I joined the Compass community in 2012 as a humanities teacher and advisor. I was born and raised in the Boston area, and moved back to Beantown in 2003 after graduating from Colgate University in central NY state. There, I met my wife (a native Vermonter) and put off my teaching career in favor of a 5-year stint as a brewer. In 2011 we moved to Vermont in order to pursue two goals: living in a wonderful quiet setting, and my teaching aspirations.

I gained teacher certification through the Upper Valley Educators Institute while interning at Rivendell Academy High School and The Sharon Academy Middle School. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, jogging, skiing, biking, gardening, playing fetch, and generally being outdoors.

Outdoor enthusiast, endurance athlete, Boston sports fan.

gabe.allen-fahlander@compassvt.org

What fun! I have been at Compass since 2001 and every year has been so different! I started here right after getting a masters at Antioch and found a dream school. It has been a pleasure to grow as the school has changed from a new community of dreamy-eyed students and educators to a crew searching for excellence.

I have enjoyed so many corners of our community but currently spend my time teaching High School Math, Physics, and art. It is so nice to have this balance of topics in my week and life.

At home, I am a mom. I have two sassy girls and we live in the middle of 100 acres of woods in Putney. Have a goofy labrador, a cat that thinks it’s a dog and two chickens.

Sailor; Artist; Mom.

louise@compassvt.org

After 20 years as a teacher and school leader at a small, progressive high school in Philadelphia, I moved to Vermont and joined the Compass team in 2022. I am thrilled to be teaching Humanities and love working with, and learning from, young people. I’m excited to be teaching in a school that prioritizes a strengths-based, student-centered approach. I have taught language arts for many years to 9th-12th graders, directed an Exhibitions program for seniors, and hold a dual teaching certificate in English & history, as well as an endorsement in Online Teaching. I have also taught Composition and Literature courses to college students. In an earlier career, I worked extensively with clients of community mental health centers, and I believe in the importance of a holistic approach to educating youth.  I’m a hiker, kayaker, pickleball & ping pong enthusiast, reader, dog lover, and meditator.

ann.croxson@compassvt.org

I came to Compass as a parent and sought employment here based on my experience as a parent at Orientation Day.  I wanted to work in a school that honored each individual for their strengths and was flexible while being supportive to stretch each individual to grow when out of their comfort zone.

I enjoy gardening, cooking/baking and hiking. It is my goal to visit as many countries as I am old.  So far, I've visited 42 countries on six continents. I am woefully behind due to the constraints during COVID and then having a family.

I live with my dog, two cats, and two children in Brattleboro.

I have been the bookkeeper since 2014. I love being able to reconcile the accounts with the students, families and teachers that make up this amazing community. My son and daughter attended Compass.

As a staff member I have had the opportunity to work with students and parents bringing the perspectives of each together to make the accounting as transparent and understandable as possible.

At home I can usually be found with my three dogs, my three cats, or my flock of chickens. All of these animals make me laugh with their antics. I love to read, to cook, to garden, to do yoga, to create artwork, and go for hikes.

When away from home I love to travel, particularly abroad. I can often be found seeing live music and traveling to Burlington. Both of my kids attend UVM. For me, spending time with my family is my greatest joy.

lyssa.singleton@compassvt.org

After years of circling The Compass School, I finally touched down to join the teaching team in 2024.  I can most often be found in the mountains, but was born in a country that is 26% below sea level. Formally educated at Reed College, Cornell University and Lesley University, I have learned the most from experience, the arts, literature, peers, elders and listening closely to the natural world. 

Through teaching in many environmental science, expeditionary learning, wilderness and farm education centers, I made my journey from the outdoors to classroom teaching.

Schools I have taught prior to Compass include The Ithaca Montessori School, The Shackleton School, The Shady Hill School, Leland and Gray, the LEAF Charter School as well as many years with Kroka Expeditions. I have also worked with community mental health centers and conservation initiatives. 

I am an avid paddler, skier, biker, hiker, explorer, trail-runner, reader, writer, activist, artist, cook, campfire-singer and contra-dancer. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work within the intimate, innovative learning community that is The Compass School.