Sarah Snodgrass is the Director of the Early Childhood Center. Her Passion is to share the love of Christ and love of learning with children, families, staff and congregation members through building loving and trusting relationships. 

Mrs. Rana Sweilem: Baby Rosebud Teacher

My name is Ms. Rana and I have been working at Open Arms for 17 years! I love to work with young children and especially infants. I have so much fun watching them grow and develop. My favorite part of the day is snack time and watching babies learn to feed themselves and develop their love for delicious and nutritious food. When the weather is nice I love to take the babies on long walks to enjoy nature. Walking and observing the world around me is one of my main hobbies. I also enjoy cooking and baking. This is most fun for me when I get to do it with my family.

I was born and raised in Madaba, Jordan but my husband and I have been living in the United States for over 35 years. I am a mother to four children - Issa, Sarah, Omar, and Fayrous. I am grateful everyday that our Open Arms families trust me with their precious babies, and so I make sure to pour all of my love and care into them each and every day.

Education: Early Childhood Education CDA certified

Ms. Debbie (that’s me) has been working at Open Arms since August of 2012. I started in the Toddler Tulips and then moved into the Begonia room where I am now the leader of the Begonia team. Prior to coming to Open Arms I was an elementary teacher in a Lutheran school. I am a product of Lutheran education and have always taught in Lutheran schools, graduating with my teaching credentials in 1985 from Concordia Chicago.

I grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, where my sister still lives. I also have two brothers, one lives in Maryland and the other in Georgia. Three of us are Lutheran trained educators. At times you might find me playing the organ at Immanuel, Glenview.

When I do have free time, I enjoy relaxing in front of the tv with my cats Cali, Oreo, and Monti. I also enjoy counted cross stitch projects and sewing. My latest project is sewing bibs for the OA classrooms.

I love working at Open Arms where I can share my faith with the children and their families.

Education: Elementary education - BA in 1985 from Concordia Chicago, Gateways credentials 1 and 2, working on Gateways Infant/Toddler credential.

Hello! I am Ms. Fayana and I have been at Open Arms since October 2017, and I have loved my time here! I have always wanted to work with young children and babies, and was so happy when I found Open Arms. I’ve enjoyed my last 6 years here as an assistant teacher , and can’t wait for many more as a lead teacher. I’ve leaned so much from various teachers here, and most importantly, I’ve learned how to better teach, take care of, and love all of these amazing children. When I’m not at Open Arms I really enjoy watching movies, K-Dramas, and listening to music! I’m excited for this new year and all the new adventures it will bring!

Education: CDA certified. Working on associates in Arts (elementary education pre-major)

I'm Miss Katherine! I have been working at Open Arms for several years now over the summers and winter breaks while I studied at Illinois State University! From the day I first walked into Open Arms I fell in love with the center and was so eager to join the wonderful team and community here! I have worked in every classroom and love seeing the way that each age group grows and develops in such a short time period.  I am so happy I am here to stay and will have the opportunity to build deeper relationships with students and families! I am so excited to implement new curriculums here this year for Music, Art, and Social Emotional Learning and help students learn in new ways! I also love the Daisy 3's room and am looking forward to co-teaching with Ms. Helen as we walk alongside children during such a special and impressionable age. I have been volunteering for faith-based organizations and youth groups for several years, but am so happy I will get to share the love of Jesus everyday at work now too! On the weekends I love spending time with my family and friends! I enjoy watching the Minnesota Vikings, watercolor painting, and of course having a good shopping day! 

Education: State of Illinois Licensed Facility Teaching Credential hours from Illinois State University