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 life-long 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 OPEF 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
Our mssion which is to bring hands-on STEAM opportunities to youth that inspire a life-long love of learning is made possible by the support of our leadership team.
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.
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.
Tara Oetting
Programs Director
While most recently, you may have seen Tara at Whirlwind Coffee as the General Manager, she has a not-so-hidden talent and wealth of experience in recreation and camp programming. Tara has worked in the field of recreation administration, training and community relations for the past 10 years at a therapeutic day school for students with autism. Tara has a Masters’ Degree from the University of Illinois in Recreation Administration and has successfully led after-school, camp and day programming for children and young adults. She is passionate about making programming safe, fun and accessible for every child. She lives in Oak Park with her wife, Katie and daughter, Lydia and loves raising her family in this community.
Ellen Riggsbee
Marketing & Communications
Ellen has a diverse background in marketing, communications and management managing many businesses from restuarants, retail stores and graphic design firms. Ellen is also the Communications Manager for Hephzibah Children’s Association, a local child welfare organization that helps children and families.
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.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our OPEF Board is governed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Executive Board of Directors
Leslie Truelove
President
Jason Cascarino
Vice President
Bob Walicki
Treasurer
Carrie Cotter
Secretary
Board Members
Michael Arensdorff
Jennifer Howat
Venus Hurd Johnson
Doug Hyman
Eboney Lofton
Cheree Moore
David Osta
Jennifer Staszak
Valencia Williams
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our OPEF Board is governed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Executive Board of Directors
Leslie Truelove
Jason Cascarino
Bob Walicki
Carrie Cotter
Board Members
Michael Arensdorff
Jennifer Howat
Cheree Moore
Douglas Hyman
Jamie Klobuchar
Eboney Lofton
Carrie Powers
Nancy Ross Dribin
Jennifer Staszak
Valencia Williams
Annual Reports
