Meet our Team of Dedicated Educators
At Raising Stars ℠, our educators are more than just teachers—they are co-researchers alongside your children. Our team of six specialists facilitates a curriculum rooted in wonder, inquiry, and the Reggio & Curiosity approach.
Miss Sewell
Owner/Manager
Early Childhood Educator
Little Stars ℠
3 Years
at Raising Stars
After navigating her own journey with an invisible disability, Miss Sewell founded Raising Stars with a singular mission: to provide every family access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood education. A fierce advocate for mental health and a two-time mentor for the BC ECE LOT program, she blends professional expertise with a heart for advocacy. Miss Sewell is dedicated to cultivating calm, aesthetic spaces where every "Star" feels a deep sense of belonging and discovery.
Training & Credentials
☆ ASL level 4
☆ ASL & D/deaf Studies
☆ Reggio-Inspired Certification
☆ Learning Outside Together Certification☆ Special Education Assistant
☆ NONA Discussion Series
☆ BC MECC Training
☆ ELF Certification
☆ Autism Support Certification
☆ Music, Rhythm & Regulation Certification
☆ Following Child’s Interest Training
☆ Observation of Play Training
☆ Playing with Process Art Training
☆ Next Steps to Universal Childcare
☆ Bringing Nature Inside
Ms. Papou
Human Resources/Parent consultant
Early Childhood Education Assistant
Little Stars ℠
3 Years
at Raising Stars
As the mother of Miss Sewell and a cornerstone of Raising Stars, Ms. Papou brings a wealth of experience in supporting children with disabilities and navigating the complexities of early diagnoses. A fierce advocate for age-appropriate, authentic preschool experiences, she bridges professional HR expertise with a heart for family support. Outside, she is a master gardener, passionately sharing her love for nature and "seed-to-table" education with all our growing Stars.
Training & Credentials
☆ Currently a Play Therapist student☆ NONA Discussion series
☆ BC ELF Certification
☆ Reggio-Inspired Certification
☆ Trauma & Attachment Certification
☆ Prenatal Exposure Certification
☆ Neurodiversity & Behavioural Management Certification
☆ Cultural Competence Training
☆ Long Term Care Training
☆ Following Child’s Interest Training
☆ Observation of Play Training
Ms. Ziola
Early Childhood Educator
Shining Stars ℠
3 Years
at Raising Stars
With 14 years of experience in the field, Ms. Ziola truly "found her heart" at Raising Stars. She thrives in our hands-on, Reggio-inspired environments, where she creates meaningful spaces for inquiry-based learning. A passionate advocate for outdoor education and gardening, she shines during our summer programming with her adventurous spirit and grounded nature. She is especially known for her love of our beach days, where she leads our Stars with a sense of wonder and discovery.
Training & Credentials
☆ 15 Ways to Tell a Story Certification☆ Oral Language & Litteracy Certification
☆ NONA Discussion series
☆ Caring for Planet Earth Certification
☆ Music, Rhythm & Regulation Certification
☆ SEY2KT Training
☆ BC MECC Training
☆ ELF Certification
Mrs. Frederick
Early Childhood Educator
Super Stars ℠ Opener & Shining Stars ℠
3 Years
at Raising Stars
A proud mother of two with five years of experience in the field, Mrs. Frederick brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal heart to Raising Stars. Having navigated neurodiversity diagnoses within her own family, she offers a profound level of empathy and understanding for every child’s individual path. She is dedicated to creating a gentle, inclusive space where all learners feel celebrated, supported, and empowered to shine in their own beautiful way.
Training & Credentials
☆ ASL level 1☆ Music, Rhythm & Regulation Certification
☆ Waste as Materials Certification
☆Food Safe certification
☆ Changing behaviours certification
☆ Inclusive practice certification
☆ Vulnerability Certification
☆ Emotional Intelligence certification
☆ SEY2KT Certification
☆ Myth of Normal Certification
☆ Temper Tantrum Training
Ms. Cheung
Early Childhood Educator (SNE)
Super Stars ℠ Educator
1 Year
at Raising Stars
A proud mother of two, Ms. Cheung is deeply passionate about celebrating the beautiful diversity of our world. She takes great joy in sharing her own heritage and learning about the cultures of our families, fostering a true sense of global belonging. An artist at heart, she thrives during "creation time," where she uses her love for the arts to produce in-depth documentation. Her beautiful observations capture the magic of each child’s learning journey, making their growth visible to all.
