COREY SCHWARZ

OWNER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The inception of Big Star Performing Arts and Little Stars Preschool has realized Corey’s longstanding dream, a vision that took root during her tenure as an educator in the Bellevue School District many years ago. Armed with a degree in Human and Child Development from Washington State University (GO COUGS!), Corey furthered her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in education at Western Washington University.

Having dedicated years to teaching in public schools, imparting knowledge to students from kindergarten through middle school, Corey later made the heartfelt decision to take on the role of a stay-at-home parent, nurturing and raising her four children. As her youngest child grew, Corey felt the unmistakable pull to return to her passion for working with children.

In 2011, the realization of this passion materialized in the form of Big Star Studios, a venture born from a shared commitment to children’s arts education with her very close friend Kathy Gehrig. Beyond being a labor of love, this studio and preschool stand as a source of immense pride for Corey—second only to the joy of raising her four children.

Clarie Brewer

Little Stars Preschool Director

My name is Claire Brewer and I’m thrilled and honored to be the Director of Little Stars Preschool in Snoqualmie. During my time at this very special school, from teaching on the Ridge, to teaching through the pandemic in my backyard, to opening our downtown campus, I have had the privilege to watch our students learn, grow, build confidence, stretch their curiosity and make personal connections to the rich diversity of life here in the Snoqualmie Valley.

I live in a little old house in downtown Snoqualmie with my husband, our two weird and wonderful sons and the two greatest dogs on the planet. I love reading, birdwatching, gardening, art, woodworking and collecting agates and jaspers in our backyard creek and beyond. I love melding my training as an art educator, my passion as a child-centered early childhood specialist, and my fascination with our natural world to support and enhance the growth of your child, support their innate wonder, and foster a sense of connection and stewardship of our planet.

I look forward to learning and exploring alongside your children at Little Stars Preschool!

SARAH SHOGREN

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Hometown: Libby, MT
Most Memorable Teaching Moment: My most memorable teaching moment is not one specific event, but it is all the times I’ve seen the light bulb turn on for a student. All the “ah ha” moments!
My Journey to Teaching: I just always knew that’s what I wanted to do. 🙂
My Mission: To create an environment that is student-centered, self-guided and rich with experimental learning in a relationship-driven environment.

SHANNON HOLLIWAY

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Hometown: Issaquah, Washington
Most Memorable Teaching Moment: Some of my most memorable teaching experiences are observing and engaging with students and seeing new ideas happen which are not planned.
My Journey to Teaching: My greatest accomplishment in life has been raising my three amazing children. I have spent many hours in their classrooms volunteering and working with teachers. My volunteer work over the years has consistently led me to caring for children. Working with children brings me great joy and I love to watch them grow.
My Mission: I am committed to providing my students a welcoming, happy, safe, and supportive environment. I want my students to know that they can achieve anything that they put their mind to. I will help my students to become independent thinkers and develop a love for learning. I will encourage them to try new and exciting things and give them a solid foundation to build on.

ANN WISEMAN

I ventured to the beautiful Pacific Northwest from Maine in 2014. It was then I realized how much bigger everything is on the left coast. An avid hiker, trail runner, backcountry skier and angler, I instantly fell in love with the Snoqualmie Valley and everything the area has to offer.

I’ve been in the educational field for 20 years, 16 of those years were spent in a developmental and behavioral program with students ranging in age from preschool to high school. My passion is designing and implementing programs that meet individual needs while providing a foundation of emotional and social support. One of my many goals is to provide an environment to children that offers creativity, ensures safety, and room to grow and flourish in a self directed environment.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation with an additional abundance of Early Childhood credits and began my Masters degree in Special Education.

On the weekends and when the days are longer, you’ll find me with my golden retriever, Owen, either on the trail soaking up the smell of the cedar and fir trees or on the river casting flies trying to catch rainbows and small mouth bass.

I consider it a privilege to provide support and nurturing to your child, thank you for trusting in me.

Kelli Schroder

Hi, I’m Ms. Kelli! I’ve been working childcare in the Valley for about five years. It is truly the best job ever! I come from a Montessori background (Meipen Assistant Certified/AMS trained) and have worked in school administration and staff support as well. Working with kids and their family in our beautiful community is very important to me. I’ve built many awesome relationships and cannot wait to be a part of the Little Stars family. Prior to teaching I was a “stay-at-home” mom of two for seventeen years, both are adults and graduated from Mt. Si High School.

I have a huge passion for all things art (paint daily/resin/crafting), animals (2 Dogs/3 cats/tons of fish), outdoors (hiking/backpacking), and skating (roller skating/skateboarding).

A couple fun facts – I did Roller Derby for 12 years and am a Navy Veteran (Desert Storm/Shield)…Yes, I am that old! ❤️

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation with an additional abundance of Early Childhood credits and began my Masters degree in Special Education.

I consider it a privilege to provide support and nurturing to your child, thank you for trusting in me.

JULIA HART

Julia Hart grew up training in musical theater & performed for over 10 years from childhood through young adulthood. For the past few years her focus has been in the Seattle dance community as the managing director of ZTHEORY, but she is so excited to return to her original passion at Big Star. As an instructor she believes in expression of authentic feeling, telling stories that inspire, & lifting students to new heights through their work.

SANNA LUOMA

My name is Sanna Luoma and I am beyond excited to be a part of the Little Stars community!

Previously I have been teaching at the Forest School at the Arboretum in Seattle and Boys and Girls Club in Bellevue. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Helsinki in Finland. I am passionate about early education and absolutely love teaching young children. In my free time I like adventuring the gorgeous Pacific North West, hiking and mountain biking. I live in Issaquah with my husband, two teenage daughters and a Border Collie named Mr H.