Classroom Co-Teacher

Alexis was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. She began working with children in camps and after schools in the Westchester and NYC area before becoming a teacher. She received a Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education in 2019 and completed a Masters of Education in Literacy at Bank Street in 2023. Alexis joined the Compass community in December 2019. Curious about inquiring minds, rigor, and student-centered learning she enjoys working alongside children engaging in inquiry. She loves building relationships with students and creating a classroom community where all learners are valued, celebrated, and engaged in authentic learning experiences. When she is not teaching, Alexis loves spending time outdoors, baking, and reading. Her favorite children's book is Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee. Her favorite grown-up book is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

Occupational Therapist

Studio Teacher

My name is Andy. I’m a musician and educator originally from St. Louis, Missouri. I have taught a variety of subject areas across many grade levels and I am so excited to be teaching music at Compass Charter School.

Operations Manager

Studio Teacher

Anna Larson von Muehlen started teaching on The St. Lawrence River in high school, running a nautical summer program with the goal of getting kids on the water. From sailboats, to Kenya, to Baton Rouge, to Harlem, public, independent, and charter schools - Anna is grateful for all of the teaching and sustainability experiences along the way and to have been pointed toward Compass 11 years ago. She spent the first two years at Compass as a classroom teacher and has loved watching Compass grow as a school and community. After her first child was born, Anna returned as a Learning Specialist for three years during which her second child was born. Changing roles along the way, Anna worked with Compass' first graduating class from their first day of 1st grade on to their last day of 5th grade, which was an incredible gift. This is Anna's fifth year in the role of Sustainability Coordinator and teaching kindergarten and first grade in the Sustainability Studio.
Anna believes in learning by doing, celebrating our interdependence with nature and each other, and asking lots of questions. She thinks little people are natural activists with important opinions, loud voices, and a special gift of seeing change as possible no matter what. Anna is delighted to be traveling to school by bike with both of her kids as Compass Students.

Classroom Co-Teacher

My name is Brekke McDowell, and my pronouns are she/her. I graduated from Tulane University with a degree in English, and I then went on to earn a Master's degree in Literature, while teaching writing. While I love New Orleans, having my family in New York eventually brought me back here. I taught fifth grade in Brooklyn for several years before coming to Compass in 2019. During that time, I earned an additional Masters degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. I am passionate about fostering children's innate curiosity, creativity and kindness. I believe that young people can and will create the just and equitable world we all seek. I am excited to begin my 13th year of teaching, teaching in the Magnolia class. When I am not teaching, I can be found reading (always reading), hanging out with my dog Presley, writing, at the beach or cooking dinner for friends and family.

Learning Specialist

A native of Brooklyn, NY and proud graduate of the SUNY and CUNY systems, Caroline brings over twenty years of experience in public, charter, and independent schools as Teacher and Learning Specialist to Compass. Well-versed in the science of reading, neurodiversity, development and temperament, Caroline's passion lies in helping children realize their individual strengths through deliberate instruction. Outside of the classroom, she is an avid writer, podcast listener, and die hard fan of the NY Mets and Knicks.

Operations Associate

Charlotte Bourgault is starting her 4th official year at Compass Charter School as Operations Associate. She came to Compass after spending two years in the Peace Corps in Togo and attending Arizona State University. She is excited to help out with all of your transportation and attendance needs as well as generally goofing around with the students. When she is not in school you can find her taking pictures around the city or at the movies.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Chrys Herring is excited to be a part of the Compass community. Chrys grew up in a few different parts of the country but her roots really stretch across the east coast. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in early education with a minor in sociology.

Throughout her career, Chrys has gotten to see the education field from many different angles and serve in different roles, but what brings her the most joy is getting to learn with and from kiddos and their families as a classroom teacher. Chrys has gotten to teach in different communities, all in grades K-2, and is grateful to plant her feet at Compass. Chrys loves dance & movement, reading & writing, collaging, hanging out with family and friends and enjoying time outside.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Elijah is a committed and passionate elementary educator with experience in general and special educational environments. This is his first year at Compass Charter School, and is excited to work in this new school environment! Outside of his work as a teacher he is a movie buff and fan of music, and has been described as a "voracious" reader. He is thrilled to be working with a class of wonderful second graders!

