Who We Are
Welcome to the Oak Park Education Foundation
We’re a privately funded non-profit that brings hands-on STEAM opportunities to youth through in-school programming and summer camps. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning by bringing artists, scientists and tech experts into the Oak Park’s public K-8 schools. Our vision is that every child served by Oak Park Education Foundation has the opportunity to explore their curiosities, dream big, and find their passions through our innovative programming. Our strengths lie in professionals who share their passion for learning with our public school kids.
Our Mission is Strengthened by Our Values:
To develop and support programs that embody these guiding principles: Equity and inclusion, A sense of belonging, Inspiration, Real-world Connections, Innovation, Community Engagement and Fun
Meet Our Leadership Team
Because of our leadership team, our mission to bring hands-on STEAM opportunities to youth that inspires a lifelong love of learning is possible.
Latonia Baker
Executive Director
Latonia Baker has over 18 years of professional experience in education programs and operations. Before joining the OPEF team, first as Programs Director, she served as a Regional Operations Manager for iD Tech Camps where she managed a variety of STEAM programs for children ages 7 – 18. Prior to that, Latonia worked as an adjunct professor at the American Academy of Art teaching and creating curriculum for the Visual Studies department. She also ran a digital design firm that focused on creating 3D computer models and graphics for architecture and construction businesses. Latonia loves serving as a volunteer basketball coach and mentor for the girl’s youth feeder teams in Hoffman Estates, IL.
Tamika Djondo
Programs Director
Susan Raphael
Operations Coordinator
Susan is from upstate New York, but has lived in Oak Park for the past twenty years with her husband and three kids who are currently in D97. She has been active with Executive Board positions in both the Julian and Irving PTOs. Susan has work experience in the nonprofit sector as well as federal and state government. In here free time, she is a woman’s professional sports fanatic, girl scout leader and AYSO Board Member.
Renee Barnett
Program Coordinator
Renee was born and raised in Waukegan, IL and received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. When she is not working with OPEF, Renee works as a music therapist and music teacher with the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME). Renee lives in Oak Park with her husband, Kevin two kids, Celia and Thomas, and dog, Edison.
Elle Morton
Out of School Programs Coordinator
Originally from Philadelphia, Elle received her BA from Washington University in St. Louis and MA from George Washington University in Washington, DC. When not working with OPEF, Elle is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and avid community volunteer. She loves doing the daily NY Times crossword puzzle and watching sports. Elle lives in Oak Park with her husband Josh, 3 kids, and 2 cats.
D97 Teacher Coordinators
Brooks Robotics Vex Program Coordinator:
Brian Shinners | Brooks Design Teacher
Julian Robotics Vex Program Coordinator:
Tim Walsh | Julian Design Teacher
Julian Robotics Vex Program Coordinator:
Jason Morelle | Julian Science Teacher
Spoken Word Program Coordinator:
Miles Lee | Brooks Language Arts Teacher
Spoken Word Program Coordinator:
Bessie Santos | Julian Language Arts Teacher
5th Grade Vex IQ Program Coordinator:
Sharon Pearce | Retired D97 Teacher Librarian
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our OPEF Board is governed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Executive Board of Directors
Jason Cascarino
President
Valencia Williams
Vice-President
J. Luke Alberts
Treasurer
Aubrey Parker
Secretary
Board Members
Erin Cottingham
Julie Dauksas
Jennifer Howat
Amy Jefferson
Jung Kim
Eboney Lofton
Dave Osta
Luke Staszak
Cheryl Sullivan
Annual Reports
