Pre-K Extended Day

Special Education Co-Teacher

Alexis Armistead was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. Alexis 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

Pre-K Extended Day

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

Sustainability Coordinator

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

Hello! I'm Ayanna Wright, and I’m thrilled to be entering my first year at Compass Charter School as the Kindergarten Classroom Co-Teacher. I've been creating joyful memories with children for more than ten years in diverse settings. I hold a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Sociology from Brooklyn College. I’ve lived in Brooklyn my entire life where I enjoy exploring exhibits, theaters, markets, and spending time with my dog, Skylar.

My true passion for teaching was ignited while working as a Lead Teacher in a science-based afterschool program during my undergrad years. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for me is witnessing students' imagination and creativity flourish through storytelling and various activities. I'm excited to meet students, create unforgettable memories, and build strong connections with staff members and families throughout the year.

Classroom Co-Teacher

School Leader/Co-Founder

Operations Associate

Interim Operations Manager

Charlotte Bourgault is starting her 3rd official year at Compass Charter School as Interim Operations Manager. 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

Music Studio Teacher

Special Education 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!

Co-Director

Elizabeth Blumenau has been part of the Compass community since the beginning and is so excited for another year as Co-Director. Before joining Compass, Elizabeth taught special education in Philadelphia and Red Hook, Brooklyn. Elizabeth is certified in the Wilson Reading System 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 services they require. Elizabeth deeply believes in inclusive education's power and creating successful learning opportunities for all students. She received a B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education and 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 lives in the East Village with her husband and daughter Sophie, who will join the Compass community one day as a student!

Social Worker

Elizabeth was born in Nebraska and moved to California in the third grade. She was raised by midwesterners, and feels connected to those roots. Elizabeth is loving being a school social worker at Compass. This is her second school year in this role. She has been a member of the Compass community since the founding year, and has two alumni students who are now in middle and high school, and one currently in third grade. Before changing careers to become a social worker, Elizabeth studied Art History at UCLA and worked in the contemporary art world in Los Angeles and New York with much of her time in this career spent at Artforum Magazine. She has worked as a school social worker in two other elementary school settings, and also works with adults in a mental health community clinic. She enjoys time with her family, watching soccer games from the sideline, hiking, baking pies, practicing yoga, potlucks with friends, and reading good books.

Pre-K Lead Teacher

This is Emma's third year at Compass. She has taught pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st grade at Compass as well as in various early childhood classrooms throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Emma particularly enjoys reading aloud to children as well as teaching about identity and social justice. Outside of school, you can find Emma tap dancing or tending to her family’s honeybees.

Director of Data & Development

Classroom Co-Teacher

Gregory is thrilled to be joining Compass. He has called Brooklyn home for most of his life and is excited to meet your young New Yorkers! Gregory holds a BA in English from Yale University and an MSEd in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College, CUNY. He has been working in education since 2012 and has nearly a decade of experience in early childhood classrooms. When he isn’t teaching, Gregory can be found strolling with a camera, smiling at dogs, and whistling the last song he listened to.

Director of Finance

Haleema is excited to start her nineth year at Compass Charter School! I oversee all the financial and Human resources function at the school. I have been working in the accounting field for Thirty-four (34) years in Auditing, non-profit organization and charter schools. The smiles and honesty in children bring joy to me daily. I enjoy spending time with my three kids.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Hayden is so excited to be teaching the Gingko class for first grade. This is her 3rd year in the Gingko class. She was born and raised in Tampa, FL where she worked at camps, at a preschool, as a tutor, and quickly discovered her passion for working with children. She moved to New York to attend Barnard College, where she got the opportunity to study Sociology and Urban Education. Through her experiences and the help of some fantastic mentors, Hayden discovered the importance of establishing a strong classroom community where students feel empowered and inspired to take risks. She has taught 1st grade at both Ethical Culture Fieldston School and Girls Prep Bronx Elementary School and is so excited to learn and grow with a new group of thinkers. When not at school, Hayden loves to bake, create things, and wonder when Taylor Swift might release her next album.

Learning Specialist

Pre-K Lead Teacher

Helen Frazier has worked in early childhood education as a preschool and kindergarten teacher, a special educator, educational leader and a professional development provider since 1998. Helen received her teaching degree at Bank Street College of Education, and has returned there as an adjunct faculty member. Helen taught at Bank Street Head Start, Community Roots Charter School, Rivendell School, and FirstStepNYC. Helen came to Compass in 2022 from the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, where she developed resources and supports for early care and education providers and NYPL children’s librarians. Helen loves observing children’s play and sharing stories with them. Helen lives in Brooklyn with her sons Ezra (17) and Michael (13) and her dog Pookie (5).

