Manal Hussein earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a Virginia-certified middle and high school teacher. She started her teaching career in 2005 while also sponsoring science fairs and the school’s science newsletter. Notably, Ms. Hussein is trained in multisensory mathematics, which she implements in … Read more
Juan Urista brings a unique dual background in aviation and performance. He is an FAA-certified Advanced Ground Instructor and experienced aviation educator, as well as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he spent seven years in aircraft maintenance. Juan holds two Associate of Science degrees from San Diego Miramar College in Aviation/Airway … Read more
Albert R. Thompson Jr. is a historian and social scientist. He is earned a PhD with distinction in United States History from Howard University. His dissertation examined the relationship between the New Deal and Jim Crowe laws. He earned an MA in Military History with a minor in Hebrew from Norwich University in Northfield, VT, … 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
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
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
Danielle Mercadal is an experienced early childhood educator and veteran kindergarten teacher. 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 Marymount University. She has experience with a wide variety of curriculum including Lucy Calkins’ Writing Project … 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
