Compass High Taps National Advocate to Lead Neurodiversity Mission

BELMONT, Calif. – August 06, 2026 – In a move that signals a strategic deepening of its core mission, Compass High School has appointed nationally recognized neurodiversity advocate Amanda Morin as its interim head of school. While leadership transitions are routine, this appointment is a deliberate statement of intent, aligning the school’s operational command with one of the foremost voices in creating educational environments where neurodivergent learners can thrive. For an institution built on a specialized model of value creation, bringing in an architect of that very model is a powerful play for permanence and performance.

Morin, who most recently served as the school's director of academic services, steps into the role succeeding longtime Head of School Doug Killin. Killin’s tenure is credited with establishing Compass as a resilient institution where students are individually known and supported. The transition, however, is not a course correction but an acceleration, leveraging a strong foundation to push the boundaries of what neurodiversity-affirming education can achieve.

The Architect of Affirmation Takes the Helm

Amanda Morin is not a typical administrator. Her career is a testament to a deep, multi-faceted commitment to neurodivergent learners, transitioning from classroom teacher to national thought leader. Before joining the Belmont campus, Morin held executive roles at prominent national organizations, including serving as vice president of learning and knowledge at The The Jed Foundation and as a key leader at Understood.org, where she helped develop resources used by educators and families across the country. Her influence extends through her prolific writing, most notably as co-author of the book Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools.

This background is the critical context for her appointment. A neurodiversity-affirming approach reframes neurological differences like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia not as deficits to be corrected, but as natural variations in the human brain. It's a fundamental shift from compliance to empowerment, focusing on building systems that adapt to the student rather than forcing the student to adapt to rigid systems. Morin’s work provides a practical blueprint for this, moving theory into tangible classroom and school-wide practices.

The Compass High School Board of Trustees explicitly linked this expertise to their decision. “Amanda brings an exceptional combination of educational leadership, national experience and a deep commitment to our mission,” said Anna Refuerzo, chair of the Board. “We have tremendous confidence in their leadership, their partnership and their shared commitment to our students and families.” This confidence is rooted in Morin's proven ability to translate advocacy into effective educational strategy, a skill set that is invaluable for a school aiming to lead its niche.

A Proven Model for Unlocking Potential

Compass High School has already carved out a reputation as a winner in the specialized education landscape. Its model is built on the pillars of a college-preparatory curriculum delivered through an individualized, strengths-based approach. The school explicitly integrates executive functioning support—the development of critical life skills like planning, organization, and self-regulation—into its daily fabric. This is not an add-on service but a core component of its value proposition, preparing students for the demands of college, careers, and independent living.

This approach directly addresses the primary challenge for many neurodivergent learners: navigating educational systems not designed for their way of thinking. By building a program that recognizes and hones individual strengths while providing structured support for areas of difficulty, the school creates a high-performance environment. The result is not just academic achievement but the cultivation of self-advocacy and confidence, the very hallmarks of resilience.

The effectiveness of this model is perhaps best personified by one of its own. Riley Mulcahy, a graduate of the Class of 2018, now serves as the school’s Director of Advancement & Outreach. His journey from student to key administrator is a powerful, living testament to the school's capacity to foster lasting success and a deep sense of belonging.

Leading the Charge in a Shifting Landscape

Compass High School operates within the dynamic and competitive Bay Area educational ecosystem, a region known for innovation. It is one of several notable institutions, including Sterne School in San Francisco and Stanbridge Academy in San Mateo, that cater to neurodivergent students. This cluster of specialized schools has created a regional hub for pioneering new approaches to learning.

This local innovation is happening against a backdrop of statewide policy shifts. California's recently passed Senate Bill 939 (2024) mandates enhanced support and protection for neurodivergent students, requiring the state to provide resources to combat bullying and discrimination based on neurodiversity. Furthermore, the California Department of Education is actively exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in creating more personalized learning supports. This evolving regulatory and technological landscape favors institutions that are already deeply invested in individualized education.

Morin's appointment positions Compass to not just navigate these trends but to lead them. Her national perspective and hands-on experience in developing scalable resources make her uniquely qualified to guide the school in this environment. The institution’s goal is not merely to be an excellent school but, as stated in its mission, to be an “active contributor to a stronger ecosystem of support,” influencing the broader educational conversation.

A Vision Beyond Campus Walls

Looking ahead, the vision for Compass is one of expanded impact. Morin herself has articulated this, expressing excitement to build on the school's foundation and strengthen partnerships with organizations that share its mission. “Compass has always believed that students thrive when they're understood, challenged, and supported as their authentic selves,” Morin said. “That's what drew me to this community, and it's what inspires me every day.”

This outward-facing strategy is a sign of institutional maturity and strength. Rather than focusing solely on internal metrics, the leadership team aims to leverage its expertise to create value across the sector. The Board of Trustees highlighted the close working relationship between Morin and Assistant Head of School Aimee Callahan, underscoring a unified leadership team poised to execute this ambitious vision.

As Compass enters this next chapter, its core commitment remains the same: helping every student build confidence, find belonging, and prepare for a successful life. With a leader at the helm who has dedicated her career to championing that very cause on a national stage, the school is not just continuing its mission—it is poised to redefine it.