Training & Credentials
☆ Special Needs Educator☆ Learning Outside Together certification
☆ Music, Rhythm & Regulation Certification
Ms. Davidson
Early Childhood Educator
Super Stars Educator ℠
8 months
at Raising Stars
With 11 years in the field, Ms. Davidson is a passionate advocate for "loose parts" and authentic play. Dedicated to the Curiosity Approach, she excels at curating intentional environments that invite our Stars to innovate. She loves taking our older Super Stars "out of the centre" for nature-based discovery and thinks outside the box to develop unique process art experiences. Her adventurous spirit ensures that learning is always an unhurried journey of exploration and wonder.
Training & Credentials
☆ Currently a Play Therapist student☆ The Reggio Emilia Approach to Preschool Certification
☆ Autism Spectrum Certification
Understanding ECE Certifications in British Columbia
ECE – Early Childhood Educator
An ECE is a licensed educator who has completed a full diploma in Early Childhood Education, including 8 university-level courses and 3 practicums. They must renew their license every 5 years with at least 40 hours of professional development. ECEs serve as lead educators, classroom teachers, and mentors.
ECEA – Early Childhood Educator Assistant
An ECEA is an assistant who has completed at least one of three foundational courses (Guiding and Caring, Growth and Development, or Health, Safety, and Nutrition). Their license can be renewed twice by completing additional courses. ECEAs may temporarily lead a class but cannot hold a permanent lead role without full ECE certification.
Raising Stars Vision Statement
At Raising Stars Preschool℠, all children are welcomed, celebrated, and included—regardless of ability, gender, race, or any barriers that may be present. We believe every child deserves equal opportunities to grow, play, and thrive.
We recognize the importance of playful learning and embrace a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to Early Childhood Education. Our curriculum is rooted in both the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the BC Early Learning Framework, guiding our daily practices and classroom environments.
Children engage in co-constructed research through open-ended provocations and meaningful projects based on their interests. We encourage curiosity, questioning, and wonder—because these are the building blocks of lifelong learning.
Our classrooms are vibrant, messy, and full of joy—because as we always say,
“A messy classroom is where the magic happens!”
Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, experimenting with art, or diving into imaginative play, we foster an environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and self-expression
Raising Stars Mission Statement
At Raising Stars Preschool™, we ignite the spark of inquiry and creativity in every child—cultivating a lifelong disposition for learning and exploration. We are committed to creating a responsive and intellectually stimulating environment where children are seen as capable protagonists, families feel connected, and learning happens through reciprocal and meaningful relationships.
Careers & Practicum Opportunities
At Raising Stars℠, we believe that educators are lifelong learners. Our team is made up of passionate Early Childhood Educators who are dedicated to creating nurturing, curiosity-driven environments for children. We value collaboration, creativity, and a genuine love for early learning.
Whether you’re an experienced educator looking to grow your career, or a student eager to complete your practicum in a supportive and inspiring setting, Raising Stars℠ is proud to provide opportunities for both. With our Reggio-inspired, Hygge-accredited, and Curiosity Approach-aligned philosophy, we offer a truly unique environment for both teaching and learning.
Ready to take the next step? Explore how you can start your career with us or complete your practicum at Raising Stars℠.
Little Stars℠, Shining Stars℠ and Super Stars℠ are service marks of
Raising Stars Preschool℠. All rights reserved.
Raising Stars Preschool Limited
Address: 3404 24th Street Vernon BC, Canada
Phone: (250) 938-7264
Email: raisingstarspreschool@gmail.com
Hours: 8:30am - 6:00pm