Executive Director

Brooke began her journey as an educator at a campus childcare center while completing a dual degree program in Psychology and Elementary Education at Indiana University. As an early childhood teacher, Brooke worked with fellow educators in a diverse and progressive environment to create experiences that fostered the natural curiosity of the young children in their care and honored their family and cultural backgrounds. When Brooke started teaching kindergarten in South Los Angeles in 2002 as a Teach for America Corps Member, she immediately noticed the stark contrast in the educational opportunities offered to young children based on neighborhood, socio-ecnomic background, and race. She focused on building authentic relationships with children and families and continued to apply the principles of progressive education in public school contexts. As she grew as an educator, she became even more grounded in the belief that students learn best when involved in authentic experiences that connect with who they are as people and provide opportunities to make meaning in multiple ways. Over the next 10 years, she continued to study the work of progressive educators and created an integrated curriculum that emphasized literacy experiences in authentic, artful, and engaging contexts. During this time she moved to the east coast to teach kindergarten and first grade at Bronx Charter School for the Arts and Community Roots Charter School, completed the Literacy Specialist Master’s Degree Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and became a National Board Certified Teacher. 

In 2012, Brooke founded The Odyssey Initiative with Michelle Healy and Todd Sutler, and they worked to identify, document, and share effective practices in American schools. In 2014, the trio that founded The Odyssey Initiative went on to found Compass Charter School. Over the last 12 years, Brooke has worked with Compass leaders, staff, families, and children to build Compass into the vibrant and thriving school community it is today. During this time, Brooke also completed an additional Master’s Program in Progressive Leadership at Bank Street College of Education, leading to New York certification as a School Building Leader and School District Leader. As of July 2025, Brooke is now Compass’ Executive Director and her primary focus is to ensure continual growth and sustainability of the pre-K and elementary programs while also working on middle school expansion. 

When not at 300 Adelphi Street with the Compass community, Brooke enjoys spending time with her partner and pets (including the Compass rabbit, Clover), reading fiction, baking sourdough bread, tending to her tiny balcony garden, and spending time outdoors.

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.