Erin Giles
Leading with curiosity and connection: Inside the World of Piper Preschool Santa Monica’s Director
by Sarah Brooks
In a beautifully unassuming historical building on the edge of downtown Santa Monica, Piper Preschool hums with the happy chaos of discovery - paintbrushes swishing around in tiny hands, giggles spilling over the fence from the playground, and playful learning enveloping the sunlit classrooms. It’s truly like no other you’ve seen. This isn’t preschool. This is an experience for the entire family. The campus blends the creative energy of its beachside neighborhood with Piper’s signature approach: a thoughtful mix of Montessori-inspired independence and Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on exploration, collaboration, and child interests. Here, learning feels as natural as a walk to the pier, and every corner is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Before your first step through the front door, you can sense a warmth that transcends schooling. It feels like home.
Just inside and to the right, sits Erin Giles, the Director of Piper’s very first campus. I’m greeted with a head tilt and smile, that I will come to realize stays with you long beyond your steps at Piper. Even as I write this, I can still see the tilt. Her confidence, her calmness, and her warmth put me at ease right away. This wasn’t going to be an interview as much as it was going to be a little walk through her mind. I was ready for it.
Erin started at Piper as a teacher, then quickly moved to a Division Coordinator (teacher mentoring) role, and then Admissions Director. She’s a seasoned presence in the local early childhood education world. Erin has shaped countless young minds while guiding families through the formative preschool years and onto the elementary craze. Her knowledge is quick, genuine, and reflective. Her thoughtful pauses before answering speak to a deep well of intention and care in everything she does. Erin carries not only a keen understanding of Piper’s local community and area elementary schools, but also an unshakable knowledge of the most important neighborhood intel - like where to do best clay making.
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Let's start at the beginning. What's the first thing people should know about you that isn't on your résumé?
Two things, actually. First, I'm a musical theatre gal through and through. Give me a Broadway soundtrack, a cast recording, or a spontaneous sing-along and I'm immediately in my happy place. I grew up loving the storytelling, the energy, and the joy that comes from bringing people together through music. Those things have a funny way of showing up in preschool, too. There's a lot more singing, dancing, and dramatic storytelling in my day than people might expect.
Second, I will absolutely go out of my way to pet every dog I meet. Every single one. Animals have a way of instantly making life better, and dogs especially seem to know exactly how to brighten someone's day. No matter what's happening, seeing a happy dog usually puts a smile on my face. Those two things probably tell you everything you need to know about me.
If someone followed you around for a typical day at school, what would surprise them most?
Probably the number of extremely important high-fives I receive throughout the day. They're a pretty big part of the job. Some are celebratory, some are motivational, and some seem to happen for no reason at all - but they're all equally important.
People might also be surprised by how little of the day actually goes according to plan. Between the children, teachers, and parents, I answer what feels like a million questions every day. You can walk into the morning with a perfectly organized schedule and a clear plan, but a preschool is a living, breathing community. New needs pop up, exciting things happen, children have big ideas, and priorities shift. I've learned that flexibility is one of the most valuable skills in this work. The ability to pivot while still keeping everyone feeling supported is something I use every single day.
Do you remember the moment you realized you wanted to work with children?
Honestly, I think it was in my DNA long before I ever realized it. My grandmother was a kindergarten teacher, and my mom taught and eventually ran a preschool, so there really wasn't much chance I was heading in a different direction. Early childhood education was always part of the conversations, the values, and the environment I grew up around.
I've loved being around children for as long as I can remember. Their curiosity, honesty, creativity, and perspective on the world have always fascinated me. Looking back, it feels less like I chose this profession and more like I naturally found my way into something that was already a part of who I was. I truly can't imagine doing anything else, and I couldn't have asked for a better path.
What was your very first job, and what did it teach you that you still use today?
My first job was teaching in a YMCA after-school program, and I was pretty much thrown into the deep end on day one. There wasn't a lot of time to overthink things - I had to jump in, figure it out, and learn as I went.
What that experience taught me, and what still guides me today, is the importance of building genuine relationships with children. Before anything else, kids want to know that you see them, that you know who they are, and that you're interested in what matters to them. Once that connection exists, everything else becomes easier.
