Urban Compass
11100 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
phn (323) 383-7588
fax (323) 564-9009

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Profiles

Theresa Gartland

A native of the Washington D.C. area, and graduate of Villanova University, Theresa moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University where she received a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Theresa Gartland has a passion for working in communities with the greatest need for educators. She participated in the Response-Ability Volunteer teacher program while she earned her degree and lived in a faith-based community in South Los Angeles.

Theresa Gartland brings to Urban Compass a solid foundation in education through her hands-on classroom experience and in-depth understanding of curriculum development. As a 2nd grade teacher in South Los Angeles, Theresa learned and experienced first hand the needs of youth from the surrounding community. Today, Theresa continues her growing role in Urban Compass and serving the youth of Watts as the Urban Compass Curriculum and Program Director.

DeAnthony Langston

Urban Compass is succeeding where other youth programs have failed. The gangs have left us alone even though they have driven many other youth programs from the neighborhood. This is due in large part to our Community Outreach Director, DeAnthony Langston. The ultimate testimonial to the headway we are making is receiving phone calls from gang members in prison asking DeAnthony to save their children and keep them out of the gangs.

DeAnthony grew up in Nickerson Gardens and attended 112th Street Elementary. And while many of his boyhood friends ended up in prison or dead, DeAnthony was fortunate. He attended Verbum Dei High School and it changed his life. After college, he played professional basketball in Japan, where he had the opportunity to learn another culture and language. Following his illustrious basketball career, he returned to Watts, to give something back and make a difference.

Parents trust Urban Compass with their children because they trust DeAnthony. He is a role model for
the children. He didn’t join a gang. He graduated from college and traveled around the world. He beat
the odds. He is a living example of what is possible if we give these kids a chance to believe in
themselves and pursue their dreams.