The 2023 Teaching Team
Alicia Gilbert
Founder, Teaching Principal & Director
Alicia is the Founder, Teaching Principal and Director of Compass. She has two degrees in education and has taught as a primary school teacher in local and international schools for more than 20 years.
Alicia worked at NIST International School, a world leader in inquiry based learning, and built QUT's undergraduate course in integrated curriculum.
Alicia spent four years developing Compass and loves being part of children's inquiry, play, creativity and collaboration.
Emily Moore
Classroom Teacher
Emily is a graduate teacher who is passionate about sparking children’s learning and creative expression. She has experience in children’s art programs and as a Forest School Educator.
Emily is an advocate for child-centred and inquiry-based learning and is thrilled to be a part of the education journey for children at Compass.
The Board of Directors
Dr Lisa van Leent
Chair
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Lisa is an educational researcher interested in social equity in education. 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 Olsen
Secretary
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Shayla is an educator, writer and advocate for the magic of childhood. Shayla has 10 years classroom teaching experience and now works in higher education and research. She has a Bachelor of Education, a Masters of Arts, and is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing Pedagogy.
Dr Shaun Nykvist
Director
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Shaun is an educator, researcher and author focused on innovative approaches to teaching and learning that focus on activating student learning. Shaun has knowledge of educational systems across the world and has played a key role in developing curriculum internationally.
Kim Summers
Director
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Kim is an educator with over 25 years’ experience in the field. 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’s educational qualifications include a MEd, BA and Grad Dip Ed.
Team Compass Advisors
Rob McGuiness
Advisor
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Rob has been a senior executive and practising consultant in the supply chain space within Australia and the near Pacific for over 30 years. Rob has honours diplomas in business management and supply chain management and practise.
Allan Young
Advisor
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Allan is an advisor, leadership expert, life coach and architect. He has a passion for leadership and enhancing peoples’ lives. Allan was director of his own architectural practice and spent 20 years as a high level sports coach. Allan has degrees in Design Studies and Architecture.