hannah weinstock

Guiding with Grace: Meet the Director Shaping Piper Preschool Los Angeles

by Sarah Brooks

Nestled in the heart of Pico-Robertson, Piper Preschool feels like a hidden oasis for early learning - bright, welcoming, and alive with possibility. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to inspire creativity and independence, while the outdoor spaces buzz with the joy of play and collaboration. Blending the structure of Montessori with the curiosity-driven spirit of Reggio Emilia, Piper LA offers children a place to explore, connect, and grow - preparing them not just for school, but for life in a big, ever-changing city.

In an office that overlooks the playground, I sat down with Piper LA’s Director, Hannah Weinstock. There’s an ever-evolving landscape of early childhood education in Los Angeles, and it takes a special kind of leader to keep up. With innovators like Hannah, the task is much less weary. She’s drawn inspiration from Piper’s blended philosophy and found her way in the hustle.

As I walked through her office door, she gave me a half nervous and half playful smile, “It’s time? Oooph. Okay. Let’s do this.” We chatted about family, friends, favorite foodie spots, glamping, the best shower songs, Piper, and what she does in her time off. Having weathered the challenges of the past few years, Hannah shares her story of resilience, growth, and the driving force behind her passion for education.

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You’ve been in the preschool world since 2010. What drew you to work at a preschool in the first place?

I didn’t set out to work in early childhood but once I stepped into that world, I felt like I had landed where I was supposed to be. It was the first place that felt like home. There’s something about this age - the openness, the honesty, the wild creativity - that just clicked for me.

Do you remember the moment you knew preschool was your calling?

I don’t think there was a single defining moment for me, but instead it was more of a series of moments that led me to realizing this was something I felt connected to and passionate about. The reward that comes molding little minds and the sense of community that comes with working at a school. It just felt like this was where I was meant to be.

What were those early days like?

Messy and magical. I was learning on the fly, figuring out how to build structure without crushing spontaneity. Every day felt like a blend of improv and intention. I was excited and inspired everyday. That was a very special thing to feel.

What did you do before preschool? How does that still show up in your day-to-day?

I worked in public education while obtaining my degree in speech and language pathology, which gave me a big-picture lens. It taught me how to see systems, but also how to think outside of them when they don’t serve people well. That balance of structure and flexibility is something I still lean into every day at Piper.

How would you describe your personal philosophy with early education? How does that blend with Piper?

I believe kids are capable. Even at two or three, they’re forming ideas about the world and, if we listen closely, they’ll show us how they learn best. Piper blends beautifully with that and holds it as one of the core values. We trust children. We give them tools, not just tasks.

What’s something about early childhood education most people don’t understand?

That play isn’t a break from learning. It is learning. When a child builds a tower, negotiates turn-taking, or tells a story through art, they’re building neural pathways we can’t see. But it’s real, foundational, and important. A few years ago, I saw parents who weren’t really paying attention to how vital a preschool setting could be. It’s much different now. Parents are very involved and curious.

How do you think creativity plays into school readiness?

Creativity builds problem-solving, resilience, and confidence. When a child experiments with materials, they’re also learning how to experiment with ideas. That’s at the core of our philosophy. We respect them as learners, thinkers, and problem solvers. That kind of thinking sets them up for everything else, academics included.

What does a “successful day” look like for a child at Piper?

Joy. Curiosity. A moment of discovery, and maybe even a moment of conflict they worked through. Success isn’t about a worksheet. It’s about connection, wonder, and growth. When they’re excited to be there, that’s everything.

How do you balance structure with freedom at school?

Great question, and not a simple answer either. We create rhythms rather than rigid schedules. There’s a predictable flow to the day but, within that, kids get choices. We set the stage. They do the story. We often talk about how not to become complacent within Piper. That in and of itself is a challenge, but necessary. That rhythm is ever changing depending on the class, the day, the ideas, the teachers, etc.

You now lead a team at Piper LA. How has your role changed?

I spend more time coaching teachers and working with families, but I still carve out time to be with the kids. That’s where I stay grounded. Watching their world unfold keeps me inspired and honest. Sitting in a classroom for a few minutes resets my day.

What vibe do you hope teachers and families feel at Piper?

(Hannah looks over my right shoulder up at the corner of the room and takes a second. As a slight smile emerges after a few seconds, she continues.) Connection. Family. Respect. Safety. I want everyone to know they matter. We are all Piper and we are all the reason the idea of Piper works.

Is there a moment or story with a student or teacher that has stuck with you over the years?

The moment that stands out the most for me is when my daughter first started at the school where I was working. I had always worked very hard to create a warm, nurturing space for other families, but now I was trusting that same space with my own child. Seeing her walk confidently into the classroom brought everything full circle. I experienced our school through a parent’s eyes and felt an even deeper appreciation for the community we had built. That happened here at Piper, too. My youngest just graduated. It’s hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it. It was humbling, personal, and a beautiful reminder of why this work matters so much.

Is there a tradition at Piper that you love?

Definitely our cultural celebrations. Celebrating the different cultural backgrounds of the families in our community is something we cherish at Piper and something I feel is so important. These celebrations bring joy, connection, and meaningful learning into our community. They give children the opportunity to experience the richness of the world around them and to feel seen and valued.

Tell me about your experience with your recent Piper grad.

(She looks up from her lap, locks eyes with me, and tilts her head slightly. I watch as her eyes well up with a few tears preparing to fall. She smiles because the words are momentarily stuck. She clears her throat and looks up with a pause.) It was beautiful. I got to see Piper from the other side. I saw how much intention goes into every detail, every transition, every decision, every moment. And I also cried. A lot. (She fans her eyes with her hand and jokes.) Next question.

Do you have a morning routine before walking into Piper?

Coffee. Deep breath. A little music in the car. And then I try to greet every child who walks in like they’re the reason I came to work, because they are.

What’s something your staff might be surprised to learn about you?

Ha. I’m a pretty open book. I don’t know how surprised they would be by anything at this point. I’m obsessed with musical theater. They probably don’t know I was in a show choir. Oh man, that’s gonna travel fast.  

If Piper had a soundtrack, what would be on it?

Fleetwood Mac, Prince, The Police, Bob Dylan, and maybe a little Taylor Swift for good measure.

What do you hope Piper leaves behind with kids and parents?

Confidence. A sense of self. A belief that their voice matters. And maybe some memories of singing on the yard or painting with their feet.

What’s your favorite part of directing Piper?

Seeing the ripple effect. Watching a teacher grow, a parent feel heard, a child thrive. It’s the daily reminder that this work matters. And as heartbreaking as it is to see them graduate, it’s also one of my favorite things. We’re one of the first stepping stones to the rest of their lives.

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As our talk came to a close, Hannah was mentally multitasking between me and the chaos going on around us. We were bumping up on Piper’s “Back to School” night, so the playground was full of people who needed her direction, a vast array of food and drinks, warm lights cascading over the sandbox, and 80’s hair metal setting the mood. Hannah’s visionary journey that led her to the helm of Piper LA paints a vivid portrait of the transformative impact education can have. Her dedication, fueled by Piper's enlightening philosophy, resonates in every initiative she spearheads. Hannah embodies the spirit of a true educational innovator, shaping not just young minds but entire communities. As she navigates her future, it's clear that her passion, innovation, and commitment to fostering a love for learning will continue to leave an indelible mark on this landscape.

Her focus is finally broken just over my shoulder. I turn to see a teacher acting out a turntable and pointing to a corner. Hannah gives a thumbs up. The party is just getting started.