John Hastings, MMHC
Psychotherapist
John comes to the Sasco River Center from a varied career background. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Art History, John earned an MFA in theatrical lighting from New York University. A career lighting dance, theatre, and Broadway followed. Changing professions, he was accepted into the New York Teaching Fellows program, earned a MEd and taught fourth grade for twenty years, both in the New York City public system and at New Canaan Country School. Building on his gift to connect with students, John earned his master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Iona University.
In addition, John is an experienced improv teacher who believes the skills developed learning to improvise can be powerful tools to help children, adolescents and adults overcome feelings of anxiety and depression. These techniques, when used within a cognitive behavioral therapy framework, can empower those he works with to gain a better understanding of their emotions.
- B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Art History
- MFA, New York University, Theatre Lighting
- MEd, Adelphi University, Elementary Education
- MMHC, Iona University
To reflect back to the client a version of themselves they hadn’t seen before.
John did the stage lighting for Patti LuPone’s recent concert at Carnegie Hall.
“Assume a virtue if you have it not.” – William Shakespeare