Dana ClayAcademic Program Specialistshe/her/hers

Supporting people and making meaningful, genuine connections are values of mine that have helped steer my direction in life, and are a big part of what brought me to the School of Human Ecology. For over a dozen years in my previous career as an orthopedic massage therapist, I facilitated individuals’ wellness journeys through life stressors, injuries, surgeries, and more, while fostering a safe environment for release, growth, and a deepening of understanding. When the pandemic hit, I pivoted my soft skills and my analytical, treatment-planning, problem-solving brain into the biotech world. In my roles there, I worked in an administrative capacity across security, facilities, communication, HR, events, and quality. While truly appreciating the work and company missions, I missed having a more people-centered focus. Now in my role as an academic program specialist working at the school level across graduate programs and faculty affairs, I feel as though I’ve found a beautiful opportunity for the culmination of my skills and desires. Being a part of and supporting the wonderful community here at the School of Human Ecology where we’re striving to make the world a better place for all people in a human-centered way is nothing short of wonderful.