Molly Matthews co-founded Montecito Preschool in 1960 under the name Matthews Marynook. Molly and Jim Matthews both believed “the most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the period from birth to age six.” From this core belief, Montecito was established, and is now one of the largest private preschools in Northern California. The Matthews family has dedicated this magnificent piece of land, with its sprawling oak trees, open space, and gentle animals, to generations of young children to explore, cherish and enjoy.

Molly’s professional career as a child welfare advocate includes: Program Director at The Child Advocacy Council, Child Abuse Prevention trainer at Children’s Protective Services, Drug and Alcohol Counselor for San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties and a board member of The Kitty Petty Institute for Learning Disabilities. Molly’s passion for the natural environment and the human connection to nature is demonstrated in her current businesses Molly’s Touch and Las Palmas Design. She creates “healing environments” through garden and landscape design. Molly is the mother of three, all Montecito graduates, and the grandmother of two, who have also attended Montecito. Molly holds a BA from San Jose State University and an MA in Psychology from Lone Mountain College.