Ri Cruz (they/them)

Ri Cruz is an experienced Montessori educator and curriculum specialist, with more than thirteen years in early childhood education. They started out in the classroom, where they gained a strong appreciation for how the Montessori method respects each child’s individual development. Ri currently serves as a Lead Guide at Our House Montessori in Philadelphia, PA where they founded their Primary Program in 2018. Over time, they have held other roles such as Curriculum Coordinator, and Mentor for new Montessorians, helping teachers build confidence and develop a liberatory approach to their work. 

As a certified Anti-Bias Anti-Racist educator, Ri is dedicated to integrating equity and inclusion into all aspects of educational programming, from designing curriculum to engaging with families. As a Black Latinx Montessorian, they have a personal understanding of how important it is to see oneself represented in both the classroom and in leadership roles. They believe that the core Montessori values of respect, peace, and following the child naturally support queer-affirming principles, and they are committed to helping create an organization where no Montessori educator or family has to choose between their identity and their community.