Staff & Board

Darlene is a founding board member and currently serves as Board President. She spent 35 years in elementary education as both a teacher and principal before retiring. She holds a B.S. in Education, an M.Ed., and a C.A.S. in Educational Leadership. Darlene is a recipient of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award and proudly grew up on a farm. One of her favorite quotes comes from her heroine, Eleanor Roosevelt: “A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”

Cathy is a founding board member and currently serves as Vice President. She was Board President from 2002 to 2016 and was part of the hiring committee that brought on Adam Woodworth—one of the best decisions EVER! During her presidency, she also helped lead the move from the museum’s 900-square-foot space on East Shore Drive to its current home on Museum Drive. Recently retired after 50 years in education, Cathy served as a teacher, Preschool Director, and Director of Christian Education. Her love for the museum and its mission continues after more than 20 years on the board.

Ian has served on the board since 2015 and currently holds the role of Secretary. A technology specialist with Burbank School District #111 for over 22 years, he brings a strong background in education and community service. Ian earned his BA in History from North Central College in Naperville and is a proud graduate of Oak Lawn High School, Class of 1990. He previously served for 10 years on the North Palos School District #117 Board of Education and is currently a board member at the Green Hills Library.

Fun fact: Ian attended college on a partial music scholarship—he played the trombone!

Linda has been a dedicated board member since 2000. She served in Youth and Educational Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church as an Associate in Ministry, retiring in 2019 after an incredible 52 years. She also co-chaired the museum’s Capital Campaign Event. Passionate about the value of creative and educational play, Linda shares, “That is what is so important about the mission of the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, IL. It has been a privilege for me to be a board member of this special place for several years.” In retirement, she enjoys gardening, crafts, cooking and baking, music, and volunteering.

Joan is a founding board member, serving since 2000. Recently retired from owning Buschbach Insurance Company, she has long been active in the Oak Lawn community. Joan is a past president and member of both the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce and the Oak Lawn Library Board of Directors. A dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she also served as council president. Joan and her late husband, Jim, played a key role in securing both the first and current museum buildings. Her passion for the museum remains strong, and she continues to be a valued supporter and advocate.

Quinn is a founding board member and has served as Treasurer since 2000. He and his wife, Kathy, have called Oak Lawn home for over 50 years, raising five children and now enjoying time with their 15 (and counting) grandchildren—five of whom are proud museum members. Quinn owns a local CPA firm, J. Quinn Mucker, Ltd., and has spent over 45 years supporting individuals and small businesses. He also serves as Treasurer of the Oak Lawn Parks Foundation, is a member of St. Gerald’s Parish Finance Committee, and currently chairs the board of Alvernia Manor, an independent living facility in Lemont, IL.

Jamie joined the board in 2014. Born and raised in Oak Lawn, she’s a proud mom of four with endless energy and a passion for creativity. With a professional background in marketing, Jamie brings valuable experience in sales, advertising, and event planning to the museum’s mission.

Kevin joined the board in 2005 after beginning as a volunteer over 16 years ago. Throughout his time with the museum, he has been honored to serve in various leadership roles, including as Board President. Kevin is the owner of KGM Home Inspection and is a licensed home inspector in both Illinois and Indiana. He also serves as a Technical Trainer for American Home Inspector Training, certifying and licensing home inspectors across the country.

Eddie Guillen is a dedicated husband, proudly married to his high school sweetheart, Jessica, for 18 years. He’s a passionate entrepreneur with over a decade of experience running a successful event rental company. In 2025, Eddie expanded his impact by launching both a nonprofit organization and a marketing company, fueled by his commitment to helping others and strengthening his community. A proud community organizer and neighbor you can count on, Eddie also enjoys life at home with his beloved Maltese dogs, Bella and Lulu. When he’s not planning events or organizing for change, you can find him indulging his love for tacos, cheering on the White Sox, or taking long, thoughtful walks… to the fridge.

Bill joined the board in 2014 and has remained actively involved with the museum, stepping in to support a variety of needs and initiatives. With a background as a long-time educator, corporate manager, and consultant for both businesses and nonprofit organizations, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to community enrichment.

My name is Andrea Gardner and I've had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for the Oak Lawn Children's Museum since 2016. I began my journey as an elementary school teacher in 2007 and, currently, teach 2nd grade in Matteson, Illinois. When I am not planning lessons or hanging out at the Moo Cafe in the museum, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael, and 2 sons, Phillip and Terrence.  

Bill joined the board in 2006 and has deep roots in Oak Lawn, where he was raised as one of eleven children. A proud husband and father of three grown children, Bill brings decades of experience in public service and skilled trades. He is a retired Police Officer, Local 134 Journeyman Electrician, Licensed Stationary Engineer, and former Fire and Police Commissioner. With a degree in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University, Bill recently retired after 38 years at World’s Finest Chocolate. He has also been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, serving in multiple leadership roles.

Heather Duncan joined the board in 2022. She is a Child Development professor, Consultant, Trainer, Coach and Early Childhood Dean of Teaching & Learning at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. She is a 2015-17 America Achieves National Fellow, a 2016 Chicago Foundation for Education ARLI Research Fellow, a 2018-19 Teach Plus Early Childhood Fellow and winner of Chicago’s 2018 Golden Apple For Excellence In Teaching Award. She holds a BA in English and MEd in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois, a certificate in Early Childhood Leadership from Erikson Institute and is currently pursuing a PhD.

Chris joined the board in 2021 and has always had a deep love for the Oak Lawn community, having attended Sward School and Oak Lawn High School. He holds a Business degree from the University of Denver and an MBA from Saint Xavier University. With 12 nieces and nephews and 9 great-nieces and nephews, Chris has long appreciated the museum as a place where children can explore their curiosity. “It’s so important to have a place for children to interact with each other and the museum is a perfect place for that to be accomplished.”

Bio Coming Soon. This board member brings valuable insight and experience to the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. With a shared passion for supporting youth, creativity, and lifelong learning, they are committed to helping the museum grow as a space where children and families can learn through play. Stay tuned for a full bio highlighting their background and dedication to the museum’s mission.

Bio Coming Soon. This board member brings valuable insight and experience to the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. With a shared passion for supporting youth, creativity, and lifelong learning, they are committed to helping the museum grow as a space where children and families can learn through play. Stay tuned for a full bio highlighting their background and dedication to the museum’s mission.

Jennifer O’Connor is a seasoned human resources professional with a strong commitment to community and family. A proud South Side Chicago native and lifelong Cubs fan, Jennifer brings passion and dedication to everything she does. Outside of her HR career, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Museum, where she supports initiatives that inspire learning and creativity in young minds. Jennifer cherishes time with her daughter and extended family, and she values the role of play, exploration, and education in childhood development.