Home-educated through high school by her Ivy-educated parents, Christina Somerville earned a BA in Literature from Patrick Henry College in 2007. Upon graduation, she began work as an author, designing a Great Books Literature program for high school students, a Literature program for junior high students, and two textbooks. During this time, Christina also taught … Read more
Pete Van Riper is a professional artist and art instructor. He has served as an Instructor of Art in drawing and design at Northern Virginia Community College since 2001. Pete is a member of the Capitol Hill Arts League and served on the board of directors at Art Enables, a gallery serving artists with disabilities, … Read more
Karen Shumway earned a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. After graduation, she taught biology, chemistry, and scientific research and design (SRD) for two STEM magnet high schools in Montgomery County, Texas. She held Texas state teaching certifications in Life Science, General Science, and Gifted/Talented Education, and … Read more
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
