Meet
Lori Ann
Artist, Mentor, & Founder of Creative Minds Collective.
After a lifetime in the arts and years mentoring young creatives, I created this program to give imaginative pre-teens & teens a place to explore ideas, express themselves, and connect with other creative minds.
The arts have shaped my life for as long as I can remember.
A Lifelong Artist, Mentor, and Creative Guide
Growing up just outside New York City, I spent my childhood immersed in creative expression through musical theater, dance, and performing arts. By the time I was a teen and young adult, that passion had grown into a professional career as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. I toured and performed with bands & as a solo artist for more than fifteen years, wrote and recorded music, and was honored to receive a Billboard Magazine songwriting award.
But beyond performing, I discovered something I loved just as much – mentoring young creatives.
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to guide students through the arts as Director of a Performing Arts Camp for children and later as the founder of a songwriting academy where young artists learned to develop their voices, creativity, and confidence through music and storytelling.
Today, I continue working in the creative world as the founder of a ghostwriting agency and publishing company, helping authors bring their stories and ideas to life.
I’m also a Certified Life Coach, which allows me to support young people not only in creative expression but also in building confidence, communication skills, and a healthy belief in their own ideas.
But the inspiration for Creative Minds Collective didn’t come from my professional background – It came from my 12 year-old creative daughter.
Like many creative kids, my daughter longed for a place where she could freely explore art, imagination, and big ideas alongside other kids who loved creating as much as she did. We searched for programs that offered that kind of creative freedom and community — but nothing quite fit.
So we decided to build the space we wished existed.
Creative Minds Collective was created as a welcoming environment where imaginative pre-teens and teens can explore their creativity, collaborate with peers, and grow in confidence as creators.
In the beginning, I’ll be guiding the sessions myself, creating a supportive creative space where students can experiment with ideas, develop projects, and connect with new, creative friends. As the program grows, I look forward to inviting additional instructors and artists to share their expertise based on the creative interests that emerge within the groups.
Because creativity thrives best in community.
And every young creator deserves a place where their imagination is welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated.
Experience & Background:
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Science in Performance Arts & Marketing
• Billboard Magazine Songwriting Award Recipient
• Director of Performing Arts Camp for Youth
• Founder of a Songwriters Academy for Kids
• Professional singer/songwriter/musician & touring artist
(15+ years)
• Founder of a ghostwriting agency & publishing company
• Certified Life Coach
Creative Minds Collective exists to help young creators discover their voice & uniqueness, develop confidence, and find their people.
THE CMC MANIFESTO
We believe creativity lives inside every child.
We believe imagination deserves space to explore, experiment, and grow.
We believe creative kids shouldn't have to fit into a box to belong.
And we believe that when young creators are encouraged, supported, and surrounded by other imaginative minds — confidence and inspiration naturally follow.
“Creative Minds Collective” exists to give creative tweens & teens a place where their ideas are welcomed and their uniqueness is celebrated.
OUR CREATIVE PHILOSOPHY
SUPPORTING KIDS WHO THINK DIFFERENTLY
Not every child thrives in a rigid, one-size-fits-all learning environment — and that’s okay.
Many of the most imaginative and creative young people simply need the freedom to explore ideas, experiment, and express themselves in ways that feel natural to them.
At Creative Minds Collective, we believe creativity flourishes when students are given space to follow their curiosity. Instead of focusing on perfection or grades, we encourage exploration, imagination, and the courage to share ideas.
Our sessions are designed to be supportive, collaborative environments where students can work on projects that reflect their interests — whether that’s drawing, storytelling, music, media ideas, creative design, or something entirely their own.
Some students love to share their ideas openly. Others prefer to observe, think deeply, and create quietly. Both approaches are welcome here.
What matters most is that every student feels encouraged, respected, and free to explore their creativity in their own way.
Because when young creators feel safe to express themselves, confidence grows naturally.
Creative Minds Collective is not about fitting creativity into a structure — it’s about creating a space where creativity can thrive.
THE KIND OF KIDS WHO THRIVE HERE
Creative Minds Collective tends to attract a special kind of child.
Many of the kids who feel most at home here are imaginative thinkers who see the world a little differently. They often have big ideas, creative interests, and a natural curiosity about how things can be imagined, built, or expressed.
Some love to draw, write stories, design characters, make videos, or experiment with music. Others enjoy brainstorming ideas, inventing gaming worlds, or exploring creative concepts that don’t always fit neatly into traditional classes.
Many simply enjoy being around other creative kids who understand their way of thinking.
Some students are outgoing and excited to share their ideas. Others are more reflective and prefer to create quietly while observing the creativity around them.
Both belong here.
Creative Minds Collective is designed to be a welcoming place where imaginative young people can explore their creativity, connect with like-minded peers, and gain confidence in their own ideas.
Because when creative kids find the right environment, something incredible happens – their ideas begin to grow!
And sometimes all a young creator needs is the right space and the right community to begin.
40+ Years in the Arts
Youth Arts Mentor
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Performance Arts & Marketing Degree
A FEW OF MY
FAVORITE THINGS
01. MY KIDS
My two creative, outside-the-box thinkers are the inspiration behind Creative Minds Collective. They remind me every day how important it is for kids to have a place where their creativity is welcomed.
02. WRITING SONGS
Music has been part of my life since childhood. Writing songs and performing taught me how powerful creativity can be for expressing ideas, emotions, and stories & changing lives.
03. CHOCOLATE
A small but important creative fuel. Whether I’m brainstorming ideas, writing, or working on a new project, a little chocolate nearby always seems to help the creativity flow.
04. THE BEACH
Living near the ocean has been such a gift. The beach is one of my favorite places to think, reflect, and dream up new creative ideas. There’s something about the sound of the waves that always inspires fresh imagination.