Meet Our Team

Anayeli Alvarado is a dedicated member of Compass Programs since 2014 and has over 17 years of experience in childcare. Her passion for working with the families at Compass Maryvale is unwavering, as she is committed to developing strong relationships with each child and their family. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding her team to achieve a perfect score of 5 out of 5 during Quality First Accreditation, a testament to her dedication and strategic approach. Anayeli exemplifies leadership through her clear communication, problem-solving abilities, and focus on fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for staff and families. She is deeply committed to driving the mission and vision of Compass, ensuring that every child receives the best care and education possible. She is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters and resides in Phoenix.

Anira Cabrera is a dedicated preschool teacher who brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role. Her gift for working with young children, evident in all that she does, is complemented by her rich background in healthcare, where she studied and worked for over a decade. Fluent in Spanish, Anira's diverse skill set enriches her teaching role. She began her journey with Compass Programs as a preschool program volunteer and became a lead teacher in January 2022 due to her passion and dedication. Known for her warm personality, Anira shines in her work with young children, fostering a positive and nurturing environment for growth and learning while raising her four children with love and dedication.

Mariela Reyes Castro joined Compass in 2021, bringing a deep passion for art, teaching, and shaping young minds. Over the years, she has contributed to various educational settings, serving as a teacher assistant and paraprofessional, with experience spanning preschool to middle school. Her commitment to education stems from a desire to share her knowledge and experiences with the next generation, fostering their growth and development as they are our future leaders.

Laura Chavez joined Compass Programs in August 2013 and holds a certification in Early Childhood Management. Laura demonstrates the core values of Open Sky Education—Loving, Learning, Leading, Lasting, and Laughing—in her daily interactions with team members and the families she serves. Her love for children is evident in her everyday interactions as she strives to nurture and support their growth. Before transitioning into the childcare field, Laura worked as a Corporate Travel Consultant. Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, she is a proud mother of two.

Danesha Perry came on board in 2019 with extensive experience in childcare administration as an assistant director and working with students ages 3-12. Her ability to connect with and support a wide range of age groups and her excellent team-building, communication skills, and classroom expertise make her an essential part of the Compass team. Outside of work, Danesha spends time with her three children and her first grandchild.

Mary Lou leads the Arizona region’s Compass Preschools as well as Compass Before- and After-School Care Programs.

Mary Lou began her career as a paralegal in the insurance industry in Houston, TX and changed course when she discovered an unexpected passion for education. Having teaching experience in grades Pre K through 12, she entered administration as a Founding Principal of a Christian school in Massachusetts and then served in Phoenix, AZ as a Preschool Director and Elementary Principal.

Mary Lou has an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Beal College in Bangor, ME, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.