Chestnut Team (Ages 4 -5 years)
Karina
Hi, I'm Karina!I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in 5th grade, and I come from a line of teachers in my family. Before starting college, I was aiming to pursue secondary education and theology. I had done observational and volunteer hours in a preschool and kindergarten classroom at a public school in Chicago and at my elementary school. This experience helped me decide Early Childhood Education was the route to follow. I have been in the Early Childhood field going on for 8 years so far. I am looking forward to spending many more years in this field! I have taught and cared for ages from 3 weeks of age to 4 years old. I live in the suburbs with my husband and our dog, Morri. He is a six-year-old mutt. I love road trips, spending time with friends and family, reading, puzzles, watching movies and documentaries based on true events, and trying new cuisines and restaurants.
Aaliyah
Aaliyah has been with the OPFS team since late 2020 and she has dipped her toes in the majority of age groups. Spending the most time with the lower school toddlers in Seedlings, she also loves having opportunities to move around the school. Ms Aaliyah moved to Oak Park in 2020 and found she really enjoys going outdoors and spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys resting, watching her favorite TV shows, and faithfully participating in and attending church. She has been working in childcare for several years and she loves watching the children grow and develop. She studied classical fine art at Columbia College and hopes to be able to utilize her artistic abilities to further engage her students in interactive and immersive activities, meant to help with exploring colors, shapes, textures, etc., while also maintaining a healthy play-based education.
Allison
Allison
Ms. Allison has been with OPFS as a lead teacher 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.
Oak Team (Ages 4 -5 years)
Jessica
Jessica
Jessica
Jessica – Jessica has been a part of OPFS since November 2021. She was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. Recently engaged, Jessica is a newlywed, married in November 2022. She attended Triton College and Northern Illinois University, studying business and accounting. She has been taking early childhood courses since high school and has worked with children just as long in gyms, summer camps, a Montessori school, a daycare for 8 years, a beloved nanny family for 4 and now at OPFS! She is excited to expand her education and work with your kiddos.
Katie
Jessica
Jessica
Katie has been working in the ECE field for over 10 years in a variety of different roles but her favorite role is being a teacher! She believes in creating an environment where students are able to play, explore and feel a part of a classroom community. When Katie is not at school she loves to travel or be outside in nature with her family.
Jessica A
Jessica A
Jessica A
Hello! My name is Jessica. I'm super ecstatic and honored to be a part of the OPFS team! I obtained my Associates in Early Childhood Education in May 2022 and had worked in the ECE field for a little under a year before joining OPFS. I have four silly little cats that I absolutely adore. Despite not being able to bring them with me to my favorite places, I love going to museums, going on nature walks, and going on roller coasters! I can't wait to get to know everyone and have nothing but fun and create new memories with the little ones, families, and of course, the staff!
Kelly
Jessica A
Jessica A
Kelly is excited to join the OPFS community! She has her Masters in Elementary Education and taught elementary school in New York City for 10 years. After becoming a mother, she taught in early childhood at City Garden Waldorf School in Chicago and developed a preschool cooking and gardening class at Sugar Beet Schoolhouse in River Forest. Kelly is an avid gardener, children’s book lover, and nature enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her extended family and 3 kids at the lake.