The Team
Rosie Disaster
Presenter, Workshop Facilitator
Rosie Disaster is a Genuine Professional Pretend Magical Helper and Community Character.
Ms. Rosie is a dedicated community builder and advocate for family engagement. Rosie brings parents/caregivers and children together through creative crafting, shared resources, and meaningful connection. Ms. Rosie believes that strong communities are built through shared experience.
Danny Oertel
Producer, Writer, Podcast Ingenue
Horror nerd.
Currently studying Information Science at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Leanna Oertel
Creative Director
Leanna is the founder of The Gothic Workshop, an ongoing family-oriented initiative based in Kalamazoo. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Leanna holds a special place in her heart for mythology, graphic novels, and creative writing. She is passionate about nurturing spaces where families can grow in harmony with nature and each other. Her work is rooted in pagan values, seasonal living, and reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity.
Rosie Disaster' s
gothic WORKSHOP
Our mission is to foster meaningful connections within families and the greater Kalamazoo community through hands-on crafting, resource sharing, and intentional gatherings rooted in pagan values.
We honor the rhythms of nature, embrace scientific understanding, and celebrate creativity.
We create a welcoming space for parents/caregivers and their children, as well as adult community members, to learn, grow, and thrive together.
in the service of
PARENTS/ CAREGIVERS
While facilitating crafting and science workshops, Ms. Rosie simultaneously creates a safe environment for parents to have important conversations with their kids about difficult topics, such as Global Warming, Fear, Identity Issues, and Death. She is here to teach you that weird/dark things can be beautiful and worthy of contemplation. Rosie strives to make her workshops fun, educational, and magical.
KIDS
Whether children are in a physical space with Ms. Rosie, like the library or The Gothic Workshop, or watching her online book reviews or other online content, her objective is to host a safe place to fail, experiment, be vulnerable, and take risks. By modeling these behaviors, Ms. Rosie hopes to help instill resilience, curiosity, and creativity in her young participants.
ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Bring all authentic parts of yourself together at The Gothic Workshop. Adults deserve to feel welcome and safe in their community. Sometimes adults need a space to be weird, silly, and messy, too. Schedule a workshop with Ms. Rosie: she will lead you and your friends and family through imaginative crafting, playful exploration, and honest conversation—all in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Whether you're curious, crafty, or just in need of a space to unwind and be real, this is for you.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
We aim to collaborate with small, local businesses in the Kalamazoo area by sharing resources and creating engaging experiences that attract visitors to the downtown district. Our workshop offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and artists to pilot new business concepts, showcase art installations, or present performances in a supportive, community-centered environment. Together, we strive to make downtown Kalamazoo a vibrant, memorable destination that invites repeat visits and lasting connections.