Who We Are
In-school, after-school, and summer programming.
Welcome to the Oak Park Education Network.
Formerly known as the Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF), we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to making high-quality STEAM education accessible to every young person in the Oak Park community. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning by bringing artists, scientists and tech experts into Oak Park's public K-8 schools. Our vision is that every child served by Oak Park Education Network 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
The Oak Park Education Network (OPEN) empowers youth through engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences led by certified educators and community professionals. We expand access to high-quality learning opportunities that foster meaningful connections, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our Vision
Through innovative enrichment education, children are empowered to explore their curiosities, dream big, and pursue their passions - preparing them to help shape the future of our communities.
Leadership team
Our leadership team is dedicated to providing youth with hands-on STEAM opportunities that foster a lifelong passion for learning.
Executive Director
Latonia Baker
Latonia Baker brings more than 18 years of experience in education, program development, and organizational operations to her role as Executive Director of the Oak Park Education Network (OPEN). With a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University and a career dedicated to expanding access to meaningful STEAM education, Latonia combines creative vision, strategic leadership, and operational expertise to advance opportunities for young learners.
Program Director
Tamika Djondo
Tamika is a dedicated leader in education and workforce development, with a strong background in nonprofit leadership, program management, and student equity. She has extensive experience designing and leading impactful programs that empower youth and expand access to high-quality education. Holding an MBA from Stanford University, Tamika has devoted her career to creating opportunities that foster growth and success for students. She is excited to bring innovative, engaging programs to Oak Park students. Tamika currently lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
Operations Coordinator
Susan Raphael
Susan brings experience in the nonprofit sector as well as federal and state government along with a strong commitment to the Oak Park community to her role as Operation Coordinator. Originally from upstate New York, she has called Oak Park home for the past 20 years, where she lives with her husband and three children, who attend District 97 schools. She has been actively involved in the local school community by serving in Executive Board positions with both the Julian and Irving Parent Teacher Organizations. Outside of work, she is a women's professional sports fanatic, girl scout leader and AYSO Board Member.
Program Coordinator
Renee Barnett
Renee brings a background in music, education, and working with young people to her role as Program Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. When she is not working with OPEN, Renee works as a music therapist and music teacher with the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME). Born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, Renee now calls Oak Park home where she lives with her husband, Kevin, and their two children, Celia and Thomas, and their dog, Edison.
Out of School Programs Coordinator
Elle Morton
Elle received her BA from Washington University in St. Louis and MA from George Washington University in Washington, DC. When not working with OPEN, Elle is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and avid community volunteer. She loves doing the daily NY Times crossword puzzle and watching sports. Originally from Philadelphia, Elle lives Oak Park with her husband Josh, their three children, and two 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
Board of Directors
Our OPEN Board is governed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Executive Board
President
David Osta
Vice President
Valencia Williams
Treasurer
J. Luke Alberts
Secretary
Aubrey Parker
Board Members
Erin Cottingham
Julie Dauksas
Jennifer Howat
Amy Jefferson
Jung Kim
Eboney Lofton
Katy Loster
Brennan McMurry
Luke Staszak
Cheryl Sullivan
Annual Reports
Every Dollar Opens a Door.
OPEN's programs are free to students — and possible because of the generosity of our donors, partners, and community. Your support keeps STEAM exploration accessible to every child in Oak Park, regardless of background.