FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2024
CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689

Thousand Oaks, CA—Compass Charter Schools (Compass) announces its 2023-24 Teachers and Employees of the Year, teachers Monique Grimes and Ruth Chavez-Rivera, and staff Annette Metten and Dr. Danielle Gamez. At Compass, our scholars are always at the forefront of everything we do. As a personalized learning public charter school, our teachers and staff are talented and unique individuals who embrace and follow our ARTIC values of Achievement, Respect, Trust, Integrity, and Communication.

Join us in congratulating Monique Grimes and Ruth Chavez Rivera, our 2023-24 Scholar’s Choice Teachers of the Year in Online Learning and Options Learning!

Monique Grimes, with Superintendent Liz Brenne

Monique started her educational career in a project-based, SEL-focused, positive discipline (no reward, no punishment) brick-and-mortar school teaching 3rd grade. Soon, she moved into teaching Kindergarten through 8th-grade art at two charter schools. Monique wanted to give children a different way to communicate and express themselves. But when she became pregnant with her first child, she wanted to be home with her. Monique was told about Compass and has been a supervising teacher here since (ten years in October). 

Monique shares, “I love that I am still fully engaged in my children’s lives and can do what I love. I love engaging scholars and making learning fun, giving scholars a voice, and helping them grow as individuals. I am honored to receive this, especially since it came from the scholars I work with so closely.”

Ruth Chavez-Rivera and Superintendent Liz Brenner

Ruth Chavez-Rivera has been a dedicated teacher with Compass Charter Schools for seven years. She loves teaching and supporting scholars and parents in their educational journey. Ruth shares that she finds great joy in making the families feel loved and appreciated and is blessed to work with a team of amazing teachers. She has been a homeschool Mother for over 22 years and has a deep understanding and personal passion for her work. Ruth has three grown sons and has been married to her wonderful husband for 27 years. 

Ruth shares, “I am so blessed and honored by the love and kindness that my wonderful families shower on me, and this Scholar’s Choice Award for Supervising Teacher of the Year means the world to me because it is straight from the hearts of my Compass families-Thank you!”

Join us in congratulating our 2023-24 Staff of the Year, Certificated Employee Annette Metten, Supervising Teacher, and Classified Employee Danielle Gamez, Director of Operations! 

Annette Metten and Superintendent Liz Brenner

Annette has worked in education for the past 17 years. She began her career in University Administration and switched to classroom teaching nine years ago. Annette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  In her free time, Annette enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her amazing friends and family.

Annette shares, “This will be my fourth year working at Compass, and I love it! I truly believe in the value of personalized learning and love that I get to meet scholars exactly where they’re at and help them thrive in their educational pursuits. I also truly enjoy working collaboratively with the families on my roster and my amazing colleagues. I felt shocked, humbled, and grateful to receive this award.” 

Dr. Danielle Gamez and Superintendent Liz Brenner

Dr. Danielle Gamez majored in fine arts at the University of Michigan with aspirations to become an art teacher. But, her life took an exciting turn after college when her husband’s military career led them to Japan. There, Dr. Gamez continued her journey in education, serving as an academic advisor for military members and their families. While in Japan, she earned her master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Upon returning to the U.S., Dr. Gamez continued her educational work as a deployment specialist for the Navy, where she boarded ships to teach classes to sailors returning from duty. After her husband’s military service, they settled in Southern California, where she assumed the role of Manager of Enrollment for a large elementary school district. Here, she began her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at California State University, Fresno, with a dissertation focusing on the impact of schools on students experiencing homelessness.

In 2020, Dr. Gamez took on the role of Director of Operations at Compass Charter Schools, drawn by the potential of personalized virtual education—a critical need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, she leads a talented team responsible for attendance, compliance, enrollment, marketing, and records. Dr. Gamez is committed to optimizing school operations, ensuring that teachers can focus on creating the best personalized learning environments for their scholars.

Dr. Gamez resides in Southern California with her husband, an Air Force veteran, and their spirited eight-year-old daughter. Along with their lively household, which includes a dog and two cats, she finds joy in painting and immersing herself in a good book. Dr. Gamez especially treasures watching her daughter thrive in her passions for dance, drumming, and bringing laughter to their home.

Danielle shares, “I love working alongside an incredible team every day. Their dedication to the operations of our school is truly inspiring. They are the behind-the-scenes heroes who motivate me to continuously strive for excellence. Receiving this award is truly the highlight of my career! It means the world to me because it comes from the people I work with—their nominations and votes make it even more special. I am deeply humbled and honored.” 

About Compass Charter Schools
Compass Charter Schools is a WASC-accredited virtual personalized learning public charter school serving thousands of scholars throughout California. Catering to TK-12 grade scholars, Compass offers two personalized learning programs. Compass is committed to creating a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning, and preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future successes.

For more information, visit About Compass and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.