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Compass

Compass is a neighborhood-based mobile team that provides intensive case-management services to adults in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8.

About the Program

Compass supports individuals and families to help them achieve their goals as they navigate from scarcity to resiliency. With the motto “Navigated by You,” Compass participants direct the interaction they have with the program and set and work toward their own goals. A Compass partner accompanies them on their journey.

The program is staffed by social work professionals and graduate students selected as Pope Francis Scholars.

Program Goals

Guided by person-centered care, the program’s goals are:

Responding to the underlying needs and emergent concerns of residents in Ward 7 and 8.
Strengthening resiliency, promoting well-being and encouraging income self-sufficiency.
Fostering long-lasting relationships through interactions that include case management, community engagement and goal achievement.
Working with member participants to provide web-accessible case managers who meet members where they choose — either in the community or in their home.

Helping to create synergy around the D.C. neighborhoods of Washington Highlands, Bellevue and Congress Heights.

Contact Information

1001 Lawrence ST NE, Washington, DC 20017
202-481-1451
compass@cc-dc.org

Program Location

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Staff

Regena Humphries, LICSW, LCSW

Director

Regena Humphries has provided services to adolescents, adults and families. She has a special interest in working with adults on the issues of anxiety, stress management and work/life balance. Humphries received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She earned a joint master’s degree in social work from North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She has worked in various capacities for Catholic Charities in positions supporting child welfare and family preservation.

Rachel Doyle

Clinical Supervisor

Rachel Doyle came to Compass after providing services to adults and families in a variety of practice settings. She received her bachelor’s in psychology from Wake Forest University and her master’s in social work from University of Maryland, Baltimore. Rachel enjoys her role in providing support and practice wisdom to Compass interns so that they, in turn, are prepared to provide superior services to their clients in the present and for many years to come. Additionally, Rachel has an interest in both social work licensing equity and neurodiversity-affirmative care.

Joseph Garnett, MSW, LICSW

Program Manager

Joey Garnett is a dedicated social worker and community advocate from Ward 8 of Washington, D.C. Raised in a family that valued service to others, Joey developed a deep commitment to driving meaningful change in his community. A proud graduate of The Catholic University of America, Joey earned his master’s degree in social work as one of the first Pope Francis Scholars, a testament to his academic excellence and passion for community impact. Joey began his professional journey with Compass, where he initially joined as a Compass Partner and later advanced to the role of community liaison. In this capacity, he spearheaded a high school initiative offering an immersive social work experience to rising juniors and seniors, empowering students to grow professionally, educationally, and personally. Joey’s work also focused on partnership development, connecting vital resources to deliver transformative services to those in need. After obtaining his Independent Clinical Social Work license (LICSW), Joey was recently promoted to Program Manager at Compass, where he now leads a team of social workers and interns in delivering high-quality services that continue to impact the community. Through his leadership and dedication, Joey remains committed to improving lives and fostering a culture of care and collaboration.

Dasia Adams

Community Liaison

Dasia Adams is a licensed social worker from Maryland. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coppin State University and a master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America. She aspires to one day open her own nonprofit for youth and families. In her spare time, she volunteers and engages in community outreach events.

Sarah-Ann Nestor, LGSW

Compass Partner

Sarah has lived in Washington, D.C. for more than 15 years, calling Wards 7 and 8 home. The city and its people have shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for community work. She earned her Associate of Applied Science from Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia. Attending The Catholic University of America was a true game-changer—it taught her how to adapt, stay open-minded, and learn from different viewpoints. Her passion lies in working with youth and supporting community development. She believes in creating spaces where young people can share ideas, grow, and lead. Over the years, she has learned the importance of being both an advocate and a lifelong learner—because true power comes from the people. Every day, she is driven by the belief that meaningful change begins within our communities. She is committed to building connections, amplifying voices, and inspiring action across D.C. and beyond.

Alicia Wise, LGSW

Compass Partner

Alicia is a licensed social worker and proud native Washingtonian with a deep commitment to community and care. She earned her master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America, building on a strong foundation in psychology with a focus on family studies and educational psychology during her undergraduate years. Alicia brings a diverse background in both education and social services, having held roles in administration and direct support for organizations serving children and adults with diverse abilities. Her passion for advocacy and empowerment is reflected in her active memberships with the National Black Child Development Institute and the Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work.

Christopher Zaragoza, LGSW

Compass Partner

Christopher Zaragoza has been in DC since 2021, after deciding to join a Volunteer Corps in the area to advocate for social justice and serve men experiencing homelessness. As an undergraduate, he majored in psychology with a minor in religious studies. He is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who recently graduated from The Catholic University of America through the Pope Francis Scholarship Program. He has experience working as a bilingual case manager and as a Crisis Specialist working with children and adolescents.

The Pope Francis Scholarship

Among those working in the Compass program are graduate students who have qualified and received a scholarship from Catholic Charities to attend the School of Social Work at The Catholic University of America. During their time as students and Pope Francis Scholars, they will complete their field placement at Catholic Charities working as interns in the Compass program. After graduating, they will become employees of Catholic Charities.

Students who go on to work full time with Compass are active participants in the development and progression of the Compass program while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the ever-changing field of social work. Learn more in this article.

Pope Francis Scholars who have gone on to work in other capacities at Catholic Charities include:

Maureen Fitzpatrick, class of 2019, Children and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS)
Karen Jones, class of 2020, School Based Mental Health
Joseline Araujo, class of 2020, MCM
Sakira Coleman, class of 2021, Anchor Counseling
Anna Heath, class of 2021, School Based Mental Health
Danielle Cormier, class of 2021, Quality Assurance
Tanazia Mathew, class of 2022, ChAMPS
Raziya Wells, class of 2022, Adult and Children Clinical Services
Emely Fortiz, class of 2024, ChAMPS
Raquel Ruiz, class of 2024, ChAMPS
Christopher Zaragoza, class of 2024, ChAMPS

For more information about the Pope Francis Scholarship, please email Compass at compass@cc-dc.org

Pope Francis Scholars

Taylor Byrd

Intern

Taylor Byrd is a first-year intern with Compass, pursuing her master’s degree in social work. As an undergraduate, she majored in family science, with a focus on family studies and human services. She has been an intern at Pickersgill Retirement Home, where she interacts with elders by organizing activities and events for those with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. She has also participated and volunteered in multiple fundraising events to assist the Baltimore community, for example, Art with a Heart and the Baltimore Hunger Project through her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, whose philanthropy was feeding the hungry.

Kee'manee Carter

Intern

Kee’manee Carter, a Washington, D.C., transplant from Orlando, Florida, is a first-year intern with Compass, pursuing his master’s degree in social work at The Catholic University of America. Before joining Compass, he worked in school-based mental health as a behavior tech for the District of Columbia Public Schools. As an undergraduate, he majored in Administration of Justice, focusing on upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals receive fair and impartial treatment while interacting with various systems throughout the criminal justice system. Kee’manee has experience facilitating groups with elementary-aged male students to help combat challenging behaviors in the classroom. He is excited to bring his talents to Catholic Charities.

Ashley Good

Intern

Ashley Good, is an advanced standing intern with Compass, pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Catholic University of America. Before joining Compass, she worked at social services in the permanency unit. She graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Learn how one social worker earned a graduate degree at The Catholic University of America and a job through the Pope Francis Scholars program.

Learn more about Compass and why the Pope Francis Scholarship could be right for you.

Listen to Pope Francis Scholars share their experiences.

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