Meet our Compass PD Team
Our Founder
Dr. Carrie Hepburn
Dr. Carrie Hepburn brings two decades of public education experience as a classroom teacher and a leader in curriculum, instruction, and assessment in a large suburban district. With a strong passion for systems thinking, she specializes in curriculum design, including unpacking standards, backward design, instructional practices, and aligned assessments. As the creator and author of *The Comprehensive Standards Guides*, Dr. Hepburn is committed to delivering high-quality professional learning that builds collaborative communities of practice, empowering educators to create exceptional learning experiences for students.
Our Professional Learning Leaders
Dr. Stephanie Brenner is a respected educator with nearly two decades of experience, specializing in dyslexia and brain research on developing readers and writers. As the creator of the Phonics Academy and co-author of The Comprehensive Standards Guides, she has significantly improved literacy skills for students of all ages. A highly sought-after trainer, Dr. Brenner has worked with educators at all levels to enhance their instructional strategies. Her passion for education and commitment to literacy have made her a leading authority in the field, with a lasting impact on both students and educators.
Dr. Natalie Fallert is a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience specializing in secondary English Language Arts. She has a unique talent for inspiring a love of reading and writing in students. As a co-author of The Comprehensive Standards Guides and developer of It's Not a Comic: It's a Graphic Novel! course, she promotes meaningful literary engagement and the use of graphic novels to boost literacy. Dr. Fallert's expertise also extends to supporting secondary educators across all content areas in developing strategies that enhance student engagement and motivation. Her passion for teaching and dedication to improving student outcomes have made her a respected leader in education.
Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus is a dedicated educator and co-author of *The Comprehensive Standards Guides*, with a career focused on student success. As an administrator, she has developed strong communication and problem-solving skills, earning her a reputation as a trusted mentor and leader. With extensive experience in staff development, program assessment, curriculum planning, and more, Dr. Niedringhaus is a confident leader who values collaboration and teamwork to achieve a shared vision for learners.
Dr. Kallie Dace is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience in teaching and instructional coaching. She is passionate about fostering a love for learning and creating inclusive, safe environments that support all students, especially those with sensory disorders. Dr. Dace provides engaging professional learning for teachers, equipping them with evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality, effective, and enjoyable instruction. Her dedication to student success makes her a valuable asset to education.
April Burton is a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience, specializing in using technology to transform classrooms. A former secondary English and French teacher, April is passionate about partnering content goals with authentic learning through innovative tech tools. As an ISTE Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, and METC Spotlight Educator, she works closely with teachers to rethink instruction and assessment. April's dedication to enhancing learning with technology has made her a respected leader in education, inspiring educators nationwide.
Denise Colombini is a National Board Certified Educator with expertise in teaching reading, writing, and phonics. She has coached teachers, led professional development, and focused on unwrapping curriculum, using assessments to guide instruction, and planning explicit small groups. Denise also supports teachers in administering screeners, implementing interventions, and monitoring student progress. Her passion for sharing knowledge to ensure all students receive high-quality literacy instruction has made her a respected leader in the field.
Dr. John Duvall is a skilled secondary curriculum leader specializing in reading and writing workshops. As an instructional coach, he facilitates impactful professional development, using lab site classrooms for hands-on teacher training in real-life situations. A thought leader and reflective practitioner, Dr. Duvall's transformative approach helps teachers implement best practices and improve student outcomes, making him an invaluable resource for educators.
Dr. Declan Fitzpatrick is a seasoned public school educator with over 20 years of experience, specializing in curriculum and assessment design. An accomplished curriculum designer and professional development facilitator, he excels in creating guaranteed and viable curricula, supporting teacher collaboration, and enhancing content area reading and writing. A published author, Declan has written articles on differentiating instruction in secondary English Language Arts. His passion for teaching and learning makes him a respected leader in the field.
Dr. Stephanie Evans, co-author of *The Comprehensive Standards Guides*, is an accomplished instructional coach with expertise in literacy and math education. Passionate about professional learning, she provides engaging, high-quality development that empowers teachers to use evidence-based practices, directly boosting student achievement. Dr. Evans' commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable resource for educators striving to improve their practice and impact student outcomes.
Jennifer O'Hare brings over a decade of expertise in literacy, with training in the Comprehensive Intervention Model and Student-Centered Coaching. Holding a Master's in literacy coaching, Jen has supported teams through the PLC model, coached literacy structures, and provided professional learning in various literacy and math workshop models. She believes in the power of research-based practices, meaningful collaboration, and strong MTSS systems to enhance teacher instruction and student achievement. Jen is dedicated to ensuring every student receives a quality education.
Julie West, an experienced Texas educator with 18 years of teaching, now coaches new hires to develop systems and strategies for success. She collaborates with teachers and administrators to improve instruction, prevent burnout, and support teacher retention. Julie values relationships, reflection, and positivity in creating a thriving learning environment, drawing on her own classroom experience to offer practical solutions. She is also the author of *Teach in the Positive Circle: Creating Opportunities for Growth and Reflection.*
Dr. Matthew Van Horn, the Social Studies Content Leader for a suburban district, works with PreK-12 teachers to develop historical content and instill a love for history using primary sources, informational texts, and quality instruction. With experience across all grade levels and multiple certifications, Matthew brings a unique perspective to teaching and assessing students. Since 2011, he has led professional learning programs focused on teaching strategies, assessments, and best practices in social studies education.
Betsy Rivas is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in secondary and higher education, including roles as a teacher, instructional leader, and director of professional development. She specializes in creating effective professional learning, designing curricula and assessments, and developing progress monitoring and intervention systems. With master's degrees in management, teaching, and educational leadership, Betsy combines her background in both private and public sectors to advocate for a collaborative culture that ensures proactive and differentiated support for student success.
Caroline Runion, with a master's in curriculum design, is an education leader who transformed her school's Social Studies department into a cross-curricular model emphasizing literacy and 21st-century skills. She is dedicated to cultivating curiosity and real-world application in learning while actively researching effective teaching methods. Caroline is also passionate about empowering teachers to take creative risks in their instructional approaches.