Emi Kelsey – Director
As Director of Center for Creative Learning, I am passionate about creating joyful, inspiring experiences that nurture every child’s creativity and confidence. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and have dedicated my career to helping children discover the arts through music, movement, and hands-on creative experiences.
For many years, I served as Executive Director of North Shore School for the Arts, where I developed innovative programs that encouraged children to grow artistically while fostering a lifelong love of learning. In addition, I have over 25 years of experience as a private piano teacher, helping students of all ages develop musical skills, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for music.
I believe every child is creative, and I am committed to providing a warm, encouraging environment where children can explore, imagine, create, and thrive through the arts
Susanna Pineda – Music & Movement, Vocal teacher, Group Guitar
Susanna is a dynamic music teacher who has been leading the “Wiggleworms” classes at Old Town School since 2000, as well as teaching guitar and ukulele in their kids programs. She has also brought music circle times to Montessori locations and grade schools in the Chicago area. She is a lifelong musician and a mom who loves working with kids of all ages.
Susanna has a fun and positive approach to lesson giving, mixing the enjoyment of playing alongside the seriousness of learning, with props, games, and keeping classes interesting for young students.
Chloe Graf- Dance (Ballet, Tap, Modern), Cartooning & Illustrations
Hello! My name is Chloe, and I am an artist who graduated from Beloit College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and double minors in Biology and Studio Art. I have lots of experience working with little ones as I was an assistant dance teacher throughout high school, and had an internship with Ups for Downs, a company that works with disabled adults and children to put on a full scale musical each year as their assistant choreographer. I prioritize play based learning and try to encourage every child to create art to their fullest potential and learn how art can be used as a healthy way of self expression.
Laurie Bachman – Art, Yoga
Hi! I am a retired Park Ridge preschool teacher. I retired after 35 years of teaching, but realize that I miss working with young children. One of my passions in teaching was introducing children to the great art masters. I helped develop an artist of the month program at my school and I taught workshops to other teachers. I also love to give children the chance to express themselves in process art, cultural art, and S.T.E.A.M. We will have a great year exploring art!
*Certified child yoga instructor*
Mai Thai – Sewing, Design
Hi, I’m so excited to sew with you! I’ve spent many years as a professional fashion designer, pattern maker, and seamstress, creating clothing with local designers. Now my favorite part is sharing those skills with kids!
In my classes, young creators will learn to use a sewing machine, make fun projects, and turn fabric into something amazing. Every stitch is a chance to build creativity, confidence, and new skills in a fun, encouraging environment. Whether it’s your very first project or you’re ready for a new challenge, there’s something exciting awaiting for everyone!
Darlene Kelsey – Vocal Instructor, Preschool Summer Enrichment
Darlene Kelsey is a graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University where she received her Master’s degree in vocal performance after completing a performance degree in oboe. She has sung roles with the Florentine Opera Company, Concert Operetta Theater, Opera for the Young, La Musica Lirica, Delaware Valley Opera Company, and the Savoy Company. She has also sung with the Grant Park Music Festival Chorus, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Musicam Sacram, Vox Ama Deus, West Jersey Chamber Music Society, and Main Line Symphony. Ms. Kelsey is a frequent recitalost and has performed on several concert series including the Noontime Concert Series at the University of Chicago and Longwood Gardens. She can be heard singing on VAD classics label, Rebels in Paris: Faure, Stravinsky, and Gershwin, and Bach’s St. John’s Passion. Ms. Kelsey has taught at Settlement Music School, Chestnut Hill College, North Shore School for the Arts, Fusion Arts Academy, and The Philadelphia School. She was awarded the 2018 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in Philadelphia and won the 2024 Louise Sanders Wonder Woman award in North Chicago D187 where she currently teaches music at Forrestal Elementary. She lives in Evanston with her husband, who is an artist, and her two sons.