Monica Lalanne

BOARD MEMBER

Monica is an Oakland native who has also spent time living in Northern Italy and Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in Italian Studies, she spent ten years in retail buying with companies including Il Fornaio, Williams-Sonoma, and Whole Earth Access.

Drawn to early childhood education during her journey into parenthood, Monica shifted careers and earned her Montessori certification through the Association Montessori Internationale. Over the past 29 years, her professional focus has centered on early childhood education, primarily through Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches. For the last decade, she has worked in school administration and teacher training, with a strong emphasis on understanding and supporting how children learn differently.

Monica’s volunteer work has included contributions to the Santa Cruz Child Care Council, the Association Montessori Internationale, the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), and the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association.

She currently serves as the Director of Early Childhood Education at La Scuola International School in Palo Alto. A parent to two young adults, Monica believes deeply in the importance of building resilience in children.

She finds joy in vegetable gardening, the beaches of Santa Cruz County, and the gift of laughter.