michelle Nazzareno

A Second Home: Michelle Nazzareno Brings Her Warmth and Vision to Piper OC in Irvine

by Sarah Brooks

Just off the tree-lined streets of Irvine, Piper Preschool OC feels like a modern-day village for young minds - open, airy classrooms filled with light, art, and little feet pattering across the hardwood. Just beyond the classroom walls, you can hear the rhythm of an active playground: giggles, the scrape of tricycles on pavement, and teachers kneeling down to listen intently to a preschooler’s newest big idea. They even have a creek running through the middle. I’ve never seen water-play quite like this. The Irvine campus sits in the heart of Orange County, where sunny days are plentiful and the community is as diverse as it is close-knit. It’s the perfect backdrop for Piper’s unique approach to early childhood education - a blend of Montessori-inspired independence, Reggio Emilia’s collaborative exploration, and a warm, familial atmosphere.

And now, at the helm, is Michelle Nazzareno. With a warm smile and firm handshake, she insists that we take a walk through the campus before we get started. Honestly, I’m transported to my own childhood with her soft suggestions and end up completely under her wing. As we walk around, she kinda flows through the hallways with an easy calmness and a presence that seems to slow the pace of the day without ever halting its momentum. A few times I could see some hesitation in a teacher needing her, but seeing me. Michelle noticed every time and addressed their needs. She takes it all in - the toddler experimenting with watercolor, the teacher kneeling to converse eye to eye, the parent waving from the door, and she even knew that obscure Otis Redding song on the stereo there. You can tell she’s not just seeing things, she’s understanding them. When you talk to her, she listens fully, eyes steady, responses thoughtful and usually flanked with a grin. There’s no rush to fill the silence; she lets you finish, considers her words, and then answers in a way that makes you feel heard.

That quiet confidence comes from years in the field - 14, to be exact - but also from a lifetime of being at home in the preschool world. And now, as the new Director of Piper Preschool OC, Michelle is channeling that experience into building a space where children, families, and educators can feel that same sense of belonging.

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So, Michelle—how long have you been in the preschool world?

This year, it’ll be 14 years. Feels wild to say because, in so many ways, it still feels like the beginning. I’m still learning every day.

What drew you to this type of work?

I was born into it. My mother was an Assistant Director of a preschool, and she would take me to work with her when I was really young. One of my earliest memories is at age five, interacting with a baby. From that moment on, preschools have always felt like my second home. That’s never changed - it’s still where I feel most myself.

It seems like some people misunderstand preschool-aged schooling. Is there anything that sticks out that you wish they knew more about?

That kids are far more capable than most give them credit for. People often see preschoolers as just “little kids,” but they’re already developing complex ideas, empathy, and problem-solving skills. If we slow down and really listen, we’ll notice they have their own perspectives, their own ways of processing the world. A big thing here is that we want to give them the space to try, to make mistakes, and to discover they can do more than they ever imagined - and that confidence stays with them long after they leave our classrooms.

How do you think preschool helps mold the minds and helps children for their years beyond preschool?

Preschool is the foundation for how children see themselves as learners and as people. It’s where they’ll have their first social interactions, learn how to navigate friendships, express their emotions, ask questions, and think creatively. Those early experiences of feeling heard, being encouraged to explore, and solving problems on their own, will end up shaping their confidence and curiosity for years to come. By the time they move on from Piper, they’re not just ready for the next grade; they’re ready to approach challenges with resilience and with a love of learning. When I see a 3 year old verbally problem solving with a friend, that tells me we’re doing it right.

How do you support and inspire your team to bring out the best in both the children and themselves?

It all starts with trust and listening. I want my team to feel valued not just for what they do, but for who they are. I make it a priority to check in regularly - sometimes it’s a formal conversation about goals, and sometimes it’s just sharing a cup of coffee before the day begins. I also want them to have balance in their life between work and restoration. I’ve worked hard to have that and I want that translated to their lives as well. I encourage them to bring their own passions into the classroom, whether that’s music, art, gardening, or storytelling, because children benefit from seeing adults fully engaged in what they love. And I’m always there to back them up, to provide resources, and to empower them to try new things, make mistakes, and grow - just like the children we teach. When a team feels supported, they naturally create an environment where kids can thrive.

Other than preschool, what else are you into?

Starting a business with my partner, Dennis, was definitely a passion project at first. It began with a simple blanket ladder, and now it’s his full-time job. When I show up at a job site, people are usually a mix of confused and impressed. Working alongside Dennis has given me a deeper understanding of interior design, and I’ve even painted a few murals. I love that kind of creative challenge. It actually translates quite well with the aesthetic of Piper, too.

What relaxes you and gives you a break from work?

Travel and yoga. I’ve been really drawn to yoga retreats and teacher training opportunities around the world. My first stop will be Bali. It’s a way to reset, gain new perspective, and bring that sense of peace back into my work with children and families.

What resonates with you most about Piper?

Since day one, Piper has felt like home to me. Our philosophy is something I take to heart. When I moved from New York, I had very high expectations for the kind of place I wanted to work in early childhood education. Piper meets every single one of those expectations and exceeds them, though. I knew I wanted to be part of it from the very beginning here in OC. I’ve been here since before we opened our doors, building furniture, decorating classrooms, and creating curriculum. It was very easy for me to transition into Piper because our beliefs are aligned.

What makes the OC community so special?

It’s beautifully blended. We have families and educators from all over the world, each bringing their own traditions, perspectives, and experiences. At Piper, we’ve created a warm, welcoming space where those differences are celebrated - and together, we make this our home away from home.

Any last thoughts for me?

It’s over already? That was too easy. I just feel incredibly grateful to be here, to work alongside such passionate educators, and to welcome families into a place where their children can truly thrive. My hope is that when people walk through our doors, they instantly feel the warmth, the creativity, and the care that make Piper so special. This isn’t just where children learn their ABCs; it’s where they discover who they are, and where families find a community that supports them every step of the way. That’s what makes this work so meaningful, and I’m honored to be part of it.

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As we wrap up our conversation back in her office, Michelle spots a small group of preschoolers peeking around the corner of the office door. They’ve been working on a “secret project,” and one brave voice finally calls out, “Ms. Michelle, we made you something!” She excuses herself with a smile and walks over, kneeling down. Out comes a construction-paper crown, slightly lopsided, decorated with crayon hearts and natural materials that are already starting to migrate to her sweater. With big smiles, the children proudly place it on her head. She wears it for the rest of our conversation, as if it’s the most precious accessory in the world.

It’s a small moment, but one that says everything about her fit here. Michelle isn’t just leading Piper OC - she’s part of it, woven into its daily rhythm, trusted by the smallest yet most important members of its community. In a city as vibrant and varied as Irvine, where cultures meet and stories intertwine, she brings a steady warmth that makes everyone - child and adult - feel at home. And if the crown is any indication, the feeling is mutual.