Contact
our supportive and friendly staff.
Alicia Gilbert
Founder
Director
Principal
Kim Summers
Director
Principal
Secretary of Board
Felix Fox
Teacher
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Jenn Espinosa-Lear
Teacher
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Alicia is passionate about creating spaces where young people can learn in ways that work for them. She has extensive experience and expertise in inquiry learning and founded Compass so that learning can be experienced through inquiry, play, creativity and collaboration. Alicia has a Master of Education and has taught in local and international schools for more than 20 years.
Kim is an educator with over 25 years of experience. During this time, Kim has worked as a teacher, teacher trainer, senior manager, school improvement leader, educational strategist, program and portfolio manager and university academic. Kim has a Master of Education, BA, Grad Dip Ed. and qualifications in project management. Kim is a current PhD candidate.
Felix has a strong foundation in Fine Arts and a Master of Primary Education. Felix brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity and passion to her role and is an advocate for play- and inquiry-based pedagogy which enables her to connect authentically with children's interests. Felix is passionate about holistic education, where children are supported to develop socially, emotionally and academically. An advocate for student voice, Felix works with children to foster an environment characterised by independence, teamwork and essential social skills such as mentoring, conflict resolution and collaboration.
Jenn has over 14 years of experience across local and international schools and brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity and passion to our community. Jenn holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Secondary Education, an Elementary Teacher Certification and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Her qualifications, combined with her extensive experience, make her a versatile and accomplished educator. An advocate for inquiry-based learning, Jenn inspires creativity and curiosity through drama, storytelling and curriculum design that fosters a love of learning.
Bennett Hodges
School assistant
Mandy
Outdoor learning & play guide
Matilda
Outdoor learning & play guide
Tom
Outdoor learning & play guide
Bennett has a background in business, management and most recently classroom support. Bennett has a passion for children being able to learn in positive and supportive environments and brings a skillset to Compass that helps this to happen.
Mandy has qualifications in teaching and experience as a nature play educator. Mandy loves getting outdoors with children and exploring the wonders of our local environment.
Matilda graduated from Year 12 in the local area and has been accepted to study education at the University of Queensland. Matilda loves forming relationships with people and has an amazing range of interests and talents to share with everyone!
Tom is nearing completion of undergraduate studies in business at QUT. Tom loves sport and this passion is something he loves to share with others.
Dr Lisa van Leent
Chair of Board
Shayla Olsen
Director
Dr Shaun Nykvist
Director
Nicci Beardmore
Treasurer of Board
Lisa is an educational researcher interested in social equity in education. Lisa was part of the Compass team who founded the school. Lisa's expertise includes over 10 years in classrooms including teaching roles, leadership and coaching roles across the primary years, and over 5 years in adult education and higher education contexts.
Shayla is an educator, writer and advocate for the magic of childhood.  Shayla has 10 years of classroom teaching experience and now works in higher education and research. She has a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Arts and is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing Pedagogy.
Shaun is an educator, researcher and author focused on innovative approaches to teaching and learning that focus on activating student learning. Â Shaun has knowledge of educational systems across the world and has played a key role in developing curriculum internationally.
Nicci holds qualifications in arts and accounting and is a qualified CA with a love of and experience in audit across multiple countries and in multiple industries. Nicci has been a volunteer treasurer with a local community kindergarten and also works as a finance officer in the early education industry. Nicci is a lifelong learner who loves reading, cooking and the outdoors, especially with her children. She is passionate about travelling and learning from and about other cultures.
Level 3, Z1 The Works
QUT Creative Industries Precinct
8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove
Queensland, 4059
PO Box 2026
Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059
