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Sandra “Sandy” Preaux is a scientist specializing in geophysics, remote sensing, data analysis, atmospheric chemistry, and astronomy. She also has experience teaching atmospheric science as a teaching assistant for Weather & Climate courses at the University of Maryland. Sandy has also contributed to a variety of science education and outreach efforts. She currently works with … Read more
Dr. Anne Taranto has taught literature and composition for more than 20 years including freshman English courses at Yale University, Georgetown University, Marymount University, and Northern Virginia Community College. Most recently she served as head of the English department and instructor for upper school British Literature and creative writing at Stone Ridge School of the … Read more
Melissa Schaaf is a Certified Instructor with the American Heart Association. She is a faculty member of LawsonTEC, the largest independent training facility for American Heart Association Instructors in Northern Virginia. She also works with Cardiac Science, one of the largest manufacturers of AEDs. Melissa estimates that she has instructed more than 4000 people on … Read more
Barbara Rosecrans is a Sales Representative and Educational Consultant with Usborne Books & More. She has hosted Compass’s annual Fall Book Fair since 2017. She is able to assist families in making book selections to supplement homeschool curricula; support an emerging or reluctant reader; promote reading comprehension; challenge gifted learners; accommodate different learning styles; and … Read more
Emily White is the Registration Specialist at Compass. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University- Idaho where she earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Art with a concentration in photography. Emily is responsible for assisting families in registering for classes and making changes to their schedules. Emily is also responsible for many logistical, … Read more
Danielle Mercadal is an experienced teacher/tutor of early elementary reading. She is available to work with students one-on-one or in small, private groups, cohorts, or pods at Compass. Danielle earned a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Illustration from … Read more
Sevim Kalyoncu is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and a naturalist instructor with a passion for helping children connect with nature. In addition to leading the Compass Nature Quest program, she teaches outdoor specials and survival skills at a local Montessori school and works as a naturalist interpreter for Fairfax County Park Authority. Sevim also … Read more
Iman Castaneda is the coach for Compass’s Homeschool PE and Jiu-Jitsu Fit classes. She is the owner and head coach of Capital CrossFit and Functional Core Training personal training service. Iman was a professional MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter for five years at Capital MMA. She first earned a coaching certification in CrossFit in 2008 … Read more
Sirdley Taborga is the instructor for Compass’s elementary and high school Spanish classes. She is from Bolivia and is a native speaker of Spanish. Sirdley has lead children through interactive and play-based learning in Spanish at the Church La Cena del Señor and in English at the KidsQuest at Mclean Bible Church. She formerly worked … Read more
Ney Mello, who teaches guitar classes at Compass, is an internationally-recognized Jazz artist. He has a professional diploma in Musical Composition and Live Performance from Escola De Musica de Brasilia in Brazil, training in jazz music arrangement from Berklee College of Music, and Bachelors and Masters degrees from Catholic University of America. He plays electric … Read more
