School age (k -5th)

Emily has worked at OPFS since 2019 predominantly with the After School and Summer Camp program. She has also worked in all of the lower school classrooms as a floater. She is now the School Age Program Director, and couldn’t be more excited. She plans to create the most fun and uplifting environment for all of the students to make lasting memories, and great friends. She is dedicated to the program, and is looking forward to building connections with everyone who comes into OPFS.

I have worked in youth development for the past 8 years including in school service and the after school setting. I have held many roles throughout my career but have most enjoyed creating spaces where mental health is championed for youth and staff. This passion opened the door for me to meet with local state representatives such as Senator Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to present policy changes to increase federal funding for mental health resources in underserved communities. My hope is continue to find ways to advocate and serve youth! My personal philosophy is to be the person I needed growing up. 

I come from a large family and became the legal guardian of my younger siblings at an early age. I have many fur babies including my dog Lilo and and my families' many cats. 

I love to travel and consider myself an adrenaline junkie! I have backpacked in Europe, skydived and parasailed. I'm looking forward to adding to the list! 

My name is Olivia and I am currently a junior at Dominican University studying psychology with a concentration in child psychology. I have worked at Oak Park Friends for 2 years as a lead in a mixture of school aged rooms and pods. I love getting to see the kids every day and help them navigate school and life through the pandemic. I love to draw, paint, read, listen to music and go thrift shopping in my free time!

Hello, I am Elena! I am a current student at Truman College with a scholarship that focuses on guiding students into becoming teachers. My goal is to work fulltime as a teacher with elementary students, preferably K-1st. In my free time, I enjoy helping my family by babysitting and also creating artistic portraits.

Penny joined OPFS March 2021. She just graduated high school in the  spring and is taking a gap year to work and save money. Penny is a singer/songwriter and is currently in a band called "Space Cake" that has a  song on Spotify called "Wonder". She loves working with the babies and  getting to know their fun individual personalities! Her mission is to make sure the kids are happy and comfortable wherever they are.