That's still at the heart of how I approach leadership and education today. It's in the high-fives, the conversations, the stories children are excited to tell, and the overall feeling we're trying to create at Piper. Relationships matter. They always have.
I also learned something equally important: I'm really not very good at dodgeball.
Every school has a personality. How would you describe the personality of the Santa Monica campus?
The Santa Monica campus has a special energy because it's where the Piper story began. Being the original campus gives it a unique sense of history and identity, but it also has a fresh, creative spirit that continues to evolve. There's a thoughtful balance throughout Piper, that I love. The environment feels modern and intentional, while still having warmth and character. Our colors, materials, and spaces create a feeling that's cozy and inviting, but also full of creativity and possibility. I always describe us as warm and welcoming with just the right amount of spunk.
Most importantly, there's a sense of joy here. The classrooms are vibrant, collaboration is everywhere, and there's always something exciting happening. That energy extends beyond the children and into the teaching team as well. People feel empowered to share ideas, try new things, and contribute to the community. My role is to help protect and nurture that culture so that the same sense of purpose and creativity that existed on day one continues for years to come.
What's something children understand better than adults do?
That's easy: the little things. As adults, we're constantly focused on what's next. We're thinking about the next meeting, the next milestone, the next goal, or the next thing on our to-do list. Children don't live that way. They're masters at being present. They can spend five minutes examining a flower, become completely fascinated by a ladybug, or stop everything they're doing because they found a particularly interesting rock.
Sometimes they're literally stopping to smell the flowers, and honestly, there's something we can learn from that. As we get older, we unknowingly start taking so much for granted. Children remind us to slow down and appreciate what's right in front of us. They notice details. They find wonder in ordinary things. They laugh more freely and more often. Every day they're offering us little reminders that joy doesn't have to be complicated. It's one of the many reasons I love being around them.
What's the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
I once had a student who decided my name was Slim Shady and never looked back. For an entire school year, I wasn't Miss So-and-So. I wasn't Teacher. I wasn't Erin. I was Slim Shady. No explanation. No context. Just complete commitment. Every single time he said it, it made me laugh.
What's one misconception people have about preschool education?
That preschool is just daycare. Of course, families need care for their children, and that's an important service. But what happens inside a high-quality preschool environment goes so much deeper than people often realize. These children are competent, capable, thoughtful little humans. They are learning constantly, and the amount they're able to absorb and retain continues to amaze me year after year.
One of my favorite examples is our Bluebell program. The depth of knowledge these children develop about artists, inventors, scientists, authors, and cultures around the world is remarkable. Not only can they remember information, but they can make connections, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. People sometimes underestimate what young children are capable of. I have the privilege of seeing their potential every day, and they never stop impressing me.
When you walk through the classrooms, what are you paying attention to that parents might not notice?
One of my favorite things to observe is how children make choices. I'm always watching the moments where children reveal who they are. Which activities do they gravitate toward? Which friends do they seek out? What questions are they asking? What captures their attention? Those small decisions tell us so much about their personalities, their interests, and the ways they're growing. Some of my favorite observations happen during snack and lunch. I'll often sit with a class and simply listen. The conversations are incredible. One minute they're discussing dinosaurs, the next they're trying out knock-knock jokes, and somehow they're also solving life's biggest mysteries.
You learn a lot about a school in those unstructured moments. You see confidence developing. You see friendships forming. You see children discovering their voices. Those are often the moments that matter most, and they're the moments I love watching flourish.
Tell me about a moment that reminded you why this work matters.
Every year, it's graduation. No matter how many times I've experienced it, that day always brings everything into focus. We spend years getting to know these children. We see them on their first days when they're nervous, uncertain, or still learning how to separate from their parents. Then suddenly it's graduation day, and we're reflecting on who they were when they arrived compared to who they've become. The growth is extraordinary. What makes it even more meaningful is that it truly reflects a partnership between families and educators. Raising children is never a solo effort. It's a collaboration built on trust, communication, support, and love.
