Executive Director

Director of Finance

Haleema was born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She worked for KPMG Peat Marwick for 10 years before migrating to United States of America.

I have been working in the accounting field for Thirty-Seven (37) years in Auditing, non-profit organization and charter schools. Each position has offered vast experience, exposure, and a challenge in accounting.

As the Director of Finance, I oversee all areas of finance and human resource functions at the school. I am aware of the impact non-profit can have on students from all backgrounds. Good Education is key and can take you anywhere in the world. Therefore, she is passionate about Compass Charter School mission and is excited to continue to know and work with all staff and students and the community to reach their fullest potential.

The smiles and honesty in children bring joy to me daily.

Director of Inclusive Education

Elizabeth Von Felde Blumenau is a founding staff member and currently the Director of Inclusive Education at Compass. In this role, Elizabeth oversees special education programming and delivery of IEP-mandated related services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing education, paraprofessional support, and counseling. Elizabeth also develops and delivers professional development to staff that focuses on the mindsets, skills, and reflective practices necessary to continue building a truly inclusive and integrated school community where all children thrive.

Before joining Compass in 2014, Elizabeth taught special education in Philadelphia and Red Hook, Brooklyn. Elizabeth is certified in the Wilson Reading System, an Orton-Gillingham-based program, as a Dyslexia Practitioner. Elizabeth is passionate about working with families and supporting them in advocating for the rights of their children with disabilities to ensure that all have access to the programs and services they require. Elizabeth deeply believes in the power of inclusive education and creating successful and truly equitable learning experiences for all students. She received a B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education, a B.A. in English and Textual Studies from Syracuse University, and an M.S.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. Elizabeth is attending Hunter College for a Master’s degree in School Building and School District Leadership, focusing on Special Education Leadership.

Elizabeth lives in the East Village with her husband Jake, cat Truffles, and daughter Sophie Rae, a brand new Compass Pre-K student in the Hawthorn class!

Director of Data & Development

Eric Rench is an educational leader with a strong background in data, operations, and strategic development across K–12 and higher education contexts. He currently serves as Director of Data & Development at Compass Charter School, where he oversees enrollment strategy, school marketing, fundraising initiatives, and the launch of a new middle school. Previously, Eric held the role of Director of Operations, supporting the school’s growth through systems design, organizational leadership, and cross-functional coordination.

Eric holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Developmental Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is ABD (All But Dissertation) in an EdD in Instructional Technology from the American College of Education. His academic and professional interests center on institutional effectiveness, access, and the use of technology and data to improve educational outcomes.

In addition to his leadership work, Eric teaches online English courses, maintaining a direct connection to teaching and learning. His long-term professional ambition is to serve as President of a community college, where he hopes to advance equity-driven innovation and student success at scale.

Eric lives in Brooklyn with his turtle, Michelangela. Outside of work, he enjoys sailing, going to the movies, and cooking, finding balance through both creative and reflective pursuits.

Fun fact: Michelangela has outlived several houseplants and remains entirely unimpressed by Eric’s academic credentials.