Our mission is to grow the inquisitive mind and to foster the natural development of a child’s curiosity.
Our Approach
Sequoia Children’s Center
Nurturing Curiosity and Growth in Every Child
At Sequoia Children’s Center, we believe that the first five years of a child’s life are pivotal in shaping their future growth and development. We are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures each child’s unique needs for love, security, acceptance, warmth, and meaningful interaction. With a deep commitment to fostering curiosity and learning, we view our role as both an educational partnership with families and a space for each child to thrive.
We believe in more than just meeting a child’s basic needs; we strive to create an environment where children can explore, question, reason, and imagine. Drawing from the philosophies of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia, we provide a rich, stimulating atmosphere that encourages independence, creativity, and collaboration. We emphasize the importance of nature and outdoor experiences, knowing that early connections with the natural world support growth in all areas of development. Our thoughtfully selected, open-ended materials and activities spark curiosity and invite children to engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and imaginative play.
At Sequoia Children’s Center, we view each child as a capable, competent learner. We honor their voices and ideas, fostering a learning environment that values exploration and discovery. Our approach is rooted in respect for the child’s individuality, while promoting social skills, emotional resilience, and a sense of community.
We also recognize the importance of instilling strong values. While we do not directly teach religious content, we nurture a sense of empathy, kindness, and cooperation, fostering the foundational skills needed to build healthy, respectful relationships. We encourage each child to develop confidence in who they are and embrace the values of treating others with respect, generosity, and kindness.
Our staff at Sequoia Children’s Center sees their work as a calling—a chance to positively influence the youngest members of our community. Through thoughtful care and guidance, we aim to empower children to grow into compassionate, curious, and confident individuals.
MEET THE TEAM OF SEQUOIA CHILDREN’S CENTER
Chris Kun
Director
Christina Kun holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education, as well as a Master’s in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction. With extensive experience as a preschool teacher, middle school educator, and director of four early childhood programs, Christina has a well-rounded understanding of education across age groups. Her extensive work in the Magic Valley includes helping early childhood providers earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. In addition, she serves as a Program Coordinator at the Children's Museum of the Magic Valley.
Christina has a deep passion for working with children, especially young learners, and is dedicated to advocating for high-quality early childhood programs that provide the time, space, and support for children to grow and thrive. Her mission is to ensure that every child has access to nurturing environments that foster their development and love of learning.
Aurora Ross
Assistant Director
Aurora believes childhood should be protected as a meaningful season of discovery, imagination, and joyful learning. In her work as an educator and assistant director, she focuses on creating environments where children feel secure, valued, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. She is intentional about designing play-based experiences that follow children’s natural curiosity while supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
She brings experience working across infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, supporting children through a wide range of early developmental milestones. Alongside her classroom experience, she contributes to program operations and family engagement, helping ensure that communication is clear, supportive, and centered around building strong relationships with families. Her approach to early childhood education is rooted in responsiveness, consistency, and respect for each child’s individuality.
Aurora holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education, and is currently in graduate school at Boise State University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning. This program strengthens her ability to design effective learning systems, improve communication and training practices, and create environments where both educators and staff can grow and succeed. Her studies in adult learning, instructional design, and organizational development directly support her work in early childhood education by helping her build stronger systems, more intentional programming, and more effective team collaboration within the center.
She deeply values collaboration with families and believes that children thrive when educators and parents work together as partners. Aurora is committed to walking alongside families in supporting each child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.
In the Classroom
Julianna
Lead Teacher
Julianna has been working in early childhood care since 2018, bringing eight years of hands-on experience supporting young children across various school settings. She is passionate about creating a calm, nurturing, and engaging environment that feels different from traditional programs, a peaceful space where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Julianna’s favorite part of teaching is inspiring creativity and curiosity, and she loves watching children grow while supporting them every step of the way. As the proud mom of her two-year-old daughter, Emmie, she treasures spending her days making memories with family. Outside the classroom, Julianna enjoys art and photography. She is excited to bring her creative energy to our team, build strong bonds with the children, get to know our families, and help our center continue to thrive and grow!
Addyson
Lead Teacher
Addyson believes childhood is a special season of growth, curiosity, and discovery that should be nurtured with patience, respect, and intention. She strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. She is passionate about child-led, hands-on learning that builds confidence, independence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and a love of learning.
With experience in infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms, Addyson has supported children across many stages of development. She has a particular passion for social-emotional growth and approaches challenging moments with patience, empathy, and consistency. Addyson values working with children of diverse learning styles and developmental needs, ensuring each child feels seen, respected, and supported.
Addyson graduated from high school while simultaneously earning her Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, strengthening her knowledge of communication, advocacy, and human behavior. She is currently pursuing her Intermediate Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education to continue growing her knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
Addyson believes strong family partnerships are essential to a child’s success. Through trust, communication, and collaboration, she strives to create a community where children feel secure, families feel valued, and learning is joyful and meaningful. She is honored to be part of each child’s journey and dedicated to helping them develop confidence, compassion, independence, and lasting curiosity.
Sonia Alcantar
Assistant Teacher
Sonia grew up in the Twin Falls area, inspired by watching her mom serve as one of the community’s Head Start leaders. That early example of care and dedication led her to a career working with children at the YMCA, where she first served as a teacher and later stepped into a management role. After becoming a mother, Sonia chose to step away from her career to focus on raising her family something she has deeply enjoyed over the past several years.
