Dr. Nikki Erickson works to advance equitable access for students receiving special education services through her work with COMPASS. She holds licensure as a special education teacher and director of special education. Her career spans the full journey of special education—from being a beginning teacher navigating the field with limited resources and support, to leading and supporting special education systems and educators.

Nikki brings both lived experiences and leadership expertise to this work. She understands the realities of being an early career special education teacher and the critical role leaders play in creating the conditions where new teachers can feel supported, develop their skills, and stay in the profession. Her experience allows her to bridge the gap between what new teachers need and what schools can realistically do to support them.

Shelly Muñoz is an educator, instructional leader, author, and advocate with more than 30 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, STEM and curriculum leadership, professional learning, systems improvement, and educational policy. In her work with COMPASS and Resource Training & Solutions, she partners with leaders and districts to strengthen culturally responsive instructional leadership and build more equitable, inclusive learning systems. At the heart of Shelly’s work is a belief that meaningful change happens when we connect people, practice, and systems, bridging research and policy with the everyday realities of schools to create conditions where educators feel supported and every student has meaningful opportunities to thrive.