Nyah Moyer
conviction & Heart: Meet the Director Leading Piper Preschool’s Manhattan Beach Campus
by Sarah Brooks
A short five minute drive from the Manhattan Beach boardwalk, tucked in a quiet little neighborhood, Piper’s fourth campus is bringing a new ray of sunshine to the South Bay community. Piper has become one of the premier places to send your preschool-aged kids, and it’s ever-apparent with this Manhattan Beach location. It’s a boutique haven of early childhood education that feels more like a California beach bungalow than a traditional school. Just inside the doors, they’ve built a Parent Workspace that’s dedicated to adults with a full kitchen, seating area, meeting space, snacks for everyone, and great music playing. Other than the three other Piper campuses, I have never seen anything like this at a preschool.
Just inside, I’m greeted by Nyah Moyer, Piper’s newest addition and Director of the Manhattan Beach campus. Straight away, I’m caught by her smile. She’s welcoming, warm, and full of easy confidence. She’s immediately curious about me, asking questions about where I’m from and what got me into writing. Her language is filled with empathy, clarity, and conviction. The more Nyah speaks, the more apparent it is to me that she’s doing exactly what she’s meant to do. Interviewing her is my job, but I’ve never felt so ingratiated into a space. She also has a special twinkle in her eye, like someone who’s just barely suppressing a great story. I can’t wait to turn the tables. At her suggestion, we took walk around the neighborhood instead of sitting down. We chatted about her previous work, life, her little Frenchie, wine, the best local restaurants, and all the things that brought her to this point in her life. This is Nyah Moyer… at her best.
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Do you always prefer to walk for interviews?
As much as I’d love to say I’m interviewed all the time, I’m not - so I came in with a few butterflies. But I figured if I was going to have them, I might as well get some fresh air and pretend we’re just two friends strolling the neighborhood instead of me secretly hoping I’m saying all the right things.
There’s no right things here. I can already see your love for preschool. So what drew you to early childhood education in the first place? Was there a moment when you just knew?
I’ve always been drawn to children - their energy, curiosity, and that little light in their eyes as they discover the world around them. I believe every interaction, every moment of play, helps shape who they become. It’s special to be apart of that foundation.
Manhattan Beach seems to have its own vibe. What makes leading a preschool here unique?
Piper is known for its community. The events, the camaraderie, the way people feel connected. The beautiful thing about Manhattan Beach is that sense of connection is already part of the city’s DNA. There’s this laid-back, breezy, oceanside-vibe here, and I think that makes leading a preschool especially unique. You’re building relationships in a place where people already value enjoying each other’s company and creating meaningful experiences.
Describe your first week at Piper. What surprised you the most?
What surprised me most was the heart of the teachers. I instantly knew I was joining a talented team. You can feel the sense of how much everyone not only cares but loves what they do.
What past experiences shaped the way you lead today?
Coaching Special Olympics, babysitting, teaching, developing curriculum, working in administration - each of these experiences shaped who I am as a person and as a Director. Then you add becoming a parent, and it deepens everything. As a leader, I strive to be patient, understanding, empathetic, and hands on.
What’s one thing people misunderstand about preschool-aged children that you wish more folks got right?
I think people often underestimate how capable and resilient preschool-aged children are. They are problem solvers, deep thinkers, and incredibly adaptable when given the right environment. At Piper, we believe in meeting each child where they are and giving them opportunities to explore and take risks. When we step back and trust them, they often surpass our highest expectations or hopes and dreams.
Give me a “This is why I do this” moment you’ve had in the past.
I am one of those fortunate people who gets reminders of my “why” almost daily. It’s the child who yells, “Ms. Nyah!” From across the yard, and comes running to tell me something they discovered. It’s the parent who takes a moment to write, “Thanks for listening,” after a hard conversation.
Parents dropping off their kids want to feel safe, seen, and supported. What’s your approach to building real trust with families?
Transparency. Warmth. Being a good listener. I never want families to feel alone in anything they are going through. We don’t only celebrate the wins, but navigate the challenges - together.
Okay, dream big for a second. If budget and time were no object, what would you build into the Piper MB experience?
No budget? Thinking big? I would want a large garden - think fruit trees, herbs, vegetables. So big that families wouldn’t need to go to a Farmers market, they are bringing a basket and grabbing everything they need for home. And maybe we’d even have some chickens.
Outside of preschool life, who are you? What’s your happy place when you’re not leading a school?
Outside of preschool, I am a mom and wife. I love traveling…with a one year old, ambitious I know. I get excited about a good glass of red wine, which is why Napa is one of my favorite getaways. We often host backyard dinners with friends and enjoy trying new restaurants all around town.
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By the time I’ve finished up asking questions, we’re still a few blocks from Piper. I’m in love with the neighborhood, the feeling, the breeze, and honestly how quiet this area is. Even though Nyah is new to Piper, I can see how she believes in what makes Piper unique and special. There’s something unmistakably grounding about the Piper MB campus under her leadership. It’s not just the interior design or the soft ocean breeze. It’s the feeling that kids here are seen not just as students, but as competent learners. Nyah isn’t just running a school here. She’s quietly changing the way childhood feels.
As we make it back to the gate, a child notices us yelling out to her, “Miss Nyah. Where were you? Who’s that?” He’s wearing one shoe, holding the other, and carrying a wooden crate full of sand toys under his arm. He waves to me with his shoe hand, “Hi, I’m making vanilla pudding.” I get it. This is what it’s all about.