informed but also sharing the importance of youth sports and safety. Karen was thrilled when Stephanie started Dancing for Dancers and supported her during her very first show back in 2014. In 2020, Karen became a member of the Board of Directors and hasn't looked back! She loves being able to help out at the local events with D4D and seeing the growth of the dancers as they become amazing young people. Being a part of the Board has really allowed her to make a difference both financially and socially for so many dancers.
You can find her backstage during the benefit concerts aiming to keep the show running smoothly but also maintaining a supportive and fun atmosphere for the dancers, studio directors, teachers, and choreographers. It is by far her favorite event with D4D! She loves being able to give back to the communities that have helped shape herself and her family. Dance is truly a wonderful outlet for expression no matter how old or how young you are! Karen lives in Lake Zurich with her husband and 3 children.
