Creative Roots Studio

Meet Michelle Lorenzen
If there’s one thing Michelle believes, it’s this: when a person finds their words, they find themselves.

Michelle is a lifelong lover of language, stories, and the transformative power of literacy. With a B.A. in English from Lewis University, an M.A. in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse from DePaul University, and a Master of Social Work, she brings a rare and powerful blend of academic expertise, creative passion, and deep understanding of human development to everything she teaches.

But more than degrees, Michelle brings heart.

Her love for literature spans from classics like Jane Eyre and The Awakening, to children’s and young adult books she still happily buys for herself, to the imaginative worlds of horror and science fiction. She’s equally inspired by powerful women writers throughout history—voices like Julian of Norwich, Christine de Pizan, and Hélène Cixous—who used language to claim space, identity, and truth.

For Michelle, this isn’t just academic—it’s personal.

Language and storytelling were her tools for navigating life’s challenges growing up. Whether she was immersed in a novel, writing her own stories, or expressing herself through theater and spoken word, language helped her make sense of the world—and herself. That same passion now drives her mission:
to help others discover their voice and share their story unapologetically.

With over 15 years of experience in education and program leadership, Michelle has worked in classrooms and community spaces including Garden Gate Montessori School, Chesterbrook Academy, Kensington School, and the DuPage Children’s Museum. Her approach emphasizes learning through play, creativity, and meaningful engagement—especially in early literacy development.

She has also spent over 5 years teaching writing at the college level at Lewis University and Joliet Junior College, and more than 6 years as a tutor supporting students of all ages in reading, writing, and psychology.

Today, Michelle also works as a cognitive behavioral therapist for children, adolescents, and adults, giving her a unique lens into how people think, learn, and express themselves. She understands that writing isn’t just about grammar or structure—it’s about confidence, identity, and connection.

And at home? She’s a proud mom of four, a “Gigi” to three energetic toddlers, wife to Jeff, and a dog mom to Scooby and Daisy. When she’s not teaching or writing, you’ll find her reading (always), writing, exercising, hiking, playing board games, or immersed in the arts—especially one-acts, spoken word, dance, and musical theater.


🤍Check out
Little Readers, Big Futures

A Parent Child Early Literacy Class

Give your child a confident start on their reading journey while learning how to support their growth at home.

Little Readers, Big Futures is a hands on, play based literacy class designed for preschool and kindergarten aged children ages 4 to 5 and their parent or caregiver.

This engaging Saturday morning class focuses on building strong early literacy foundations, including
Letter recognition
Phonological and phonemic awareness
Early sound and letter connections
Pre reading confidence and engagement

Each session is interactive and sensory rich, incorporating music, movement, storytelling, shaving cream writing, sand play, and other hands on activities that make learning fun and memorable.

Parents attend alongside their child and will gain simple, effective strategies to support literacy development at home in a natural and stress free way.

Class Schedule

Saturdays June 6 through June 27
Saturdays July 11 through August 1
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!

Founders Reward: 3 families will receive a FREE summer camp spot

Chance to win reward :
• Like our page
• Share this post
• Tag 3 friends in the comments
• Invite your friends to like our page

Grand opening coming soon
June 1st, 2026
Creative Roots
425 U.S. 6
Suite B

Give your child more than just a summer 🤍give them a place to have fun, create, learn, and grow.

Join our Founders Circle and receive:

• earn $20 Visa gift card for each summer camp enrollment
• Early access to all camps, workshops, and programs
• Priority booking
• Exclusive Grand Opening Banquet invitation at The Gatherings

Spots are limited and filling fast.

Sign up now:
https://creativerootsprosuites.squarespace.com/

Welcome Ari!
Ladybug Avenue Craft collective

Welcome Number Navigations with
Mrs. Mathis at Creative Roots

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2_buJDQlAkaOpUeBPCE6EXToXY0aKs9DuZlQRRZvf0/viewform

Bright minds at Creative roots

My name is Eileen Ahmann, and I am a 2nd grade teacher based in Morris, Illinois. I have been teaching for four years and truly enjoy working with my students, families, and community.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and am currently continuing my professional growth by pursuing my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education.

I am passionate about teaching literacy, with a strong focus on developing students’ reading and writing skills. My goal is to create a fun, supportive, and engaging environment where each child feels confident and motivated to reach their learning goals.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and making meaningful memories with my family. We love being active in our church and community and embracing all that life has to offer.

I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your child’s learning journey.

Eileen

https://creativerootsprosuites.squarespace.com/

Welcome
Write Way Tutoring to Creative Roots.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19_ZT5Rlq9wlVToEQSQfs8LCJ-KWt2X1flqDpk8xIOaM/viewform

Visceral Arts at
Creative Arts Studio
with Kaleigh Mattson

Music • Visual Art • Theatre at Creative Roots

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-98zLRy3fUyxGQWqI3BxCeSMQBEPXQoI_NE0lvJT6ZQ/viewform

Inspire creativity. Build confidence. Create something meaningful.

Kaleigh Mattson brings over two decades of experience in music, visual art, and theatre, offering a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that allows students to explore and grow through the arts.

Her sessions are designed to nurture creativity while building confidence, expression, and a deep appreciation for artistic exploration.

What Students Will Experience

• Piano and vocal instruction
• Visual art exploration and creativity
• Introduction to theatre and performance
• Multi-sensory learning (sight, sound, movement)
• A supportive, inspiring environment

A Unique Approach to Learning

Kaleigh believes in learning through play and engaging multiple learning styles to reach every student. By combining music, art, and theatre, students are able to express themselves in powerful and meaningful ways.

Her goal is to help students feel confident, creative, and capable—while discovering the joy and healing power of the arts.

Perfect For Students Who:

• Love music, art, or performing
• Want to build confidence and creativity
• Thrive in hands-on, expressive environments
• Enjoy learning through movement, sound, and imagination

Now Enrolling

Small group classes and private sessions available.

Join us at Creative Roots Pro Suites & Studio

MEET OUR PARTNERS

This is the team bringing my vision to life.

A collective of passionate educators, artists, and professionals, each carefully selected for their talent, experience, and commitment to excellence.

Interested in Becoming a Partner?

Have you been thinking about starting your own business?

That’s exactly why I started Creative Roots. This vision was built to give others the opportunity to grow, build, and bring their ideas and dreams to life.

As the creator, I carefully select and fully support the ventures that align with the vision and standards of this space.

Send us me your business plan and vision and take the first step toward building something of your own.

This is more than just a space.
This is where your vision becomes reality.

Together, we are creating something truly different.
A space where creativity is nurtured, confidence is built, and every individual has the opportunity to grow.

Karla Escalante-Ferreyra 🤍 🌳

Welcome partners to

Creative Roots Pro Suites & Studio

Creative Roots Pro Suites and Studio is a thoughtfully designed space built on vision, intention, and purpose.
🎨 🖼️ 🎶 📕 🧳

A place where creativity and professionalism meet, and where individuals are given the environment to grow, create, and bring their ideas to life.

From The Studio to our summer camp experiences, as well as year-round opportunities including tutoring, STEM, music, improv, art, and Spanish and English as a second language workshops, everything has been carefully curated to offer something meaningful, refined, and inspiring.

All tutoring and camp experiences are led by highly qualified, certified educators with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, bringing both professional expertise and a genuine passion for teaching into every experience.

También ofrecemos apoyo en español para quienes lo necesiten.

We also offer private events, including birthday parties, along with flexible rental suites available hourly, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

Camp times and dates for the summer will be shared soon, along with the introduction of our exceptional team of partner educators.

This is not just a space.

It is an experience.