Lisa Monette

Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

Youth & Family

Lisa Monette brings over 30 years of experience in education, with the last 17 focused on early childhood leadership and Jewish communal life. She joins the JCCSF after five years as Director of Early Childhood Education at the Merage JCC in Orange County, where she led a preschool serving more than 325 children and 65 educators. There, she championed professional development, strengthened community partnerships, and was an active member of the senior leadership team.

Following that, Lisa served as Director of Membership at Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot in Irvine, where she developed strategies for relationship-building and member engagement. In addition to these roles, Lisa enjoys mentoring and actively engaging in thought partnerships with early childhood advocates and professionals worldwide.

Lisa earned her master’s degree in education with an emphasis in multicultural counseling from San Diego State University, where she also served as faculty. She holds a Child Development Program Director Permit and is a graduate of the JCC Association’s/Jewish Theological Seminary Executive Leadership Training Institute.

When she’s not working, Lisa loves adventures with her husband Marc and their three boys—whenever they can get together. She enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, good food, travel, strong coffee, meaningful connection, and a good laugh. You’ll often find her enjoying walks through the city, hiking, cycling, or practicing yoga and pilates to recharge.