Our Team
Managing Directors
Carolina Poniaczyk
carolina@starsforlife.ca
Carolina is an Early Childhood Educator and graduated from the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia.
She has over 20 years of experience running her own successful business and she holds an MBA in Marketing.
Being a mom of 4 combined with her experience creating the desire to open Stars for Life.
A place where children are loved and cared for and guarantees all the tools they need for learning and developing healthy minds.
Carolina speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Adriana Sestini
drika@starsforlife.ca
Adriana is an Early Childhood Educator, holding a bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education and School administration, and a specialization degree in Psycho-pedagogy.
She has been working in education for more than 20 years, not only teaching but also as head of the department and helping daycare owners create childcare-focused curriculum.
Her passion for education started at an early age with volunteer participation in poverty communities.
In addition to being an Educator, she has 3 children who embraced the daily goal of making the world a better place.
Adriana speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish
Qualified Teachers
Early Childhood Educators
Ms. Lais
Laís has 5 years of experience working with children. During this time, she was able to work with kids from Early Childhood Education to Middle School. Two of her previous roles as an Educator was working as a teacher assistant at Maple Bear. As a bilingual teacher at a Daycare she helped feed toddlers, lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching English songs with physical activities. Laís also used to help the teachers to write some observations regarding the children in care and during classes helped them prepare crafts. Laís really likes to spend most of her time reading books and watching movies. One of her biggest dreams is to accomplish herself professionally by having a relevant career in education. With this accomplishment, make other dreams come true. Lais speaks English and Portuguese
Ms. Eunmi
Ms. Witnessing children become independent learners and discover the joy of education makes Eunmi's jub truly rewarding experience teaching in public schools, she is also certified as a BC Early Childhood Educator. Having lived in the US and Canada for more than four years, Eunmi has furthered her experience by volunteering as a Sunday school Pre-K teacher in her local church. Her extensive teaching repertoire includes subjects such as art, music, math and science. Eunmi approaches each child with warmth and care, prioritizing core values such as honesty and good manners. She advocates for a learning environment built on respect and collaboration, encouraging critical and creative thinking in ways that foster imagination and curiosity. Witnessing children become independent learners and discover the joy of education makes Eunmi's job truly rewarding. Eunmi speaks English and Korean
Ms. Carolina Gamboa
Carolina is an Early Childhood Educator originally from Chile. With over 14 years of experience in education and childcare, she brings a rich background in child development, having worked with children from infancy through adolescence in both public and private educational settings. Now living in Canada, Carolina is passionate about supporting children’s holistic development through meaningful learning experiences. Her educational philosophy emphasizes hands-on exploration and the importance of nurturing motor, social, and cognitive growth in early childhood. She creates inclusive, engaging environments where every child can feel confident, capable, and inspired to reach their full potential. Carolina values strong communication and trust in the classroom, building deep connections with children by recognizing and adapting to their unique learning styles. She believes in the power of collaboration between educators, families, and peers as a foundation for lifelong learning. Outside of the classroom, Carolina is passionate about discovering different cultures, exploring new places, and advocating for environmental conservation especially her love for marine life. Carolina brings warmth, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to her work, and she is thrilled to be part of the nurturing and inspiring community at Stars for Life. Carolina speaks English and Portuguese
Ms. Gabriela Novitsky
Mrs. Gabriela is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a background in Pedagogy, Theater, and Art History, reflecting her strong foundation in education and the arts. Her diverse academic journey highlights her passion for creativity, expression, and meaningful human connection, which she brings into her daily work with children and families. Gabriela loves to co-create meaningful experiences through play, music, art, and storytelling—fostering imagination, creativity, diversity, and well-being. She sees each child as a precious gift, full of potential, and honors the many ways children express their voices through different rhythms, histories, and learning processes. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, she encourages children to explore and discover the world with curiosity, respect, and collaboration. She believes that learning is a continuous and shared journey that begins in the crucial early years and flourishes in environments rich in care and connection. Her work reflects a strong commitment to nurturing independent, confident, and critical thinkers who feel valued as members of their community. Mrs. Gabriela lives on the North Shore with her husband and teenage daughter. She is actively involved in her local church, where she teaches Sunday school, coordinates community events, leads art camps, and creates workshops for multi-age children and families. In her free time, she finds joy in theatre, films, books, warm tea, homemade cookies, and celebrating the wonder of childhood. Gabriela speaks English and Portuguese
Ms. Valeria Capetillo
She is an Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler and Special Needs. Miss Valeria holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education, along with specialized training in Infant and Toddler Care and Special Needs from Stenberg College in Surrey. Her educational background, combined with her previous experience as an English teacher in Mexico, reflects her strong foundation in child development and education across a wide range of age groups. Originally from Xalapa, Mexico, Valeria moved to Canada with her husband in 2019. Before relocating, she worked as an English teacher with students from kindergarten to university, developing her ability to connect with diverse learners at different stages of growth. Since completing her studies in Canada, she has worked in daycares, after-school programs, and language schools, supporting children from 18 months to 7 years old. Valeria is passionate about providing children with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive. She is committed to continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring that she meets each child’s developmental needs with care, intention, and enthusiasm. Her warm and supportive approach helps every child feel confident, valued, and inspired to learn. Valeria speaks: English and Spanish
Early Childhood Educator Assistants
Ms. Tatiana
Teacher Assistant
Tatiana holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Education Assistant in Canada and a degree in Education, Communication and Advertising from Brasil, showcasing her strong foundation in both educational and communications fields. Her diverse academic background is a testament to her passion for working with people and understading how to connect effectively with different audiences. Not only Tatiana’s varied academic journey, but also her upbringing of her two teenage boys equipped her with a well-rounded perspective, allowing her to adapt to different roles with a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and care. Her work in daycare combines her deep love for nurturing children with her ability to communicate effectively, ensuring that every child she works with feels valued and supported in their growth.
