Deep Waters Academy
Leadership
Amelia Chiara
Head of School
Kristin Fontana
Associate Head of School
Ashlee Schaffrinna
Head of Lower School
Laura Gannon
Head of Upper School
Sara Fontana
Head of Family Ministry
DWA School Board
Aimee Anderson
Aimee brings over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, which allows her to offer perspective in family systems, parent partnership, communication, child development, conflict mediation, and decision-making. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing people and advancing mission-driven initiatives.
As a parent of two children who attend Deep Waters Academy, she has personally experienced the value of the University-Model approach. Aimee and her family are active members of the Catholic Church in League City. In addition to serving on the board, she enjoys investing time in family, friends, and church community.
Through service on the board, she is committed to helping Deep Waters remain faithful to its mission of providing excellent education grounded in biblical truth while equipping students to lead, serve, and glorify God in every area of life.
Chris Dobbins
Chris Dobbins graduated summa cum laude from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Chris began working for NASA after graduation, and since 2022 Chris has served as a Flight Director, leading teams of engineering and research experts, ground support personnel, and astronauts from around the world to execute NASA's human spaceflight missions. Chris and his wife Michelle have three daughters and have been part of the Deep Waters community since their eldest started kindergarten in 2023. Chris is excited to lend his experiences leading high performing teams to further DWA's mission.
Dustin Kinnison
Dustin Kinnison is a Project Manager for Mountain Crane Service, LLC. He has a background in education, having a Bachelor of Arts in 7-12 science education from York University (Nebraska) and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, plus 10.5 years of teaching a broad spectrum of science and math classes in Nebraska and Texas. Dustin also spent 4.5 as a project manager in NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. Dustin and his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, Thomas (DWA) and Micah (homeschool), live in Alvin and are members of the Bellaire Chuch of Christ in Houston. The Kinnison family has been a part of the DWA community since its inception in 2021.
Amelia Chiara
Amelia Chiara graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and an emphasis on 4-8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies. She worked as a teacher in both the public and private school setting becoming a full time mom to her growing family. During that time, God put it on Amelia's heart to explore other schooling options which eventually lead to the discovery of the University-Model and the creation of Deep Waters Academy. Amelia has served as the Head of School for Deep Waters Academy since its inception in 2021.
Francis Fontana
Francis Fontana has an undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts Education from University of Southwestern Louisiana and a Master of Religious Education from the University of St. Thomas. After working 10 years in Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church and teaching Theology at St. Thomas High School. Francis started his Financial Advisory business with Primerica in 1985 and has been serving his client base throughout Texas and Louisiana. Together with his wife, Sara (known at DWA as Sasa) they have raised four children into their adults lives, and are overjoyed with 12 grandchildren with more on the way. He has been on the school board since the founding of DWA and currently serves on an Business Advisory Board to San Jacinto College system for several years.
Kim Noto
Kim Noto has served on the Deep Waters Academy School Board since its founding. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. A proud mother of four and grandmother of eleven, Kim has long been passionate about providing children with a well-rounded, Christ-centered education.
She supported the creation of Deep Waters Academy not only because of her belief in the value of a hybrid learning model, but also because of her deep trust in its founders, Amelia Chira and Kristin Fontana and their vision. Kim is honored to continue serving the school community and supporting its mission to nurture both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Vinny Chiara
Vinny Chiara graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
He is a commercial real estate professional with 10 years of experience in development, asset management, and consulting. As a licensed real estate professional, he brings a strong foundation in finance and strategy to the role of Treasurer.
Being part of the Deep Waters Academy community has been a true blessing for Vinny and his family. With a sincere appreciation for the school’s mission and its impact, he is honored to support its continued growth and help guide its strategic vision for the future.
Kristin Fontana
Kristin Fontana graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
She worked as a youth minister for many years before becoming a full time mom to her five children.
Kristin and her husband, Peter,
enjoy volunteering at church together especially with the youth.
They enjoy family game nights, camping, and traveling together.
Their family has been a part of the DWA community since its inception in 2021.
Kristin is blessed to serve on the DWA board as the Vice President. She is honored to support the mission and vision of the school.
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