About Circle Studio
The heart and soul of Circle Studio is WomanSpirit Circles, LLC, founded in 2016. WSC was created to provide space for women to explore shared obstacles to self acceptance, to empowered relationship, and to fuller expression of their gifts in the world. After 10 years of itinerant life in yoga studios throughout Oak Park and River Forest, WomanSpirit Circles made the Oak Park Arts District home.
Circle Studio is rooted in the conviction that transformation — within and in the world — requires contexts in which the riches of the spirit can be cultivated: peace of mind, generosity of heart, creative flow, and joy. We are growing in our space but also welcome others who are creating community with programs that align with our mission of collective transformation. Come envision and implement change in a circle of your own.
Elena Vassallo Crossman
Founder
Leadership
Elena Vassallo Crossman is a 35-year veteran psychotherapist who was introduced early in her life to contexts for growth and transformation. She loves retreats, workshops, summer camps, started a house church at one time, and is just generally her happiest when people are together.
She is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Chicago Divinity School where, following the completion of her master's degree, she served as associate dean for 10 years while pursuing her clinical training and working with students in training to be ministers. Her work has always centered on the questions of human meaning, purpose and fulfillment.
In 2010, she co-founded Integrative Psychotherapy Associates with her spouse, Ken Crossman, where she serves as Clinical Director and sees clients. Elena and Ken have been at home in Oak Park since 1994, transplants from New York and California respectively. Their two grown children, Olivia (26) and Lucas (20), call themselves Midwesterners and are Oak Parkers through and through. It has been a privilege to serve the community they value so highly.