Meet our Family
Every staff member at Open Space strives to develop a positive and meaningful relationship with the families. Our staff always makes the extra effort to ensure that each family member feels respected and valued at Open Space. By selecting us as your primary childcare provider, we are your extended Family!
Ms Kanwal
Ms. Kanwal has been working in the education field for over 10 years and has worked with children ranging from infants up to school-aged, but has found her passion to be in Early Childhood. During her time in the early childhood field, Ms. Kanwal has worked as a classroom teacher for various age groups as well as on the Leadership team as an Assistant Director managing not only day to day operations but also focusing on overall center programming and teacher development. Ms. Kanwal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F Austin State University and has recently obtained her Master’s Degree from Erikson Institute in Child Development specializing in Administration. In her free time, Ms. Kanwal enjoys volunteering for youth programs, reading, yoga and Zumba!
Ms Sweta
Hi! I am Ms. Sweta, alternatively known as Ethan’s mom! I am so very excited to be part of the Open Space family as a teacher and assistant director. I’ve been in early childhood education for almost 8 years and it is absolutely my life’s passion. I’ve had many roles in education–volunteer, floater, assistant, teacher, program manager, developmental therapist. I’ve loved them all and have learned so much along the way. In 2017, I completed my Master’s degree in early childhood education with the unyielding knowledge that this is the work I was meant to do. I love learning alongside my kiddos and helping to untangle questions about the world and all the amazing things in it. I look forward to being your partner in the care and education of your little ones and I thank you for trusting me and this school I believe so much in.
Ms Patricia
Hello, my name is Patricia Mosby. I have been working with children for over 17 years. The children who I have worked with range in age from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. After working with various ages groups, I found my passion to be working with infants. I am excited to continue my journey at Open Space Early Learning Center as a teacher in the infant program. I am originally from Greenville, Mississippi, where I was born but I moved to Chicago in 1989. I am a very reliable, responsible person and have great patience with children. I cannot wait to meet each of you and your children. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Ms Sara
Hello friends! My name is Sara Lasi, and I am so excited to be serving as a Lead Teacher at Open Space! I am ecstatic to be in an environment that I have grown very familiar with! I recently graduated from Florida State University in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Psychology. To enhance my education and knowledge within this field, I had the pleasure of working at the FSU Childcare and Early Learning Center in Tallahassee throughout my senior year. I worked with friends from ages 0-5 and loved each and every age group I worked with, but especially the infant group. I would best describe my teaching philosophy as maintaining a clean and organized environment at all times, keeping to routines and schedules, and ensuring that the friends I have the opportunity to work with grow every day. When I am not caring for my friends at The Center, I love to enhance my cooking and baking skills in the kitchen, work on my photography, and explore new parks. I am so excited to be a part of Open Space and hope to continue to expand my knowledge of child development!
Ms Elizabeth
Greetings! I am Elizabeth but many of my family and friends call me Eli. First of all, I want to say that I am so excited and grateful to be part of the Open Space family! I am new working with kids; I have been working with kids for a little over a year now. I started working with kids at first to help out a good friend of mine with her art studio. Being exposed to such a fun, creative environment has inspired me to pursue a career in childcare or perhaps even child welfare. I truly feel kids learn best in a nurturing environment where they can explore what it is being a kid. I enjoy biking, swimming, and absolutely love cats! Please don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me around!
Ms Mandy
My name is Mandy. I have taken care of babies and toddlers since I was a kid myself, helping babysit until I was old enough to babysit on my own. My experience in childcare centers is around ten years in three states, all very different. I have mostly worked in infant and young toddler rooms and have been a float between these rooms as well as a lead teacher for the last four years in a young toddler room in Washington state. I went to college for four years for social work and have taken various courses in early childhood education from the basics to some of the different ways children learn through play. My teaching philosophy would be that children learn through play and exploration and lots of talking and open-ended questions. babies and toddlers learn through using their senses and should have plenty of sensory activities in both fine motor and gross motor play. Things I do in my free time for fun would include time outdoors and crafting activities such as scrapbooking and pretty planning. Some of my favorite things are adventures/maps/galaxy themes and I love Disney, Marvel, and archaeology.
Ms Karla
My name is Karla Garcia, born and raised in Chicago. I have accomplished graduating from college as a Medical Administrative Assistant. I have worked in a medical setting and I have also worked as a freelance babysitter, because I love helping people and working with children. I get to watch children grow and learn. I enjoy encouraging kids to be creative with stimulating activities such as painting, coloring, reading and exploring outside. I think it is important for children to try different activities and expand their horizons–I love being a part of that!
I have children of my own. I make sure I keep my children busy, so we play board games, do DIYs, color, paint, play outdoors, watch movies and play video games.
I am really looking forward to helping create memorable experiences for everyone!
Ms Hannah
Hi I’m Miss Hannah! I’m so excited to be starting here at Open Space. Over the years I have worked in childcare programming with ages 6mo. -18 years old. For the past two years, I have been the lead teacher of a 2 year old classroom in Lincoln Park. I have taught both here and overseas in Africa. I attended Trinity international University for college and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a sociology minor. I’m currently taking more ECE classes.I love watching kids grow and develop. It’s so rewarding to help foster that growth. I believe learning and growth happens best with strong relationships. It’s important to me to get to know each child and family individually to help each child grow to their greatest potential. When teaching I try to make the theme as tangible as possible through play and immersion. I focus on social emotional skills and fostering independence and peer relationships.When I’m not teaching I love to explore, craft, and eat. I’m always looking for new things to see and new foods to try. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of partnering with you in your child’s learning journey!