Manzanita Classroom

Amy Hutchinson - Former Lead

Lorraine Smith - Interim Lead Teacher 

Taylor Miller-Fischer - Support Teacher 

Teacher Amy’s (she/her) tenure at Urban began in early 2020 after moving to the Bay Area from Portland, Oregon, where she completed her AMI Montessori certification and worked in private and public upper elementary classrooms for 10 years.  She’s had the pleasure of working in both the Sequoia and Manzanita classroom communities and finds great joy in watching children light up with new discoveries and ideas, tell jokes, and create art! When not at school, you can find her out on the trails in the Oakland hills hiking, biking, or running, at the climbing gym with her husband, planning for a camping adventure, or on the couch taking a nap. Amy has her California Multiple Subject credential through CalStateTEACH.


Ms. Lo (she/her) started her journey with UMCS in late September of 2023. Working in education for 8 years, Lorraine has created amazing relationships with student and their families all over the Bay Area. Ms. Lo is very passionate about the emotional and spiritual health of all the students she engages with and works hard to not only create a space of learning but also internal growth. In her free time, she travels, goes to a ton of concerts, and checks things off her adrenaline bucket list. One fun fact, Ms. Lo is currently learning how to ride a motorcycle!


Mx. T (they/them) is an esteemed educator, advocate, and abolitionist, with a steadfast commitment to these roles since 2016. Settling in the Bay Area in 2011, Taylour has deeply embedded themselves in the community, drawing strength from their identity as Afro-Indigenous. Hailing from L’eeneidí Aanx’aak Hít (Raven DogSalmon Clan) of Xutsnoowú kwáan (Juneau/Angoon Alaska), Taylour's roots inform their passion for social justice and healing.

As a multidisciplinary practitioner in the realms of art, education, and activism, Taylour has pioneered avenues for youth to embark on journeys of healing through the power of storytelling and trauma-informed transformative justice approaches. They are deeply committed to igniting change and fostering collective healing by championing the significance of community care in navigating the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Within the classroom, Taylour is a firm believer that when the needs of youth are authentically met, they can flourish. With this conviction, Taylour diligently crafts systems that are not only centered around youth but are also led by them, empowering each individual to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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