Social Worker

Hi! My name is Elizabeth (she/her), and I’m one of the school social workers here at Compass. I feel really lucky to be part of this community of educators and learners. I’ve been a licensed social worker for five years, with experience in both mental health clinics and elementary schools, and this year I’m especially excited to bring additional professional development as a play therapist into my work with the students. I believe every child has the ability to grow and adapt when given the chance to be heard and supported through play and connection. Outside of school, I’m a mom to three kids (ages 9, 13, and 16), and I love yoga, reading, hiking when I can, and listening to my family’s stories around the table while we eat good food.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Hannah Liberman grew up in Southern California and has been working in the world of education for many years, teaching in both public and independent school settings. She comes from a family of educators and summer camp directors, which shaped her love of community-building, creativity, and the natural world. Hannah is a curious, imaginative educator who brings an inquiry-driven, child-centered approach to her classroom.

She studied Children’s Recreation at California State University, Northridge, originally intending to pursue a career in summer camps, but soon realized she could have the best of both worlds by teaching during the school year and continuing to work at camp every summer. Hannah earned her teaching certificate through California Lutheran University and is currently finishing M.Ed in Teacher Leadership.

When she’s not teaching, Hannah enjoys reading and taking long walks while listening to podcasts.

Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist

Jessica is a native New Yorker and currently lives in Brooklyn. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Literacy. Jessica has been teaching for 20 years and is excited for her second year at Compass! She enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Jessica is excited for her eleventh school year at Compass! Jessica was born and raised in Queens and currently lives in Baldwin, Long Island. She knew she wanted to be a teacher after working with her mother at a preschool while she was in middle school and high school. Jessica is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Inclusive Elementary and Special Education teacher preparation program. Jessica is also a recent graduate from the Math Leadership Program at Bank Street College of Education. Jessica is also Compass’ Union Chapter Leader and Math for All facilitator. In her free time, Jessica enjoys watching movies and tv shows (especially anything Marvel), going for walks, baking cakes and playing with her new puppy Azula. She also enjoys watching sports and going to New York Red Bull games with her husband

Classroom Co-Teacher

Melissa Pirkl is looking forward to her seventh school year at Compass! She focuses on building a loving, joyful community of learners where each child is celebrated for who they are, their interests, their passions, and their talents, and where their individual social, emotional, and academic growth is supported. Melissa prioritizes developing children’s compassion for themselves and others. She loves nurturing students’ natural wonder for the world with authentic and meaningful learning experiences that empower them to create, ask questions, find answers, identify and solve problems, share their voice, and advocate for change. Melissa formerly lived in North Carolina. She went to high school in the small town of Denver, NC (just north of Charlotte) and then went to North Carolina State University to study Biomedical Engineering for 3 years. After 3 years, she decided she was not as passionate about her career choice, so she followed her heart into teaching children to make a positive change in the world. She attended Western Carolina University to study Elementary Education and also went on to pursue her Masters in Elementary Education from there as well. She worked at several different charter schools throughout North Carolina that helped shape her practice in creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for all children. After 5 years of teaching in North Carolina, Melissa visited NYC for the first time and she quickly fell in love with the city. She saw NYC as a beautiful celebration of diversity and humanity and she felt inspired to take a new step in her life to discover, explore, learn, and grow. She has found her new home in the Compass community continuously doing all of those things she set out for and has additionally furthered her education by completing the coursework and exams to receive a supplementary certification in teaching students with disabilities. Along with being a teacher, Melissa loves spending time with her husband, being outside biking, hiking, exploring, walking her dog, Lily, spending time on or near the water, going to the climbing gym, doing yoga, and learning new things from a variety of experiences and people.

