Our Team
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
Eunmi is a certified BC Early Childhood Educator with extensive teaching experience both in public schools and early learning settings. Originally from Korea, she has lived in North America for over four years and has further enriched her experience by volunteering as a Pre-K Sunday school teacher in her local church. Throughout her career, Eunmi has taught a variety of subjects, including art, music, math, and science. She approaches each child with warmth, patience, and genuine care, while emphasizing important values such as honesty, kindness, and respect for others. Eunmi believes that children learn best in an environment built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. She encourages critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity, helping children develop confidence as they explore and discover the world around them. Witnessing children become independent learners and develop a lifelong love of learning is what makes her work so meaningful and rewarding. Eunmi speaks English and Korean.
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
Ms. Talita
Talitha is an Early Childhood Educator with over 18 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Originally from Brazil, Talitha has been living and working in Canada for almost 10 years, where she has gained extensive experience working with toddlers, preschool and out of school care. Throughout her career, Talitha has worked with children of all ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school students, and high school students. In Brazil, she was involved in educational research and contributed to science education publications and educational websites. Talitha is a passionate, energetic, and creative educator who loves engaging children through hands-on learning experiences. She enjoys incorporating science experiments, sensory exploration, art, and open-ended activities into her classroom to spark curiosity and encourage children to discover and learn through play. She believes that children learn best when they are encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests, and build their own understanding of the world around them. Talitha is dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to learn. Talitha speaks English and Portuguese.
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.
Ms. Daline
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Originally from Brazil, Ms Daline holds a degree in Biology and worked as a Science teacher before moving to Canada. After relocating, she completed an Associate of Arts in Psychology and obtained her Early Childhood Education Assistant certification.
As both a mother and an educator, she understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover the world around them through play and everyday experiences.
She is excited to be part of the Stars for Life team and looks forward to building strong connections with the children and families in the community.
Daline speaks English and Portuguese.
Ms. Lana
Early Childhood Assistent
Lana is a dedicated Early Childhood Education Assistant with valuable international experience as a kindergarten teacher in Ukraine. She brings a warm, patient, and culturally inclusive approach to her work with children and families.
Lana takes great care in creating a welcoming and well-organized environment where children feel safe, supported, and confident. She is passionate about nurturing each child’s individual strengths, encouraging positive social interactions, and helping children develop a love of learning through everyday experiences.
She values strong relationships with families and believes that open communication and collaboration are key to supporting children’s growth and well-being. Lana is committed to creating a caring and inclusive community where every child feels seen, respected, and valued.
Lana speaks English, Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian.
Ms. Diana
Early Childhood Assistent
Ms. Diana is an Early Childhood Educator committed to creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally rich environments where every child feels valued and supported. Originally from Colombia, she brings a warm, community-focused approach to her practice and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.
Her training at Douglas College has strengthened her skills in play-based learning and co-regulation. Ms. Diana enjoys building trusting relationships with families and colleagues. She is currently continuing her studies in Special Needs Education to further support children through inclusive and meaningful practices.
Ms Diana speaks Spanish and English
Our Founders
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