Ms. Lillie (she/her) is an Oakland native who joined Urban Montessori in 2023. She started at UMCS working with 6th-8th graders in the aftercare program and taking on substitute teaching responsibilities during the day. With a degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, she is committed to providing a quality math and science education to prepare UMCS middle schoolers for real-world applications. When she is not teaching, she enjoys attending live music events, exploring the East Bay, and crocheting.

Ms. Rios brings almost 18 years of teaching experience to UMCS. Raised in Oakland, having attended public schools in Oakland; Ms. Rios has a great passion for teaching in her community and giving back to the city that saw her grow. She enjoys learning from her students as well who have ranged from 1st grade up to 12th grade! Ms. Rios brings in a Social justice perspective to the table and is very well-rounded. She plans to share all of her acquired expertise with her students. Ms. Rios transferred to San Francisco State after getting an Associate Degree in Social Science and Humanities at Laney College. At SFSU, she did her undergrad in Liberal Studies with a minor in Chicano Studies. While going to school, she worked as a mental health counselor in San Francisco, which has been a great asset. While there, she also took Holistic Health classes to balance out the ups and downs of life. She then attended Patten University and the University of Phoenix for her Credentialing program.