Click on any instructor to read the full profile.
Architect
Laura Albert has nearly two decades of experience as a practicing architect. ... 
High School Spanish
Lisa Alonso is the high school Spanish instructor for Compass. Lisa first learned Spanish as a high school student, but went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from George Mason University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. 
Kati Andresen enjoys sharing her love of cooking, baking and crafting with ... 
Painting
Luc’s love of art and teaching has made painting instruction his primary professional focus. He has taught more than 500 beginner acrylic painting workshops throughout northern Virginia. 
Science
Dr. Karleen Boyle Sudol is the executive director of the Science Place, Inc., in Springfield, VA. Karleen has more than twenty years experience teaching students ranging in age from preschool through adult in addition to a rich background in research as a scientist. 
Stage Combat, Wizards Workshop
Bette Cassatt is a professional actor and has been fight director for many shows in the Washington DC area and has taught stage combat to all age levels. 
Mathematics
David Chelf earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Shepherd ... 
Computer Coding
Coder Kids is a coding academy in McLean that offers more than four dozen ... 
Sculpture
Shona D’Cruz has been a hobby artist her entire life working in sculpture, ... 
Elementary Spanish
Jeanniffer Denmark is the Compass instructor for elementary Spanish. Jeannifer is a native speaker of Spanish with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages from the Universidad Motolinia del Pedregal in Mexico. 
Math, Psychology
Natalie Di Vietri is the Compass instructor for math and American Sign Language (ASL) classes. She is a veteran teacher and tutor. 
Elementary Art
My Compass art students inspire me weekly, I learn so much from their brilliant little minds. It is truly amazing what K-2nd grade children are capable of when you give them tools and let them create. I cherish class-time with my students. 
Creative Journalling
Michelle Dzema is a writer and photographer with a BA in Literature and Fine ... 
Fencing
Fencing Sports Academy is the premier epee and foil fencing club in the Washington, DC area. Located in old town Fairfax, the academy offers competitive and recreational training for all ages and levels; children to seniors and novices to world champions. 
Modern Dance
Velocity Dance is a celebrated dance studio in Vienna with successful all-star competition teams and a wide range of weekly studio classes for all ages in ballet, jazz, lyrical, pom, hip hop and tumbling. 
American Sign Language (ASL)
Daniel Frame is currently an adjunct faculty member in American Sign Language ... 
SAT/ACT Prep, Study Skills
Sarah Fraser founded Academic Coaching DC in 2007 where she develops individual strategies and provides expert support for students needing to improve test-taking skills, study habits, organizational techniques, and soft skills. 
Vocal Coach
ed her vocal studio in Herndon after traveling the globe with her family for 25 years (courtesy of the US Navy). Wyndy has served as the musical, choral, and vocal director for many shows with the Sterling Playmakers community theatre including Brigadoon, Oklahoma!, Into the Woods, Aladin, and Oliver. 
History
"Mr. Gardner has had a huge impact on our son's interest in history. We have nothing but extremely positive feedback about Mr. Gardner and his course. His love of history is apparent since our son does nothing but talk about all he's learned from Mr. Gardner, even a year later. Our son loves seeing the many genuine artifacts that Mr. Gardner brings in to class for students to see and experience first hand. He arrives early to the class and helps Mr. Gardner set it all up. It is rare that students get to see and touch historical items and I commend Mr. Gardner for sharing that experience with his students." 
Art
Lori Goll is the art instructor for drawing and pastel classes at Compass. Lori earned a degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and worked in telecommunications before deciding to pursue her passion for drawing and painting. 
Photography
Compass students blow me away with their creativity and vision. I love seeing how they use the photography tools they learn in class to express themselves and their view of the world, and I am always inspired by their work. 
Nature Quest
The curiosity and excitement of the Compass students makes every class a fresh new adventure! 
Debate, Public Speaking
The best part of working at Compass is that I feel such joy watching my students learning development from day one to the last day when they give their speeches. I get to witness their progress each week when they go from nervous to empowered! 
Acting
Judith Harmon earned a Bachelors Degree in Theater and Business Entrepreneurs... 
Art
Lorrie Herman is an artist who has had a brush or pencil in her hand as long as ... 
Shakespeare
Tyler Herman is an actor, director, and teaching artist. He earned a Master of ... 
Writing
Karen Hickman is the co-director of the Northern Virginia Writing Project at George Mason University where she coordinates youth and family writing programs such as the Young Writers Workshops and Student Summer Institute. 
Art History
Dr. Erica Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Temple University in ... 
Magic
Mike Hummer is a professional magician in the DC area. He performed full time ... 
Science
Sudhita Kasturi has degrees in Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology from ... 