Social Worker

Julianna is looking forward to joining the Compass community this school year. Prior to her experience as a school social worker, Julianna taught elementary-aged students as a special education teacher and as a teacher of multilingual learners. Julianna enjoys relationship-building and works to ensure each and every student, as an individual and as a member of a collective community, feels valued and joyously celebrated.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Jinli Spencer has been a lifelong New Yorker. Jinli started her work in education after leaving a career in children’s trade publishing. She received an MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023. Jinli joined the Compass community in the fall of 2025 with the Juneberry class. She is full of wonder when it comes to children’s perspectives and the role of collaborative thinking in posing and addressing our most pressing social questions. Jinli is devoted to creating opportunity for student leadership and democratic forms of participation in school life.

Student Support Specialist

Classroom Co-Teacher

Kat has been in Brooklyn for 18 years and has been teaching in the area for nine. She previously taught preschool, pre-k and 2nd. Kat loves sports and is a die hard NY Rangers fan, and loves to go snorkeling, hanging out with her cats and reading on the roof.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Kelly was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She has been living in New York since 2007 and now considers herself an official New Yorker. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has worked in many different settings, including schools, early intervention, hospital-based inpatient and outpatient services, serving people ranging from birth to end-of-life. Across all of these experiences, communication and connection have been paramount. Kelly believes that kids learn best when they feel connected to their teacher and peers and that communication is the heart of learning - communicating what to learn and communicating what has been learned. Communication comes in many forms: gestures, facial expressions, speech, writing, emotional state, and physical state. Kelly is excited to bring these principles into the classroom, to foster connection and honor all forms of communication. She is embarking on her fifth year at Compass and is honored to be a part of this community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and inquiry-based learning. When she is not working, she loves hanging with her family and friends. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, and dog.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Akiea “Ki” Gross (they/them) is an early childhood educator, instructional coach and creative practitioner exploring the life-affirming possibilities of wonder, curiosity, abolitionist imagination and political education for young children and their adult comrades through their innovative pedagogy, Woke Kindergarten. Woke Kindergarten is a visionary anti-oppressive early learning ecosystem supporting children and those who care for them in their commitment to liberatory learning.

As an extension of their work, Ki formed Black Children Play!, a communal, archival and play project grounded in a reclamation of space, preservation of histories, and right to Black childhoods, rooted in the belief that Black children’s play is its own form of revolutionary praxis. A former classroom teacher and instructional coach chosen as ECEA’s 2020 Social Justice Educator of the Year, their experiences with the carceral state of schooling previously inspired the creation of Black Teachers Matter and Black Teachers Mentor. As an artist and educator, they are guided by the belief that young children are our north stars to liberation and co-architects in designing the liberatory futures we all deserve.

Ki’s work commitments support community members in moving towards more principled, critical, anti-carceral and values-aligned manifestations of their work. They are currently focused on expanding their offerings through various community-based projects, artistic and literary mediums. With over 15 years as an educator, coach, curriculum designer and consultant, they are excited to return to their roots as a Kindergarten teacher.

They hold Masters degrees from Columbia University’s Teachers College and Touro College’s partnership with the Deeper Learning Institute, as well as two Bachelors degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and are committed to deepening their study in community and global settings.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Lacey is excited to come to Compass after 17 years working in education as a literacy tutor, museum guide, classroom teacher, and interventionist. Originally from New Jersey, she studied English at Vassar College and has an MA in Museum Education & Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education. Most recently, she has spent 10 years as an Academic Intervention Services teacher in East New York. When she's not teaching, she enjoys exploring the city, spending time in nature, and visiting museums and going to the movies.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Lex is excited for their first school year at Compass! They were born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and currently live in Bushwick. Lex’s passion for teaching began while working in camps and after-school programs in Westchester and New York City, where they discovered how much joy they found in guiding and learning alongside children. Lex is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where they earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Special Education. They have experience teaching preschool through middle school and especially love designing playful, meaningful learning experiences that help children feel confident, curious, and connected to their classroom community. In their free time, Lex enjoys exploring New York City, thrifting, writing poetry, playing drums and basketball, and spending time outdoors. They love reading, live music, and discovering new parks and neighborhoods around the city. Lex is thrilled to begin this new chapter at Compass and looks forward to building relationships, sparking wonder, and supporting children as they learn and grow.

