The Heart of Our Preschool is Our Relationships
“To make a lovable school, industrious, inventive, liveable, documentable and communicable, a place of research, learning, recognition and reflection, where children, teachers, and families feel well - is our point of arrival.”
–Loris Malaguzzi
Purpose, Goals & Our Why
Relationships are at the very heart of Reggio Emilia's philosophy.
Storybook Village Preschool exists to provide high-quality early childhood care and education for young children in our community. We are committed to creating a supportive, culturally responsive environment where children and their families feel a deep sense of belonging, are accepted for who they are, and are valued as compassionate members of our preschool community.
We recognize families as children’s first and most important teachers, and we embrace our role as partners in care. Our teaching vision is to nurture a classroom culture of friendship—teaching love, modeling peace, and guiding children with a friendship-driven purpose. We welcome and encourage family participation, partnering with parents and caregivers to support each child’s growth, learning, and success within a connected community.
Our goal is to know each child as a unique learner while fostering a lifelong love for learning, belonging, and purpose. As a Reggio-inspired school, we center our program on strength-based values and shared community Agreements that shape how we learn and grow together. We are grateful to be part of Sonoma County’s rich ECE community of resources and partners, which helps us provide a high-quality preschool experience for young children. We are deeply committed to offering a joyful, inclusive, and high-quality school experience for our children, families, and teaching staff.
Storybook exists because of the love, encouragement, and shared enthusiasm of our families, educators, colleagues, and advocates. Together, we have created a school rooted in connection, respect, and joy—a place where children, families, and educators can truly thrive. It truly has taken a village to make Storybook what it is today.
Meet Our Teaching Team
A teaching team that learns together grows together! Professional Development and learning is our teaching team’s love language.
Storybook's Teaching Team
Nicole Monachello, Director & Owner
Storybook Village Preschool was founded in 2019 by educator and mom, Nicole Monachello. What began as a dream has blossomed into a magical learning community where children feel important, respected, and deeply loved; families feel empowered; and educators are truly valued.
Nicole’s journey in early childhood education began in 2010 when she opened a family child care program in the Peninsula. She expanded her experience through her work with Early Head Start and continued her studies in Early Childhood Education throughout her teaching career, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in ECE. After opening Storybook Village, she furthered her commitment to learning by studying the Reggio Emilia Approach in Reggio Emilia, Italy. She served as a board member for Sonoma County 4Cs and continues to champion policies and practices that support and strengthen children, families, and educators. Nicole serves on Sonoma County's leadership team for CA CSEFEL & WestEd’s Teaching Pyramid and proudly leads Storybook Village as Sonoma County’s first private CA CSEFEL Mentor Implementation Site.
In addition to her role as director, you’ll find Nicole teaching alongside her co-teachers and documenting the everyday magic of childhood. Above all, she treasures being a mom to her high school son, Frankie, proudly cheering him on from the wrestling mat to the football field.
At heart, Nicole believes childhood should feel like a storybook—filled with wonder, love, and joy.
Monica Gomez, Toddler Educator
Monica is a devoted infant and toddler educator who has partnered with families for over many years, nurturing little ones through their earliest and most meaningful milestones. She helped open Storybook in 2019 and has completed the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) training, deepening her commitment to supporting healthy early development.
Monica finds joy in being present for each discovery—the first steps, first words, and quiet moments of connection that make these early years so special. She thoughtfully creates a classroom where every child feels safe, welcomed, and excited to explore the day ahead.
Building strong, trusting relationships with children and families is at the heart of Monica’s work. For her, the bonds formed in these early years are nothing short of magical.
Amanda Chaput, Preschool Educator
Amanda’s journey into teaching began in the most magical way — as a wide-eyed five-year-old camper, discovering the wonder of the outdoors beneath open skies and towering trees. By fifteen, she was a counselor, blending art and nature to spark children’s curiosity and joy.
After studying Early Childhood Education at Rhode Island College, Amanda moved from Rhode Island to California, drawn by its breathtaking natural beauty. Nature remains her greatest classroom, inspiring exploration, creativity, and connection.
Since joining Storybook Village Preschool in 2023, Amanda has woven yoga, music, art, and outdoor adventure into each day. Guided by the school’s Reggio-inspired philosophy, she creates a space where imagination flourishes, and every child’s unique magic shines.
We'd love to meet you!
Connect with us to experience the magic of our preschool in the heart of the Montgomery Village neighborhood!