Tatiana speaks English and Portuguese.
Ms. Ana Beatriz
Teacher Assistant
Ana Beatriz is from the vibrant nation of Brazil and brings to our team over five years of expertise in the field of early childhood education. Ana Beatriz has always had a special fondness for children, and she decided to embark on a life-changing journey. Her path led her to Canada, where she dedicated herself to her passion.
In 2023, Ana Beatriz achieved a significant milestone by earning her first certificate in Early Childcare Education Assistant in the picturesque city of Vancouver. Since February 2023, she has been a valued member of our team, contributing her knowledge and heartfelt dedication to our childcare community.
During her leisure hours, Ana Beatriz enjoys listening to music, reading books, and cherishing moments with friends. Her innate patience and unwavering affection for children enable her to form genuine connections with the young minds in her care. Ana Beatriz prefers to be called “Bia.”
Fluent in both Portuguese and English, Bia’s bilingual capabilities enrich our daycare environment, fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for children and their families. We are fortunate to have her on our team, and she plays a pivotal role in nurturing the growth and development of the children in our care.
Ms. Bia enriches our daycare environment with her enthusiastic energy, kindness and patience. She is always aware of the children’s needs and is ready to help whenever needed.
Bia speaks English and Portuguese.
Ms. Sania
Teacher Assistant
Sania is an Early Childhood Educator Assistant in Canada. She holds an Associate of Arts degree. With a deep commitment to fostering positive early learning experiences, Sania brings a diverse professional background and a passion for supporting young children’s growth and development.
Her experience in customer service, hospitality, and community engagement has provided her with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. As an Orientation Leader and Digital Ambassador, Sania demonstrated her dedication to building inclusive environments and strengthening community relationships, qualities she brings into the classroom each day.
Sania is committed to nurturing each child’s individuality while encouraging collaboration, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging. She strives to create an environment where children feel safe, respected, and inspired to explore and learn with confidence.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Sania connects naturally with families from diverse backgrounds. Her adaptability, calm energy, and attention to detail make her a valued member of the Stars for Life team.
Sania speaks English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Ms. Anali Menezes
Early Childhood Assistent
Miss. Anali holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Education Assistant in Canada, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, a Postgraduate degree in Health and Sport Sciences from Brazil, and a Diploma in Sport Science from Canada, showcasing her strong foundation in education, health, and child development. Her diverse academic background reflects her deep commitment to supporting the holistic development of children and youth through active learning and meaningful engagement.
Anali’s professional experience spans educational, sports, community, and childcare settings in both Brazil and Canada. This varied journey highlights her passion for working with people and her ability to connect empathetically and effectively with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams. She consistently promotes inclusion, active participation, and the motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development of every child in her care.
In addition to her professional experience, Anali’s personal journey as a mother enriches her practice with sensitivity and responsibility. She brings a balanced approach that blends structure, encouragement, and care, ensuring that each child feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow with confidence and autonomy.
Anali speaks English and Portuguese.
Ms. Palwinder Kaur
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Palwinder is a dedicated Early Childhood Education Assistant who holds an Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) certification in British Columbia. She has a genuine passion for supporting young children’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. Originally from India, she brings a respectful, patient, and culturally inclusive approach to early learning environments, valuing diversity and understanding in everyday interactions.
Her work focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging space where children feel comfortable, confident, and encouraged to explore through play-based learning and daily routines. She supports children with activities, transitions, and social development while promoting positive behavior, independence, and emotional security. She strives to be attentive to each child’s individual needs and developmental journey.
Palwinder believes in building trusting relationships with children, families, and team members through open communication, consistency, and professionalism. By working collaboratively with educators, she helps foster a positive classroom environment and contributes to a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all families.
Palwinder speaks English, Punjabi, and Hindi.