Candice Johnson

Founder & CEO

Candice has always had a passion for raising up young minds & truly believes that the early years are some of the most formative in a child’s life. She always dreamed of being a teacher and has spent the last two decades of her life working in various childcare fields. In 2012 she received a diploma in Early Childhood Education and opened her own daycare: Sticks & Stones. After many life changes, a career shift & a move to Kelowna, Candice was uncertain what her future in childcare would look like but had faith that it would all work out.

In September of 2021, eight months after moving to Kelowna during a pandemic, and uncertain of how she would find some new friends for her kiddos, she put out a call for some homeschool families to meet at a local park, assuming that no one would show up. Now, less than 2 years later, there are close to 600 families in the group, which has lovingly come to be known as Sticks & Stones, a name that holds deep meaning to her heart.

In addition to organizing Sticks & Stones and homeschooling her daughters, Brooklyn & Dani, Candice works part time as an office manager, as well as part time in the children's ministry of her church. She feels so grateful for the many families & volunteers that have stepped up to make this group as awesome as it is!!! In her spare time she enjoys biking, baking, spending time with family & friends, and is currently learning piano & guitar.

“Be gentle on yourself. You’re getting it right. Have faith.” - Candice