Monta Monaco Hernon

Monta Hernon has been a freelance writer and editor for more years than she cares to count. She has been working for Riverside since it began in 2013, first as a volunteer, then as a teacher, and now as communications manager and Board secretary. 

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When Monta and her husband Jim first heard about Riverside, they knew their family had to join this adventurous venture. Their two older sons, now in college, were part of the very first Tutorial class. Their daughter has been in several of the Riverside plays, and their youngest son is thrilled to be a current second year in Tutorial at the new Big Rock property. 

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Being part of Riverside has not just been great for Monta's children; rather, it also has provided Monta with great joy from being able to share her talents and work  as part of a creative fellowship.

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For two years, Monta led Riverside Reporters, a youth newspaper staff that chronicled community events, learned about news broadcasting, and published special editions about the original Riverside musicals.  Monta also worked with Riverside community illustrators (youth and adults) to create a children's book version of the Legend of Coyote Cal.

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And Monta is excited to announce that this coming summer (2026), Bushel and Peck Books will publish Let's Go Birding, which will be a guide for parents and children to start birdwatching together.