Our Team

Office Administrator
Ms. Barbara has a BA in English from Colombia College. She worked as a substitute instructor of Theatre at Columbia and later worked over 25 years managing tow of Chicago's most prestigious theatre companies touring with numerous Broadway productions, among them: Phantom of the Opera, Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Sleuth. She also produced, The Nutcracker Ballet at Arie Crown Theatre for Chicago Tribune Charities.

Assistant Director/Head Teacher Sunshine Room
Ms. Chely has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Catholic University in Santiago, Chile. She has over 30 years of experience teaching in preschools and elementary schools, 29 of those years at First Baptist, and 23 years as Assistant Director. She brings early Spanish to the school. In her free time her favorite things to do is spend time with family and friends and rider her bike through Oak Park.

Head Teacher Rainbow Room
Ms. Debra is the Head Teacher of the Rainbow Room. She has been with First Baptist for twelve years. Prior to coming to First Baptist Ms. Debra served as Director, Assistant Director, and Head Teacher for Head Start and KinderCare. Ms. Debra has been in the Early Childhood Field for thirty-five years. Her career in early childhood education has been a lifelong passion that demonstrates her love for teaching children. Ms. Debra has one son and grandson whom she adores.

Director/Lead Teacher 123 Sesame Street Classroom
Ms. Leniquia is the Director of the Center who also pose as the Lead Teacher in the 123 Sesame Street two year old classroom. Leniquia attended First Baptist in the Afterschool program as a child. She started as a Teacher in 2024 and was promoted to Director upon the retiring of the previous Director. Leniquia has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development from Triton College. She is currently attending Grand Canyon University to obtain her Bachelors in Early Childhood Development and Special Needs. Leniquia has over ten years of experience working in preschools as a Lead Teacher and Assistant Director.

Co-Teacher Sunshine Classroom
Ms. Lili joined First Baptist in 2024. She is a co-teacher in the Sunshine Classroom. Ms Lili previously worked at Glasser Preschool for eleven years. She is originally from Brazil, Ms Lili speaks Portuguese and Spanish. She has a Masters degree in Counseling for Elementary Education and Psychology of Education. Ms Lili has over thirty years of experience in Education. Ms Lili has an 18 year old son who currently attends Penn State. Ms Lili enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing and reading a good book!

Assistant Teacher/Cook 123 Sesame Street Classroom
Ms. Mary has been with First Baptist for 23 years. She is the Teacher Assistant in the 123 classroom. Ms Mary attended Triton College to continue her Education in Early Childhood Development. She is also responsible for creating healthy meals and snacks for the First Baptist children. Ms Mary received her Serv Safe Certification from National Restaurant Association. Ms. Mary's influence and dedication to her students is evident in the number of returning students who come to visit with her after moving on from the school. She loves to spend time with her three children and seven grandchildren.

Assistant Teacher Rainbow Classroom
Ms. Kayia was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She previously worked at a home daycare called Little Footsteps. Ms. Nakayia graduated from High School a year early in 2022. She has six sisters and two brothers and is the youngest of her siblings. Her passion has always been to work with children. Ms Nikayia's future includes getting a CDA (Child Development associates degree) and becoming a Lead Teacher.

Driver and School Maintenance
Mr. Ricardo loves to read, run, watch foreign films, and spend time with friends.

Assistant Teacher 123 Sesame Street Classroom
Ms. Tamkia was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She has been with First Baptist for a little over three years. Previously, she was an assistant teacher with Little Newtons. Ms. Tamkia has over ten years of experience in childcare. She has her certificate as a Medical Administrative Assistant in Dialysis Technology. She has three children and three grandchildren. Ms. Tamkia is a home health care provider for her mother who has COPD.