Our Story

 The Atelier stems from our love of art, music, children, and education.  We seek to bring the joy of learning to young children and families within our community!  We believe in the power of learning through the fine arts and have designed our programs to be a hands on creative curriculum that integrates all learning with a strong focus in art and music and the creative/learning process. 

Kara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Education in Art Education from the University of Missouri. She has taught preschool and elementary children for over 13 years in Columbia, MO, Blacksburg, Virginia and Toronto, Ontario.  While in Virginia she was lucky enough to teach at a Reggio Emilia inspired research and laboratory school on the campus of Virginia Tech. She fell in love with the Reggio approach which naturally mimics her own philosophies about childhood education.  She has attended Reggio Emilia workshops and conferences and looks forward to continuing her education through continued involvement in the Reggio community. Her dream to create a beautiful, nurturing environment for children to learn, experiment, discover, create, laugh, and grow has come true through The Atelier! 
​Co-owner/director, lead preschool/primary school teacher, & Let's Create ART Together instructor.

Benjamin is a life long scholar, educator, and musician.  He grew up in Columbia, a son of two music educators. I guess you could say that he has music education in his blood.  He is a certified instructor in the Orff-Schulwerk method of preschool music education, and loves sharing his passion of music with children.  Benjamin is a multi-instrumentalist and voice specialist who has toured the United States and produced albums of original work.  He also holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Toronto. When he isn't "Mr. Benjamin" at The Atelier, he is "Dr. Hook" an instructor in the School of Natural Resources at MU. His wide range of knowledge and experience brings so many learning opportunities to the classroom. 
​Co-owner/director, lead preschool/primary school teacher, Let's Create MUSIC Together instructor, private & small group music lessons.

We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to move back to Columbia, with our two young sons, to be near family and friends.  We love being a part of this community and want to give children a place to learn, explore, discover, and create.

​We hope to see you at The Atelier!  

​Kara and Benjamin Hook

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​you will also find these lovely teachers 

spreading their joy of learning at The Atelier...
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​Jenn Book Haselswerdt (Ms. Jenn) received a BA in Theatre from The American University and a MA in Theatre History and Criticism, Dramaturgy focus, from The Catholic University of America. She loves teaching children of all ages creative drama and music; writing and facilitating curriculum for arts-integrated lessons, and creating plays for and with young actors. She is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys integrating yoga into our daily curriculum. In addition to her work with children, Jenn is also a dramaturg who has worked locally with actors, directors, playwrights, and audiences in Columbia.
Lead preschool/primary school teacher, Story Time Yoga Together & Artful Yoga instructor, 

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​Brianna Casey (Ms. Brianna) holds a Bachelor degree in Art Education from the University of Missouri. She has worked many years with preschool aged children as a lead teacher and assistant director. Brianna is passionate about providing children with a creative learning environment that allows them to organically build skills by working together, expressing their ideas, and reflecting on their experiences. In her free time, you can often find her in the ceramics studio or the local community theatre! 
Lead preschool teacher, teacher-training mentor

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Elizabeth Wolfson (Ms. Elizabeth) earned a BA in Art History from Knox College, a MA in Art History and Archaeology from Washington University-St. Louis, and a Ph.D. in Art History and Archaeology from the University of Missouri.  The Atelier has given her the chance to foster and encourage learning, exploration, and creativity among preschoolers. In her spare time she's teaching Sunday school at a local synagogue, and volunteering at Orr Street Studios and the Museum of Art and Archaeology.
 assistant preschool teacher

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Kristin Crabtree (Ms. Kristin) holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with Vocal/Choral emphasis from Missouri State University.  She has spent many years teaching music to children of all ages, preschool through twelfth grade.  She loves helping children experience joy and self expression through music, as well as using music fundamentals to enhance other areas of student learning.  She has seen the success of the Atelier’s methods firsthand through her own daughter, and is incredibly excited to help other children learn and explore at The Atelier!  
 assistant preschool teacher
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​our interns...

Our partnership with the University of Missouri has allowed us to welcome senior students working on their degrees in Early Childhood Education into our classrooms.  The Atelier values life long learning and we find great value in helping nurture future teachers in quality educational practices.  This semester we are so happy to have Lauren and Danielle at our school!

Lauren Vannatter (Ms. Lauren) is a senior in the Early
Childhood Education program at The University of Missouri... 

"When I am not in class, I love spending my time reading books, riding my bike, and exploring with young children! After I graduate in May, I hope to start teaching preschool or elementary aged students in Kansas City where I grew up. I am so excited to be at The Atelier this fall. I cannot wait to watch the children play, investigate, and explore."

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​Danielle Mortimer (Ms. Danni) is a senior in the Early Childhood Education program at the University of Missouri...

​"I have been working at a preschool for the last three years and really enjoy working with children of all ages. After graduating, I look forward to having a classroom of my own.  I am really excited for my time at The Atelier school."