Paraprofessional

Studio Teacher

Born in Brooklyn New York of Barbadian parentage, I attended Brooklyn Technical High School and majored in Graphic Design. This is where I found my first love, black and white photography.
I received a BFA in photography while minoring in Film and Video production at Pratt Institute. Soon after graduating I began to paint and participated in several group exhibitions. Around this time some friends from Pratt and I started an art collective called “Guerrillas in the Midst”.
I have curated. Several exhibitions for the artist collective at various galleries in MYC and elsewhere. Some selected galleries include Selena Gallery Long Island University, Five Myles Gallery Skylight Gallery Restoration Plaza and Rush Fine Arts Philadelphia.
I received a MSEd in early childhood Education from Long Island University. I strive to find a balance between creating, curating and teaching.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Jamie Leon is so happy to return to Compass this year! Jamie grew up on Long Island, NY and was surrounded by art, music, and dance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Elementary & Special Education from Syracuse University a Master’s degree in the Literacy Specialist program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Jamie is a passionate educator who aims to bring inclusivity, culturally responsive instruction, and criticality to her classroom and students. Outside of school, Jamie loves cooking, being outside in the sun, and exploring all of the art and culture the city has to offer.

Occupational Therapist

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 19 years and is excited to join the Compass community! She enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Jessica spent the last school year teaching online and traveling throughout South America.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Jessica is excited for her tenth 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. 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.

Paraprofessional

Student Support Specialist

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.

Special Education 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

Kathleen is excited to be continuing at Compass. She was born and raised in Northern CA. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts - Teaching and Learning, with an emphasis in Special Education and she completed her MS.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education in Special and General Education. Outside of teaching, Kathleen loves being in nature, reading, baking, crafting and exploring NYC and new places.

Sustainability Studio Teacher

Katie has been working in Brooklyn teaching first through third grades for fourteen years. This year, Katie will be teaching sustainability to grades two through five. Katie has a dedication towards inquiry-based learning and strives to bring curriculum to life using real world contexts for learning. Katie's favorite hobbies are gardening, practicing yoga, and going to concerts. Katie has two daughters who attend Compass.

Paraprofessional

Speech Therapist

Classroom Co-Teacher

Hi! My name is Kyle Anthony. I taught for 12 years at an inquiry and project based, progressive elementary school. I am an enthusiastic maker of art and voracious reader, and I love sharing my passions with the kids I teach and learning all about their passions. I am thrilled to be joining the Compass community as a second grade teacher in there Sophora classroom.

Classroom Co-Teacher

Lizzie (She/Her). I grew up in England and moved to the US when I was 18 to pursue further education. I graduated from Skidmore College with a bachelors in Neuroscience. I also graduated from Hunter College with a Masters in Childhood Education (1-6) and am entering my 9th year of teaching. I am passionate about learning and teaching about science especially how it connects to the World around us and our everyday lives. 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.

Bus Monitor

Physical Therapist

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Hi, My name Marie Charles, I'm originally from Barbados. I came to the US as a teenager, lived in New Mexico and then I moved to Brooklyn.I started at Compass 6 years ago as a Paraprofessional and then I became a School Aide.This is my 4th year as a PRE K Teachers Assistant .My love for children has brought me this far and I'm excited to be on this journey. In my spare time I like to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Special Education Co-Teacher

Max (they/them) became a teacher completely by accident. Despite being from a family of New York City educators, a curious kid and an avid reader, Max always struggled in school because traditional classrooms failed to adapt to their needs as a neurodivergent student with ADHD. It wasn’t until Max began working with disabled and neurodivergent students in a summer program that they realized their passion for teaching diverse learners by adapting classroom structures to their needs. Eight years later, Max is entering their third year as a classroom co-teacher at Compass. Max loves sharing their knowledge with others and being taught in return. They are nearing completion of their M.S.Ed in Childhood General/Special Education at Bank Street College of Education. 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, punk &/or Hip-Hop, puzzles, rock climbing, de-colonial history and science fiction (including Star Wars and Star Trek for the nerds).

Special Education 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.

Pre-K Extended Day

I have two kids, one that is a Compass alum and the other a soon to be Compass graduate. I enjoy working with children and received an opportunity at Compass and now am in my second year with Pre-K. I hope to bring my love of arts and crafts to the children and let their imaginations soar.

Co-Director

Nazneen Patel, born in Queens and raised in New Jersey, is starting her 6th year at Compass and her third year as Co-Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Nazneen studied Political Science & South Asian Languages & Civilizations at The University of Chicago and has an MA in South Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Nazneen has taught upper elementary and middle school for the past decade. For her first 3 years at Compass, she served as an Instructional Coach and even had the opportunity to jump back into the classroom with the Linden 5th Grade, Class of '22! She has founded schools in Philadelphia and New York City and has also served in a variety of leadership roles, including as a SEED facilitator for staff and families, and mentor teacher. This summer, Nazneen trained educators from across the country at SEED New Leaders' Training at Tufts University and is looking forward to continuing to integrate this work at Compass. Nazneen has extensive experience with the ICT model of inclusion and is deeply invested in ensuring all students get what they need to learn & thrive both academically & socially-emotionally. Nazneen's work in public education is based on the fundamental belief that “The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility.” (bell hooks) It is extremely important that she is working in a school where equity, justice and sustainability are at the heart of the work done with students, staff and families. It is also important to Nazneen that "anti-racism" is understood as a verb, centering the micro & macro actions which improve material outcomes for our priority group students & families (BIPOC, economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities and English-language learners). She is looking forward to supporting staff in creating the conditions to meet this call with conviction and purpose-driven action.

