David Dangerfield is the founder and CEO of the Compass Institute. His background includes many years’ experience in the fields of business, the not for profit sector and disabilities.

He studied and worked overseas in the disability sector during the eighties and nurtured the vision of establishing a leading edge service for young people with disabilities in Australia – a dream he realised through Compass in 2003.

In 2014 David was awarded Sunshine Coast Australia Day Citizen of the Year and his work in disabilities and the community has also been recognised with a number of other honours.

Liza Brock is the General Manager at Compass, bringing strong leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to inclusion and community connection. With extensive experience in people management, service development, and organisational growth, Liza is dedicated to creating environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive. She is passionate about building meaningful opportunities that promote independence, participation, and a sense of belonging. Liza’s leadership style is collaborative and values-driven, ensuring that teams are supported to deliver innovative and impactful programs. She believes in celebrating diversity and driving positive change through inclusion, empowerment, and strong community partnerships.

Tessa is a dedicated Service Coordinator at Compass, where she works alongside individuals and families to create personalised pathways of support that foster independence, confidence, and community connection. With a compassionate approach and strong organisational skills, Tessa ensures services are delivered with excellence and tailored to each person’s goals. She values building meaningful relationships and takes pride in empowering people to achieve their potential. Passionate about inclusion and wellbeing, Tessa brings warmth, professionalism, and commitment to every interaction, helping make Compass a place where people feel supported, respected, and inspired to thrive.

Kristy Reading is the Payroll and Finance Manager at Compass, where she oversees financial operations with precision, integrity, and care. With extensive experience in payroll management, compliance, and financial systems, Kristy ensures accuracy and transparency across all processes. She is committed to supporting both staff and organisational goals by providing clear, reliable financial guidance. Known for her approachable manner and strong attention to detail, Kristy balances efficiency with a genuine commitment to people. Her work underpins Compass’s ability to deliver high-quality services, enabling the organisation to thrive and continue making a meaningful difference in the community.

Telisha Brown is an accomplished People and Culture leader with more than a decade of experience in human resources, workforce development, and impactful community initiatives across Australia. Informed by her own lived experience, Telisha is deeply committed to empowering people with disability and reshaping perceptions of inclusivity. She leads with authenticity and purpose, advocating for diversity, designing equitable policy frameworks, and fostering respectful, collaborative workplace environments where every person is valued, supported, and positioned to succeed.