Studio Teacher

I grew up in England and moved to the US when I was 18 to pursue further education. I graduated with a bachelors in Neuroscience and a Masters in Childhood Education. I am passionate about learning and teaching about science especially how it connects to the World around us and our everyday lives and live talking about the chemistry of cooking or discussing space. When I am not in the classroom you can find me doing some outdoor activity such as running, hiking, or kayaking, or at home cooking and playing video or board games.

Physical Therapist

Classroom Co-Teacher

Max (they/them) is entering their fourth year at Compass. Max has an M.S.Ed in Childhood General/Special Education at Bank Street College of Education. As a kid, Max always struggled in school despite being a curious and eager learner because traditional classrooms failed to adapt to their needs as a neurodivergent student with ADHD. Over their almost-decade of work with students with disabilities and their families both inside & out of school, Max has channeled their own experiences as a disabled student into a passion for teaching diverse learners by adapting classroom structures to their needs. As a teacher, Max prioritizes student voice and leadership in the classroom, social justice and equity both in curriculum and in classroom practices and inquiry-based learning. They encourage their students to question everything (including them). Some of Max's interests outside of school include: bikes, books, punk &/or Hip-Hop, puzzles, swimming, rock climbing, de-colonial history and science fiction (including Star Wars and Star Trek for the nerds).

Classroom Co-Teacher

Nicole is originally from the Bronx, NY and now resides in New Jersey. She has been a special education teacher for 20 years. Nicole was an undergraduate at Cornell University and completed her Master’s Degree at Mercy College through the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. She worked with the NYC Dept. of Education for 12 years in the Bronx. In the Fall of 2018, Nicole joined Compass as an independent SETSS provider, and joined our staff full time in 2019. Nicole is the mother of wonderful twin boys who graduated from Compass and are now starting high school. In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, watching Sci-fi shows and movies, listening to music, cooking, and traveling.

Learning Support Coordinator

Rasha Hamid is the Learning Support Coordinator at Compass and has been part of the school since its second year. She was a founding teacher in the Beech Class and has been an educator for over 25 years in New York City and around the world. Rasha loves helping students learn in ways that celebrate their ideas, cultures, and identities, and she believes school should be a joyful and welcoming place for everyone.

She has also written picture books, including Kadisa كديسة, How to Bird, and Hello, Beech Tree!, inspired by the students she has taught. Families may see Rasha at our weekly Community Gathering, playing her guitar and singing with students.

Rasha experiences a bit of face blindness, so if you don't speak face-to-face often, she might ask whose grownup you are.

When she is not at school, Rasha enjoys birdwatching, baking, making music, and creating art. She is also the proud mom of an autistic young adult.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Renee Floresca is happy to jump back into the classroom after taking a break to focus on family wellness for a year. Originally from the East Bay Area in California, Renee is a Filipina artist, educator, writer, mother, daughter and friend.

Renee is a life-long learner and believes all students deserve to have a free and appropriate education. As a student growing up in the East Bay Area, she was not afforded strong educational opportunities. One of her strongest memories was cutting math class during 7th grade because her class was unsafe. She wandered off to the other 7th grade math class in which many of her friends were enrolled in the Gifted and Talented program. The teacher took interest in her rationale for leaving class and began tutoring her during lunch.

Since then, Renee has pursued learning about different modes and pedagogies of teaching, as well as studied the arts in depth. She has a Master’s in Poetry from St. Joseph’s College, a Master’s in Theater from Brooklyn College, a Master’s in Special Education from City College and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. She believes art, activism and education can be used as tools for liberation and self-discovery.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Riya is thrilled to join the Compass team this year. She graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education. Riya has experience teaching at a project-based middle school, blending academic, social-emotional, and executive functioning skills into real world applications. She is a passionate educator who strives to see all students for their whole, lovable-weirdo selves. Riya aspires to cultivate a classroom community where everyone feels empowered to learn, not just in service of the world we live in, but in hopes of creating a better one.