Special Education 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.

Special Education Co-Teacher

Nina is excited to return to Compass this year! This is her second year in the Beech class and her sixth year teaching. Nina holds a BA in Gender Studies and Education from Bowdoin College in Maine and an MSEd in Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College. Outside of teaching, Nina loves being in nature, reading, roller coasters, swimming, and taking care of animals. She has an orange cat named Clementine who has a great personality and lots of extra toes.

Learning Support Coordinator

Rasha Hamid attended New York City public schools before earning a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and Education at Vassar College, and a master’s degree in Special Education at Bank Street College of Education. Rasha has developed her practice in classrooms in East Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Khartoum, and Brooklyn for over 25 years. Rasha is an educator-activist—someone who works to make the world more just, joyful, equitable, and sustainable through the education of children and grownups. If you're looking for her, you can often find her playing the guitar at Community Gathering!

Rasha is the autistic mom of an autistic young adult. Rasha is also the author/illustrator of Kadisa كديسة, and the author of How to Bird and Hello, Beech Tree! - a true story about a Compass class!

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

Three is the magic number. Rob is so excited to be starting his third year as a teacher at Compass Charter, third working as an Elm class teacher and third year as a fifth grade teacher! Rob began his career as a middle school ELA coach on the Lower East Side. He then transitioned from middle school to elementary school, providing literacy intervention to at-risk students. Rob feels very strongly about the value of service and frequently searches for ways to bring about positive change. He has completed two years of Americorps service and is currently attending graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University.

A lifelong learner and lifelong New Yorker Rob grew up with a love for education and love for his community. He has lived and worked all over Brooklyn and New York City and hopes to bring his passion for community, service and education into the classroom. Rob has two dogs, Sebastian and Spunky, two brothers, Brandon and Jared, and a ten year old sister, Carmen. In his spare time he loves to read, cuddle with his pets, hang out with his brothers, or travel the city with his sister.

Rob loves to read Harry Potter and wanted to share this quote from the series: “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” -Albus Dumbledore

Finance Associate

As a Finance Associate at Compass Charter School, I am dedicated to optimizing the financial resources that support our educational initiatives. My role involves financial reporting, providing supplies to ensure that materials are effectively utilized to enhance the educational opportunities for our students. With a passion for non-profit work and a commitment to transparency, I strive to contribute to the sustainable growth of our programs, helping to make a positive impact in our community.

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.

Special Education Co-Teacher

I have been teaching at Compass for the past 10 years. Looking forward 5th grade loop with Brekke and the students in the Magnolia class.

Classroom Co-teacher

Stephany Ovalles is a graduate of Hunter College obtaining her masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in a preschool and pre-k setting for 4 years and adores celebrating any milestone no matter how big or small. Stephany is on her second year at Compass Charter School and is looking forward to continuing the Maple classroom loop from kindergarten to first grade! During her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and go on long walks with her two yorkies, Teddy and Bella.

Special Education 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.

Co-Director

Classroom Co-Teacher

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Learning Specialist

Tenah Veszi is excited to continue her role as a Learning Specialist. She is committed to supporting students' academic success. Tenah is a certified Special Education Teacher with a Master of Science in Special Education in Urban Settings from Long Island University and is a Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.). The upcoming school year will mark her seventh year teaching as a special education teacher in New York City. She has experience working in private, public, and charter schools, as well as a nonprofit school.

Tenah is looking forward to assisting students with different learning styles by providing appropriate intervention and remediation. She also aims to support teachers in advancing students with diverse learning needs within the classroom. Additionally, she plans to work with parents, students, and outside professionals to improve student support. Tenah is eager to continue fostering positive parent and student relationships to strengthen Compass' community commitment.

She believes her responsibility is to maximize every student's potential and help them feel successful. This involves meeting them where they are and providing them with the strategies they need to navigate their learning. Tenah also wants to ensure that each student flourishes academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing and responsive school environment. She encourages students to find their voice and self-advocate when needed.

Special Education 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 attended Brooklyn Academy for Science and the Environment High School, then Clarkson University as an Environmental Science and Policy major. Ten years ago, I started teaching as part of an after school reading program, where I first fell in love with teaching children. I am dual certified in general and special education from Touro University, and I am VERY excited for my first year at Compass!