Geography, Philosophy, World Affairs
From geography and world affairs to philosophy, science fiction, and financial markets, my special interest is enhancing students’ understanding of the (messy, beautiful) world they will one day inherit. I am delighted that Compass allows me to share these classes with students in Northern Virginia. 
Earth Science, Paleontology
Dr. Kristin Keenan earned a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology at University ... 
Dioramas, History
Taliesin Knol has nearly ten years of experience fabricating intricate historical dioramas. Taliesin has been involved with the Smithsonian “Soldiers and Dioramas” series of summer camps, first as a student, then as a youth teaching assistant, and then for three years as a full instructor. 
Advanced Literature
Literature is the long conversation of humanity throughout history. We learn from those who have gone before us, make our own contributions, and pass that conversation to those who come after. 
Little Medical School Programs
Little Medical School is a nationwide program for elementary school students to ... 
FUNctional Fitness (Homeschool PE)
Diane Mack is the coach of FUNctional Fitness (Homeschool PE) at Compass. She ... 
Public Speaking
Arthuretta Martin is the owner and President of Words and Melodies, LLC and the President of the National Capitol Area Black Storytellers Association. As a teaching artist, she shares the gift of story through writing, storytelling, acting, and singing. 
Homeschool Evaluator
Shannon worked as an elementary school teacher in Virginia and as a teacher/consultant with the Northern Virginia Writing Project, offering in-service presentations to kindergarten through university teachers. In addition to working as a homeschool evaluator, Shannon serves as an advocate for families who need help navigating the public school system. 
Biology, Anthropology
Compass is a great place to meet motivated peers for both electives and college prep courses. My Compass students are interested and interesting. They love stretching themselves, and I love introducing them to challenging academics. 
History, Civics
What I love about working with Compass students is their intense curiosity. They come to class every week excited to learn and eager to participate in classroom activities. 
Cooking, Mosaics
Mylene “Mimi” Nyman is the Compass instructor for culinary classes. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and ten year veteran of the finance profession, Mylene made a career switch and broke into the culinary arts profession in 1997 when she opened “Chocolate by Mimi.” 
Vet Science, Microbiology
Dr. Kathleen Olsen is a practicing veterinarian. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Cornell University. During her time at Cornell, she taught courses in Comparative Anatomy, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, and completed several research papers on canine growth disorders. 
French
Edwige Pinover is the instructor for French classes. Edwige is a native of Saint Jean de Monts, France, and has lived in the US since 1998. 
LEGO Engineering
Play-Well TEKnologies is the instructor for hands-on, LEGO-based engineering classes. The company has been ‘Teaching Engineering to Kids’ since 1998 in the San Francisco Bay Area. 
Robotics, Electronics
Robot Works, LLC, is a small, veteran-owned business specializing in hands-on ... 
Magic
Joe Romano is a professional magician and illusionist. He has performed at ... 
Krav Maga Self Defense
Tim Rook is the owner and lead instructor at Premier Martial Arts in Manassas since 2011. He is a 1st degree Black Belt in Krav Maga and hold several certifications in the discipline. 
Shakespeare
Heather Sanderson studied classical theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and prior to moving to Alexandria, acted extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area. As “Miss Heather”, she is known locally for instilling a love of theatre – in particular Shakespeare – into the hearts of children. 
Writing, Literature
Anne Sharp is a writer, editor, and educator who graduated from The College of William and Mary and taught in the Virginia Beach and Fairfax City Public School Systems. As a middle and high school teacher, she developed curriculum, taught creative writing, English, journalism and sponsored the yearbook, literary magazine, and student newspaper. 
Chess
Peter Snow is the instructor for Beginning Chess and Intermediate Chess. Peter has more than 37 years experience playing in tournaments of the U.S. Chess Federation and is rated in the top 8% of all U.S. Chess Federation players in the nation. 
Preschool Soccer
Our mission at Soccer Shots is to positively impact children’s lives. We are so excited to partner with Compass Homeschool, an organization that matches our mission and core values, with caring and involved parents that always pursue excellence for their children! 
Personal Finance
Irene Starrs is the Compass instructor for high school Personal Finance. She ... 
Acting
I teach throughout the Metropolitan area, Compass students are some of the most courteous and hard working kids I have the pleasure to work with. The Compass Family is such a tight knit supportive group, I love seeing all of the activities that are offered and am amazed at the talent that is on display at the talent show. 
Preschool Puppet Science
Patricia Woolsey, RDT, is both a professional drama coach and an instructor to ... 
Social Skills Coach
Elena Zaklis is a BACB board certified and licensed Behavior Analyst in four ... 
