Dr. Michele Forsythe is a veteran STEM educator. She was formerly an adjunct professor of Biology at Montgomery County Community College. Currently, she develops curriculum and teaches STEM courses and workshops through her educational program, Discover STEAM Inc. She is known in the homeschool community for her Young Scientists’ Workshops and also tutors students in … Read more
Ethan Hay works for Black Rocket, which has dozens of locations across the country. Founded in 2001, this program has taught technology and coding enrichment classes to more than 200,000 students. Black Rocket introduced cutting-edge, easy-to use technology. They work to support student creativity and self-empowerment through project-based learning. Black Rocket teaches enrichment courses about … Read more
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
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
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
Diane Wright Cobb is a professional artist and long time art educator. Diane operates a small art studio in Herndon where she has led private art lessons and group classes for children and adults since 2010. She taught art to homeschooled students in grades K-12 at the High Country Home Educators program in Colorado Springs, … Read more
“Over the years, my youngest son and my daughter have taken several classes with Kathy. In all my years in education, Kathy stands out as one of the best teachers I’ve ever seen. She is not only a master of the content she teaches (music), but…” -J.N. (Fairfax, VA)
