Today we’d like to introduce you to Staisha Hamilton.
Hi Staisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Western New York in a matriarchal home. My grandmother was strong, stern, and no-nonsense. My mother embodied some of those same qualities; however, hers were more pronounced. This made for interesting dialogue within my home. As I have gotten older and have been a social worker for over a decade, I’ve realized the true impact of transgenerational trauma and how it manifests in many multigenerational homes.
Although my home was filled with acts of love and kindness, the verbal affirmation of that was sometimes lost. As a child, I was angry, I acted out, fought frequently, and was often suspended. As an adult, I understand my anger masked the sadness and the constant struggle of finding myself in a world that did not have a lot of “Staisha’s” walking around it. This struggle would continue into adulthood.
To channel the anger, I was placed in every sport; however, the one that would stick would be classical ballet. Although I searched and searched for other ballerinas that looked like me, it wouldn’t be until I was out of high school that I would find a piece of the representation I was yearning for. This internal battle would continue, but somehow the movement of dance would provide the space and time I needed to stop being “so angry.”
In addition to being a social worker, I currently teach ballet to local students. I also offer movement and processing sessions to groups of Black women in early childhood, corporate, and nonprofit settings. Throughout my work, as a clinician and dancer, I have demonstrated that art and clinical work can exist in the same arena. I intend to provide versatility within the process of healing in offering dance and movement, meditative, and grounding techniques in addition to traditional talk therapy.
It was at the height of the pandemic, when the world was on fire, that I decided to create my company, W. O. W (Without Words). It was during this time that I knew if I needed an out, the world would need one too.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge by far was the end of my dissertation for my Doctoral degree. I wrote it while sitting in a hospital bed, staying by my mother’s side as she took her last breaths. I never left her. Between moments, I typed away, making sure she had everything she needed, holding her just as she had held me so many times before, both physically and emotionally. This was in March of 2023. In April of that year, I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Staisha Hamilton
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It was during the height of the pandemic, when the world felt like it was on fire, that I decided to create my company, W.O.W. (Without Words). I realized that if I needed an outlet in such a turbulent time, others would too. As both a clinician and dancer, I had long known that art and therapy could coexist in powerful ways. Through W.O.W., I offer a blend of dance, movement, meditative practices, and grounding techniques alongside traditional talk therapy, creating a versatile approach to healing.
W.O.W. is the convergence of two things I am deeply passionate about: therapy and movement. It focuses on providing accessible movement work in all settings and communities. I’ve been amazed by the transformation that occurs when women, especially women of color, are given the space to release, rest, and feel truly safe. I am honored to walk alongside so many incredible women on their healing journeys. W.O.W. offers a restorative awakening when words alone aren’t enough.
What matters most to you? Why?
Authenticity matters, especially as a woman of color. In a world that often tries to shrink, shape, or silence us, choosing to show up as our full, real selves is an act of courage and liberation. Our voices, our stories, our identities, and our lived experiences are not just valid; they’re necessary. Your story is strength. Standing in your truth isn’t just confidence it’s impact.”
Pricing:
- Consultation $100
- Virtual Movement Session $125
- Workshop Facilitation inquire
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @withoutwordsllc
- LinkedIn: Dr. Staisha Hamilton
- Other: withoutwordsllc@gmail.com
Image Credits
acjphoto
Anthony Malkin
Nahn Tran
dancerealmx
eyesunphotography
the baehive photography
