About Us
Children are our passion! If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or just love children, you know how special they are. You also know it can be challenging to guide and protect them throughout their life's journey. We are here to make it a little easier for you and a lot of fun for them!
The iWonder Star company was co-founded by two friends, Jana and Maria, who connected based on their deep love for children and their common interest in neuroscience and psychology. They spent years researching and training in techniques to help children grow their natural curiosity, sense of wonder, critical thinking, problem solving and self-regulation. Their work is embodied in iWonder Star, a friendly and kind star character, who helps children understand their thoughts and emotions and how they can create positive outcomes out of any challenging situation in their life. With iWonder Star's unique guidance, children learn to be resilient, confident, strong, positive and happy. iWonder Star is a must-have tool for empowering and teaching children self-awareness and social-emotional skills, which are becoming increasingly more important in today's world.
The first two books of the iWonder Star series are now available. Please sign up here to get special offers and hear about our future book releases. Our books are suitable for children of ages 5+ but they are also helpful for adults. We highly recommend that you read them too. Enjoy the beautiful stories and please share your feedback! We are always happy to hear from our readers.
Jana Sedlakova
Jana is the Creative Director and Co-founder of iWonder Star. She is originally from the Czech Republic, where she earned degrees in Preschool Teaching and Social Work. From an early age, Jana took an interest in human psychology and development. When she moved to the USA, Jana pursued her certification in neuroscience-based life coaching with Professor Dr. David Krueger. She learned how to rewire and train the brain to use it as a powerful tool for achieving success. Jana launched her coaching service, You Successful You, to help both adults and children. Her knowledge and unique coaching methods, combined with passion for children, gave her the idea to create iWonder Star. Teaming up with her friend, they created the innovative iWonder Star project dedicated to children’s social and emotional well-being. Jana is also Mindfulness Specialist with Fairfax County Public Schools working with hundreds of children. Jana is the author of the iWonder Star children’s book series and the creative mind behind various products that iWonder Star is developing. She is a mom to an exceptional hockey player and their dog Gordy.
Maria Tiratsuyan
Maria is the Executive Director and Co-founder of iWonder Star. She is originally from Armenia and has a multicultural background. Maria attributes her drive and sense of wonder to the influence of her Greek grandmother and diverse childhood experiences. When she was a little girl, a devastating earthquake forced her family to live abroad for several years. Returning home, they faced economic and political regime changes and survived through wars and poverty. Maria persevered through these experiences and worked hard to pursue her dream of studying in the USA. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees specializing in Economics, Business and Finance. Along with a successful corporate career, Maria launched a non-profit organization, Learn4Change, to give back to disadvantaged children. Her true passion is to empower children and youth so they too can pursue their dreams, fulfil their potential and contribute to a better world. Maria's vision is having iWonder Star in every school and household, helping every child globally. Maria is a mom to a sweet little girl, who is iWonder Star's biggest fan.