This year, as we welcome the class of 2028 we also welcome a few new teachers, including Ms. Maria Cilio. As the newest addition to both our English and our Student Life departments, Ms. Cilio is so excited to join the Mount this year, being an alumna herself.

“It feels like home working here, the Mount has always been such a loving community,” Ms. Cilio said.

After graduating from the Mount, she attended New York University in Manhattan. Later, she received her masters degree from Chestnut Hill College and soon after decided to feed her passion for travel and explore the world.

Her travels fostered a love for Hispanic culture, leading her to the realm of teaching Spanish.

”I don’t think I’d be in Spanish II or interested in Spanish at all if she wasn’t my teacher,” Leah Gregory ‘28 says this after having Ms. Cilio for 6-8th grade Spanish classes.

Coming back to her roots in Philadelphia, she took a job teaching Spanish at Norwood Fontbonne Academy.

“Having her for Spanish and homeroom, she’s very dedicated to what she does – and she had the most fun room by far,” Madison Jackson said.

Madison Jackson details her time with Ms. Cilio was nothing but fun, describing her as a committed and hardworking teacher who still made learning interesting.

After a tearful goodbye, she made the decision to come back to her alma mater, where she is a great addition.