Today, she continues to pour her heart into supporting children and families by volunteering at both of her children’s schools and being an incredible source of support for us as we’ve opened and grown this past year. Sonia’s passion for helping others and working with littles shines through in everything she does, and her warmth, patience, and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone around her. Today, she continues to pour her heart into supporting children and families by volunteering at both of her children’s schools and being an incredible source of support for us as we’ve opened and grown this past year. Sonia’s passion for helping others and working with littles shines through in everything she does, and her warmth, patience, and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone around her.
Alyssa
Assistant Teacher
With three years of experience in early childhood education, along with two meaningful years spent as a stay-at-home mom, Alyssa is thrilled to be returning to the classroom and continuing her journey as an educator. Her experiences both in the classroom and at home have strengthened her appreciation for the important role that early childhood education plays in a child’s growth and development.
Teaching, encouraging, and guiding young children during these foundational years is a true passion of Alyssa’s. She believes every child deserves a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where they can feel supported, valued, and excited to learn. Alyssa especially enjoys helping children explore their interests, build confidence, develop new skills, and express their unique personalities.
As she begins this new chapter, Alyssa looks forward to building meaningful relationships with all of the wonderful children and families in the classroom, as well as getting to know her fellow team members. She is excited for a year filled with learning, laughter, creativity, growth, and many special memories with all of the amazing little learners in her care!
Teacher in Residence
Claire Ying-Ying Chen
陳熒熒
Born and raised in Taiwan, Claire holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Chinese Language Teaching, and Human Development and Family Studies, and is certified by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to teach Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.
Having lived, worked, and traveled extensively across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, she brings a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and embraces each child with openness, respect, and compassion.
Deeply inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education, Claire spent a year working at a Waldorf school in Germany with children with special needs. She also spent five years working alongside experienced Waldorf educators from Germany, interpreting and supporting intensive Waldorf teacher-training programs in Taiwan.
Her approach is grounded in warmth, presence, and mindful connection. She believes children flourish through imagination, creativity, meaningful play, movement, songs, kindness, and connection with nature, while developing a strong sense of self and a harmonious connection of body, heart, and mind.
A longtime meditation practitioner and trained energy-healing practitioner, Claire brings a calm and grounded presence to her work with children and values creating a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, respected, and supported.
We believe important life skills should be taught at an early age, to ensure the child’s ability to grow with confidence.
Curiosity guides the child through different areas of learning.
Play Based —
At Sequoia Children Center, we embrace the power of free play in cultivating young minds. Our space is thoughtfully designed as a "prepared environment" — a setting that serves as a guiding force in children’s learning journeys. Carefully crafted activity centers invite creative play without screens or battery-operated toys, encouraging authentic exploration and discovery. By integrating natural materials throughout our play areas, we help children build a meaningful connection with the world around them. This intentionally crafted environment allows children to immerse themselves in unstructured play, laying the foundation for well-rounded development.
Art —
At Sequoia Children's Center, we cherish the limitless creativity of young minds. Our approach to art encourages children to express themselves freely and authentically. In our warm and supportive environment, budding artists are encouraged to explore various art forms—from painting to weaving—guided by their own imaginations. We celebrate each child’s unique vision, offering them ample opportunities to create without boundaries. Through these artistic experiences, children craft beautiful pieces, build confidence, enhance fine motor skills, and discover the joy of self-expression.
Book Nook—
The book nook is a cozy, inviting space designed to foster a love for reading and storytelling. Filled with comfy seating, soft lighting, and an array of age-appropriate books, it encourages young readers to dive into stories at their own pace. The nook includes soft pillows and cushions, and shelves at a child’s height, making it easy for them to browse and select books independently. Whether it’s for quiet time, read-aloud sessions, or exploring new worlds through words and pictures, the book nook provides a calming environment where imagination can thrive.
Music Circle —
Our music circle is an engaging and interactive experience designed to introduce children to the joys of music through hands-on exploration. In this setting, children participate in singing, movement, and playing simple instruments, allowing them to express themselves creatively while developing rhythm and coordination. The music circle encourages collaboration and social interaction as children join together in songs and activities, fostering a sense of community. Through this approach, children not only enhance their musical skills but also build confidence and a lifelong appreciation for music.
At Sequoia Children's Center, we create a truly unique and enriching environment by using all-natural materials, free from screens and plastics, and incorporating one-of-a-kind treasures from Sequoia's travels—such as hand-crafted sheep's wool puppets from Nepal, singing bowls from a monastery in the Himalayas, and rattles from Mexico—so children can experience a global connection through tactile learning and sensory exploration.
Imaginative Fun.
The dress-up corner is a beautifully curated space that invites children to dive into imaginative play. It features costumes made from natural silk materials, alongside handcrafted accessories that engage the senses and connect children to the materials they use.
This area encourages open-ended play, providing versatile items that can be transformed into countless characters and scenarios. Children are free to explore their creativity, inventing their own stories and roles, which supports their artistic and emotional development.
The dress-up corner also fosters community and cooperation, as children interact and play together, building strong relationships and enhancing their communication skills. Overall, it’s a nurturing environment that promotes holistic growth, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