When she’s not at Compass, Riya is likely dog-watching in Prospect Park, listening to music on the subway (and missing her stop), or in search of the best BLT in Brooklyn. She is a constant learner and constant questioner of the world around her, and she aims to inspire the same in her students.

Classroom Co-Teacher

I am a Brooklyn born Nuyorican and graduated from Binghamton University in 2015 where I completed a degree in history and English. I, then, continued my education at Brooklyn College where I studied journalism and media. I started my career in education in 2018, when I served my community for two years through Americorps which ultimately sparked my interest to teach in progressive, inclusive schools and to give back to my community. I am currently finishing a master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University studying inclusive elementary education and curriculum design. I love learning about and teaching history, in particular! I am entering my fifth year teaching at Compass. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, playing video games (best teacher at Fortnite), running, and spending time outside, especially with my family and dogs, Sebastian and Ginger.

Finance Associate

Ambitious Finance Associate with 5 years of experience in financial industry. Eager to leverage analytical capabilities to foster financial operations and drive growth within a forward-thinking financial team.

Curriculum Coordinator

Sally Mayas is from Ossining, NY and grew up in the greater Westchester area. A musical theater kid at heart, Sally began working with children in creative arts summer camps to help fund her voice lessons. After she decided to pursue education, she worked in an number of preschools, after school programs, and museums before becomming a classroom teacher in NYC. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History at Vassar College in 2008 and a Masters of Science in Childhood Special Education from Bank Street in 2012. Over the last 14 years, Sally has worked in elementary education in the Bronx and Brooklyn. She strives to create authentic classroom communities where students have multiple means of expression and can pursue their interests while also working to learn about and address real-world problems. As a curriculum coordinator, Sally works to support Compass instructional staff in planning and implementing rigorous, differentiated, and joyful instruction. She has extended her social justice work within the larger Compass community, working with staff and families as a SEED Leader. In her free time, she loves to cook, sing, travel, read, visit museums, weight lift, camp, play board and video games, and walk aimlessly around the city.

Studio Teacher

Stephen has been teaching in NYC since 2015. He has a true love of all sports, especially baseball, rugby and boxing. He is an avid swimmer and cyclist. He is looking forward to joining the Compass community and sharing his many interests with the students, families, and his colleagues.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Sumit Som is excited to start his fifth year at Compass. He grew up in the DC suburbs and went to college at University of Maryland majoring in Economics and Environmental Policy; and then attended NYU School of Law. He has been in New York City ever since and loves how the city offers diverse cultures, a vibrant music and art scene, and the opportunity to live in a closet.
While working as an attorney Sumit started engaging in Buddhist practice and now teaches a weekly class at a local Buddhist Meditation Center. Buddhism changed his outlook in many ways and pushed him to seek out a livelihood where he could be of help to others. Through Buddhism he also developed a belief that all of us, including children, through deep introspection don’t become more self-involved but discover how deeply interconnected we are with one another. This is the foundational understanding that allows us to develop into happy, kind and beneficial citizens. He is excited to foster this inner inquiry with all his students.
As an educator, Sumit emphasizes kids developing a love of learning and independence so that students are empowered to grow in whatever direction best suits them. He loves to learn from, and be inspired by everyone’s passions. He is confident that together we will create a beautiful community this year.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Good day Compass Community! My name is Tiyi (pronounced tie like bow tie) and my pronouns are she/her. I strongly believe in making warm and encouraging spaces for children to learn and grow in. I am Afro-Caribbean born in Barbados, I enjoy reading, appreciate handwritten notes, and love craft projects. I attended Brooklyn Academy for Science and the Environment High School, then Clarkson University as an Environmental Science and Policy major. Twelve years ago, I was part of an after school reading program where I first fell in love with teaching. After receiving dual certifications in general and special education from Touro University, I have worked in both elementary and middle schools. I deeply appreciate the Compass community and look forward to the coming school year!