Our Programs

Program 1 - S.T.E.A.M & Stories

Where storytelling meets innovation.

S.T.E.A.M. & Stories invites participants into a creative learning experience where children’s literature and design thinking come together to spark imagination, empathy, and problem-solving.

Through engaging read-alouds and interactive workshops, participants explore the power of storytelling while applying the S.T.E.A.M. framework (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) to design meaningful solutions inspired by the challenges faced by story characters.

This program blends literacy, science, and creativity into hands-on learning experiences that can be delivered in-person or online, with flexible formats ranging from one-day intensives to immersive multi-day workshops designed for a variety of group sizes.

Using a structured design thinking process, participants learn to:

• Empathize with characters and their challenges

• Define real-world problems

• Ideate creative solutions

• Design and build prototypes

• Test, refine, and redesign their ideas

Educators and young designers alike gain practical strategies for facilitating open-ended, project-based learning experiences that encourage experimentation, resilience, and creative thinking.

By the end of the program, participants will have developed hands-on engineering mini-units inspired by beloved stories, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and focused on building innovative three-dimensional solutions.

S.T.E.A.M. & Stories transforms reading into an adventure in design—where imagination leads to invention.

Availability

Upon Request

Location

Chicago, IL

Program 2: Mindful Makers

mindfulness in the education/in the corporations/In sports

Where creativity and mindfulness meet.

Mindful Makers is a transformative program designed to help participants develop focus, emotional awareness, and creative confidence through the integration of mindfulness practices and artistic exploration.

In today’s fast-paced environments, students, educators, and professionals benefit from tools that support both well-being and creative thinking. Mindful Makers provides participants with strategies to slow down, reflect, and engage more deeply with their ideas and their work.

Through guided activities, participants explore:

• Mindfulness practices that build focus and self-awareness

• Creative expression through art and design

• Social-emotional learning strategies that support collaboration and empathy

• Reflective thinking to strengthen innovation and personal growth

Participants engage in hands-on creative projects that allow them to explore ideas while developing a greater sense of calm, balance, and intentional design in their work and learning environments.

Mindful Makers workshops can be delivered in-person or virtually, with flexible formats ranging from single-day sessions to multi-day creative intensives.

By the end of the experience, participants leave with practical mindfulness tools and creative strategies that can be applied in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday life.

Because great ideas flourish when the mind is calm and open.

Availability

Upon Request

Location

Chicago, IL

Program 3 -Young Innovatiors Design lab - Professional Development

Big ideas start with bold thinkers.

Young Innovators Design Lab empowers students to think like designers, engineers, and problem-solvers as they explore real-world challenges through design thinking and S.T.E.A.M. innovation.

This hands-on 3-5 day program encourages participants to become creative leaders and inventors, guiding them through the full design process while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Participants learn to:

• Identify challenges within their communities

• Conduct research and develop empathy for users

• Generate innovative ideas through brainstorming and collaboration

• Build and test prototypes using accessible materials

• Present and refine their solutions through feedback and iteration

Young Innovators Design Lab promotes project-based learning experiences where students explore the intersection of science, creativity, and technology while building confidence in their ability to shape the future.

Programs can be customized for schools, community organizations, camps, and after-school programs, with formats ranging from single workshops to multi-week innovation labs.

Participants leave the program not only with prototypes and ideas—but with the mindset that they have the power to design solutions that matter.

Because the innovators of tomorrow are learning to design today.

Availability

Upon Request

Chicago, IL.

Program 4-SEL Science Talking circles Professional development for teachers or workforce

Learn how to conduct your own science sharing circle in this one day workshop using the same principles as aboriginal talking circles. Recipients will improve speaking and listening skills while modeling how to be a part of a learning community. Walk away knowing the history of talking circles, the practices of facilitating science talking circle using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and “9 Talk Moves.” Improve your learning community while strengthening your classroom culture using productive talk strategies.

Availability

Upon Request

Location

Chicago, IL.

Program 5-TALKs To inspire creativity and success

A collection of interactive talks (30 min - 1 hour) ranging in topics from mindfulness in the classroom, self empowerment, developing a mindful mindset, fostering creativity and student engagement. All interactive talks are geared in getting participants to think BIG while becoming successful independent life long learners.

Participants walk away knowing:

• The basics of mindfulness in a successful workspace

• How to create an environment that supports creativity and innovation

• How to alter the way you think to increase your success in life

• Techniques that stimulate creativity in one’s life and in one’s work place

• Female Empowerment Talk

• Think Possible Talk

Availability

Upon Request

Location

Chicago, IL.

Program 6-Personalized Professional Development for teachers/educators

Collaborate, brainstorm and grow your ideas with Carla Stone personally. Work with Carla to create authentic professional development workshops that leave your participants feeling transformed! She will develop a meaningful, ready to implement workshops that meet the needs of your school or company. Possible topics addressed range from team building, design thinking, emotional intelligence, STEM/STEAM, SEL, Inquiry, Mindfulness in the Classroom, Motivation and Storytelling.

Availability

Upon Request

Location

Chicago, IL.