Glow & Grow!: An ElevatEd Chanukah Celebration and Professional Development Gathering

Lorella Lamonaca holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership and brings over 30 years of experience as an educator in both New York City and New York State public schools. For nearly two decades, she has co-facilitated the Reggio Emilia Study Group in Scarsdale, New York, guiding teachers, administrators, and families in exploring innovative, project-based, and experiential approaches to learning.

Lorella currently serves as an adjunct professor and early childhood supervisor at Bank Street College of Education, where she supports emerging educators in developing reflective, child-centered teaching practices. She previously served as the  Early Childhood Executive Director of the WeGrow School, where she applied her deep understanding of creativity and collaboration to design forward-thinking educational programs grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

In addition to her leadership and teaching roles, Lorella is an experienced education consultant at national and international conferences. Her work focuses on constructivist and social constructivist pedagogies, with a special emphasis on Reggio Emilia–inspired approaches. Internationally, she has shared strategies for integrating digital literacy in early childhood classrooms in Finland and has taught at the International Institute in Madrid.

Lorella’s lifelong commitment to cultivating curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking continues to inspire educators and transform learning environments worldwide.