Graduation is where all of those years of effort become visible. You see children confidently singing songs, sharing memories, hugging teachers, crossing the stage, proudly accepting their diplomas, and occasionally trying not to lose their tiny graduation caps. It's joyful, emotional, and inspiring all at once. Every year it reminds me exactly why this work matters.
What's a small thing that instantly makes you smile during the school day?
I'm lucky because there are a lot of things that make me smile throughout the day. One of my favorites is hearing teachers use songs to guide their classrooms. Preschool teachers have a magical ability to turn just about anything into a song. Cleaning up becomes a song. Lining up becomes a song. Washing hands becomes a song. And somehow it works. There's something wonderfully joyful about watching a group of preschoolers willingly move from one activity to another because someone started singing. It's creative, playful, and uniquely preschool. Honestly, there aren't many things better than successfully herding a group of preschoolers through song and dance.
If you could give every parent one piece of advice, what would it be?
It's probably going to sound cliché, but my advice would be simple: take a breath. Parenting comes with an endless list of things to think about and worry about. It's easy to get caught up in questions about kindergarten, friendships, future opportunities, milestones, and everything that comes after.
But after years of working with families, I've learned something important: things have a way of working out. There is almost always a solution. There is almost always someone willing to help. Families are often far more resilient than they give themselves credit for. I've had the privilege of watching hundreds of children grow and move through different stages of life, and over and over again I've seen families land exactly where they were meant to be.
So breathe. Slow down when you can. Enjoy the moments that are happening right now. Childhood moves quickly, and these ordinary days often become the memories you'll treasure most. These are the days.
What are you hoping children feel when they walk through the front doors each morning?
Happiness. Warmth. Belonging. More than anything, I want Piper to feel like a place where children know they matter. Walking through our front doors should feel like a hug. It should feel safe, welcoming, and familiar. It should feel like a place where people are genuinely happy to see you. When children feel secure and connected, incredible things happen. They're more willing to take risks, explore new ideas, build friendships, and develop confidence in themselves. We work hard to create an environment where every child feels seen and valued. Judging by the excitement that comes through those doors each morning, I think they feel it.
Five years from now, what do you hope people are saying about this school and your leadership?
Piper has always been about community. That's been true since the beginning, and it's one of the reasons I've loved being part of this organization for so long. Five years from now, I hope people remember how they felt when they were here. I hope teachers felt supported, encouraged, and empowered. I hope families felt welcomed, valued, and cared for. I hope children felt safe, loved, and excited to learn. More than anything, I hope people feel that they truly belonged. Schools are about so much more than academics. They're about relationships. They're about connection. They're about creating a place where people can be themselves and know they're supported along the way. If families and teachers look back and remember feeling deeply seen, genuinely loved, and fully part of the Piper family, then I think we've accomplished something truly meaningful.
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As I make the rounds at the Piper campuses, one thing has remained increasingly evident - all the Directors have this seemingly innate dedication to Piper, early education, and the community that surrounds them. They all have the same love and care, just filtered through difference lenses of experience and life. Their drive to be malleable in the most important ways is ever evident and equally impressive. All this seems to only be matched by their love for life's simple pleasures and staying true to their journey. Erin is no different. Beyond the vibrant world of education, Erin tells us she unwinds with new hobbies every month or so. This month is sculpting. She’s also a game-night host, but “only enjoy it when I win,” she says with the signature smile. Erin savors the moments of laughter during dinners with friends, playing guitar, or anything arts and crafts. In this balance of passion, community, and the embrace of life's joys, Erin continues to shape not only the little minds of tomorrow, but also the memories made at Piper.
As our conversation winds down in the Parent Workspace, we hear a page, “Erin, line 1.” She apologizes for the interruption and stands up to answer. I hadn’t seen her interact with a family yet. This was the magic. For that brief moment, I got to see her charm in action with a new family calling about enrollment. I could see this wasn’t going to be a quick call, so I started packing up my things. She noticed and with a smile, mouthed, “sorry.” There was nothing to be sorry about. This was the very reason she’s the Director. I could tell the family was sold, as they were bypassing the tour to apply. I waved as I was walking out. She smiled, tilted her head, and waved back. As I turned, she whispered, “Hey, my dog has been to 16 states. Put that in there.”