Preschool Kindergarten in Oak Lawn IL

Meet Our Staff

Lynda Aills - Director

Lynda Aills

Lynda Aills has been the director of Oak Lawn Day Nursery since 2000. She has a B.S. Degree in Education with proficiencies in English, Literature, and Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Education.
From childhood Lynda wanted to be a teacher, and has enjoyed many years as a High School English teacher in public schools in Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky where she has been awarded several Excellence In Teaching and Teacher Of The Year Awards. Lynda also has been teaching at Olivet Nazarene University for the past seven years and was presented with the Snowbarger Excellence In Teaching Award during the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies at Olivet.
Lynda is married to Pastor Gary Aills and they have two children, Nathan and Nicholas. As director of Oak Lawn Day Nursery Early Childhood Academy, she states, "The children that God brings our way are such blessings. This ministry is all about them, and how God does have a purpose for their lives. Learning begins here...in Early Childhood. We want to give our children the best."

Jennifer Gaskin - Teacher/ Kindergarten

Jennifer Gaskin

Jennifer has been a teacher at OLDN for 10 years. She has earned a degree in Elementary Education with specialities in early chilhood and special education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. "I love teaching Kindergarten," Jennifer says. "I chose to teach at OLDN because I believe God has called me to be here. I love teaching children about the love of God as well as all academic subjects. Every child is truly a blessing, a gift from God, and I feel honored that I am able to help them have a successful start to a bright future. Jennifer has one daughter, Devin, and they enjoy the outdoors and have "lots of adventures" together.

Michelle Falibene - Teacher/ Preschool

Michelle Falibene

Michelle Falibene has taught preschool at OLDN for 10 years. Michelle has a CDA in Early Childhood Education and enjoys running, exercising, and spending time with her family. Michelle especially enjoys teaching her preschoolers reading. Her preschool room is a lively center of learning where children can enjoy a reading library, a creative math and science center, and every opportunity to learn in a fun-filled environment.

Margarita Tavira - Teacher/Early Preschool

Margarita Tavira

Margarita Tavira has been at Oak Lawn Day Nursery for four years. She has a CDA in Infant, Toddlers, and Early Preschool. Margarita has experience as a children's director and is very involved with children in her church and community. She teaches with a loving heart, bringing her real world experience and love for children into the classroom in creative projects and fun activitiy. A truly nurturing person, Margarita has a flair for making the Early Preschool room a room of joy and happiness. In her spare time, Margarita loves spending time with her husband, her teenage boys, and her church family.

Sandi Heinz - Teacher/Early Preschool & Infants

Sandi Heinz

Sandi is a teacher in our Early Preschool Room. She holds a B.A. in Child Development and has worked in the Child Development Center at the Marine Base in 29 Palms, CA before moving to OLDN. She enjoys spending time with her husband, a former Marine. In addition, she loves animals (enjoys her cats and dogs), and is an avid reader.

Tracy Antosz - Teacher/Toddlers

Tracy Antosz

Ms. Tracy is the lead teacher in the Toddler Room and has been with OLDN for 8 years. She began as an assistant before earning her degree in Early Childhood with a major in infant and toddler care and instruction. Ms. Tracy continues to pursue her education by keeping updated in areas of infant/toddler growth and by attending workshops and seminars about the latest research in infant and toddler care. Ms. Tracy is also certified to teach two and three year old preschool, so on occasion you may see her in the Early Preschool room.

Ms. Tracy enjoys working out, and spending time with her teenage daughter as well as family and friends. In addition, Ms. Tracy enjoys scrapbooking and spending time with her two dogs.

Mary Doody - Teacher/ Infants & Toddlers

Mary Doody

Mary is director-qualified and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has enjoyed teaching at OLDN for 11 years, and specializes in infant care.

Billie Studnicka - Director-Qualified Teacher

Billie Studnicka

Billie has over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, both as a teacher and as a director. She enjoys spending time with her family and camping/boating. Ms. Billie loves teaching all ages and is especially fond of great children's books and art. She currently teaches in all rooms, and enjoys all of the children.

Mary Tlapa - Administrative Assistant

Mary Tlapa

Mary has been the administrative assistant at OLDN since 2008. She holds a B.S. Degree in Organizational Management from Trinity Christian College. Mary and her husband, Russell, have three children, Emily, Raegan, and Aaron.

Pastor Jeff Grindle - OLDN Chaplain/Chapel Director

Pastor Jeff Grindle

Pastor Jeff is our chaplain and leads the children's chapel on Thursdays. Originally from Massachusetts, he entered the United States Navy after high school. During the sixteen years Jeff spent in the Navy, he bagan to study for the ministry, earning a bachelor of theology degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, GA. Before coming to Oak Lawn First Church of the Nazarene, he ministered in three churches in Louisiana, Kansas, and Illinois. Jeff, and his wife Susanne, have five children and two grandchildren.