Who We Are

Connecticut Scuba Academy began in 2016 as a specialized program within the Institute of Professional Practice, a dedicated non-profit organization. The program was founded by a core group of passionate scuba instructors who shared a single, driving vision: to make high-quality scuba training affordable and accessible to everyone.

In 2017, we established ourselves as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit to fully pursue our primary mission—producing the safest, most qualified scuba divers in the water, from recreational beginners to scientific professionals.

What started as a mission to break down financial and educational barriers has since grown into one of the largest and most respected training facilities in the Northeast. Today, we continue to train to a standard, not a schedule, ensuring the ocean is open to anyone willing to learn.

What We Do: Our Impact & Programs

We put our educational philosophy into action every day. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, our operations extend far beyond standard certification classes. We actively serve our community through four core initiatives:

1. Youth STEM & Vocational Outreach We believe the ocean should be accessible to all students, regardless of zip code. Through our flagship partnerships with local high schools—including the Sound School Scouts and Hillhouse High School—we use scuba diving as a hands-on STEM vocational pathway. We break down financial barriers to provide young adults with professional-grade training, marine science education, and real-world leadership skills.

2. The Citizen Science Network (Blue Earth & CMAS Blue Helmets) Because we train our divers to be guardians of the underwater world, we give them the tools to protect it. Through our Blue Earth program and our active participation in the international CMAS Blue Helmets initiative, our divers engage in local environmental monitoring, underwater clean-ups, and marine preservation. We turn recreational divers into citizen scientists and global ambassadors who directly contribute to the health of New England’s marine ecosystems.

3. Adaptive & Private Programs The water is the ultimate equalizer, and diving should be inclusive for everyone. We offer specialized private programs and adaptive scuba training for individuals who require customized instruction, ensuring that physical or cognitive challenges do not stand in the way of underwater exploration.

4. One Academy, Three Pathways For our general student body, we offer a comprehensive, progressive curriculum divided into three main tracks:

  • Recreational Training: From your first breath underwater to advanced rescue techniques, trained to a higher standard of situational awareness.

  • Scientific & Professional: Rigorous AAUS, CMAS, and public safety diving programs designed for researchers, first responders, and future dive professionals.

  • Expeditions & Eco-Travel: Guided local New England charters and international group trips that keep our community active, engaged, and exploring together.

The Academy Advantage: Our Philosophy & Standards

I. Safety Through Mastery (Confidence Over Speed) We believe that safety comes from being truly ready, not just checking a box on a clipboard. We reject 'rush-to-certify' shortcuts. Instead, we follow a Progressive Training model. Whether you are learning for science or for fun, we don't watch the clock—we watch you. We give you the extended pool time and support to master the fundamentals until you possess superior skills and true comfort in the water.

II. Guardians, Not Just Tourists The ocean doesn't need more visitors; it needs protectors. We view the underwater world as a legacy, and we believe that buoyancy is preservation. We teach every diver to move with the precision of a scientific researcher. By mastering your buoyancy and trim, you ensure that you leave no trace behind, empowering you to become a true ambassador for the reefs you explore.

III. The Academy Mindset (Institutional Standards) We don't just teach you to breathe underwater; we teach you to think underwater, and we don't just follow the rules; we help write them. As members of the CMAS Scientific Committee, we bring global safety protocols directly to our students. We foster the situational awareness and problem-solving skills found in public safety diving, helping you explore the unknown not with adrenaline, but with a deep, focused sense of peace.

IV. A Certification Without Borders High standards, open doors. You don't need to be a scientist to train like one. We bring the rigor of vocational education to every student, ensuring that our open water divers receive the same quality mentorship as our research teams. We are a unique institution offering a dual-track program (AAUS & CMAS). When you train with us, you build the skills you need to launch a career—or an adventure—that is recognized globally.

The Academy Faculty Collective Excellence

  • Thomas Montuori

    Chief Executive Officer

  • Joe Rodorigo

    Director of Secondary Education & Strategic Partnerships

  • Parker Weintz

    Deputy Director of Technical Operations

  • Amy Bentley

    Field Operations Specialist & SDI Scuba Instructor

  • Andrew Child

    Director of Learning Experience (DLx) & Divemaster

  • Lilly McKenzie

    Director of Marketing & Advertising

  • Edain Bentley

    Primary SDI Instructor & Head of Recreational Training

  • Zachary Deutscher

    SDI & PADI Instructor | ER Nurse & First Aid/CPR Instructor

  • David Morganson

    Lead Divemaster, Safety Diver& Scouting Liaison

  • David Olszewski

    Director of Public Safety Training & ERDI Instructor

  • Robert Romoff

    SDI Divemaster

  • Brian Carian

    SDI Divemaster

  • Josh Beck

    Dive Master

  • August Aloco

    SDI Instructor

  • Jenna Dirito

    Dive Master

Get Involved / Join Our Faculty

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Connecticut Scuba Academy thrives on the dedication of our volunteer faculty. If you are interested in giving back to the community through marine science and scuba education, we would love to connect with you. We ask our volunteers to fully commit to our high institutional standards, as mentoring the next generation of divers requires a strong commitment to safety and student success. Please reach out to let us know your background and current availability so we can discuss how you might fit into our programs.