Birch Team (Ages 3 -4years)

Crystal is currently attending school to obtain her Associates in Early Childhood
Education. Crystal’s experience with children includes volunteering as a tutor for 6–10-year-old
children, she also worked with toddlers at a Montessori school as an assistant. Crystal has been at OPFS since January 2021 and is loving her time here so far. Crystal loves doing arts and crafts with the children and reading books. In her free time Crystal likes gardening, reading and learning about different cultures and languages.

Hi everyone! I recently moved to Oak Park from Champaign where I attended the University of Illinois and earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During my time in school, I learned so much about child development and I even had the opportunity to work as a student assistant in a preschool classroom which is where my passion for early childhood education blossomed. Now, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else! In my free time, I like to go on nature walks, watch movies, and spend time with my friends and family. I am so excited to start my adventure here at OPFS and so excited to get to know the kiddos (and all of you)! 

 I was born and raised in Chicago in a bilingual (French and English) and artistic household. I attended a French international school in that allowed me to travel to many places around the world! I moved to Oak Park in 2017 to attend Concordia University Chicago, I graduated in 2023 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I have worked in childcare for the past 9 years and have grown and learned so much from it.

Lauren has been working with OPFS since they were in Ms. Talley and Ms. Chloe’s house. She is going on her 8th year working with the Friends Community. Ms. Lauren has been working with kids since the age of 11 and has worked with young infants to young teens. She studied Education and Psychology at the Evergreen State College, and she loves the outdoors, art, music, dancing, and having fun!!!

Allison has been with OPFS as a lead teacher in the Blue Room since July 2015. She has been in childcare for over 12 years and has a college background in early childhood education. She has two beautiful boys at home (Patrick and Mando) and loves spending her extra time with them. Her philosophy for the kids in the classroom is the same as the philosophy she has for her sons. She strives to help the children be independent and confident in everything they do. She believes in open communication so please feel free to stop in and chat with her whenever you need.

Matt has been working at Oak Park Friends since the summer of 2017 in the afterschool program. He most recently has been working as a teacher with the OPFS Kindergarten. He enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends and family, as well as working out in his free time. In May of 2022 he earned his Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Chicago.