Faculty & Instructors
Thomas Montuoti
Thomas is the Founder and Head of the Connecticut Scuba Academy, a 501(c)(3) Technical School specializing in vocational scientific diving. A recognized leader in maritime education, they provide formal instructional pathways for high school and post-secondary students through a curriculum harmonized with AAUS and CMAS standards. [Your Name] is dedicated to building a sustainable maritime workforce in Connecticut, utilizing the underwater environment as a classroom for STEM excellence and environmental stewardship.
Founder/Executive Director
Amy Bentley
Field Operations Specialist & Scuba InstructorAmy Bentley oversees the animal husbandry components of our educational partnerships. She specializes in assisting high schools with the development and execution of their programs, particularly during off-site field trips. By coordinating the logistical and instructional needs of these expeditions, Amy ensures that students receive a seamless and enriched educational experience in the field
Parker Weintz
Parker Weintz is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Scuba Academy, as the second-in-command. Parker specializes in bridging the gap between advanced technical diving and youth leadership development. Technical Diving ensures that the Academy’s field operations—from deep-water training to complex maritime logistics—are executed with professional-grade precision. Parker is dedicated to providing students with a disciplined, safety-first environment where they can master the technical skills required for careers in the modern Blue Economy.
Director of Operations
Director of Secondary EducationJoe Rodorigo
Joe Rodorigo is the Director of Secondary Education, leading the integration of vocational maritime science into the Connecticut public school system. As a key leader within this federally recognized Institution, Joe specializes in developing and delivering high-level STEM curricula that meet both state academic standards and professional industry requirements.
Scouting Liaison & DivemasterDavid Morganson
David Morganson serves as our Lead Divemaster and Scouting Program Coordinator, where he bridges the gap between adventure and youth development. David specializes in working with Scouting organizations to facilitate Scuba Merit Badges and high-adventure treks. As a Divemaster, he provides expert in-water support and mentorship, ensuring that young divers build confidence and a deep respect for the marine environment while adhering to the rigorous safety standards required by both SDI and Scouting programs.
SDI Scuba ProfessionalEdain Bentley
Edain Bentley is a certified SDI Instructor who leads our recreational scuba courses. With a passion for introducing others to the underwater world, Edain focuses on building student confidence and mastery in the water. From first-time divers in Open Water courses to those looking to sharpen their skills in advanced specialties, Edain’s patient and expert instruction ensures that every student becomes a safe, capable, and enthusiastic diver.
Lead ERDI Instructor & Public Safety LiaisonDavid Oslszewski
David Olszewski leads our Public Safety Divisions, where he oversees specialized training for emergency responders. As a certified ERDI Instructor, David is responsible for preparing dive teams for the rigorous demands of search, rescue, and recovery operations. His expertise ensures that our public safety partners operate at the highest level of technical proficiency and situational awareness, maintaining strict adherence to international safety standards in the most challenging underwater environments.
Director of Learning Experience (DLx)Andrew Child
Andrew Child brings three decades of experience in print and online publishing, which include authoring two coffee-table books and publishing a fine arts magazine, to his role as the DLx. Andrew is responsible for the design, editing, and technical illustration of the Academy’s vocational course materials. His work ensures that every program, from the CMAS Research Diving track to our integrated STEM modules, is continuously aligned to best practices for both educational quality and usability. Andrew is a divemaster in training.
SDI & PADI Instructor | Youth Program SpecialistZachary Deutscher
Zachary Deutscher is a dual-certified SDI and PADI Instructor dedicated to our Scouting and youth outreach initiatives. Zachary specializes in translating complex diving skills into engaging, age-appropriate curricula for Scouts. Whether he is teaching a Scuba Merit Badge course or leading a high-adventure expedition, his dual-agency expertise enables him to deliver a flexible, comprehensive training experience. Zachary’s focus is on fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious and safety-oriented divers.
Dive MasterBrian Carian
Brian Carian serves as a Divemaster, providing essential safety oversight and logistical support across our various diving divisions. Brian is the 'eyes and ears' on the water, assisting our instructors during training sessions and ensuring that all equipment and safety protocols are meticulously managed. His calm presence and professional expertise make him a vital asset to both our recreational students and our high-stakes public safety teams.
SDI Dive MasterRobert Romoff
Robert serves as a Divemaster, providing essential safety oversight and logistical support across our various diving divisions. Brian is the 'eyes and ears' on the water, assisting our instructors during training sessions and ensuring that all equipment and safety protocols are meticulously managed. His calm presence and professional expertise make him a vital asset to both our recreational students and our high-stakes public safety teams.
Dive MasterMax Schnabel
Max serves as a Divemaster, providing essential safety oversight and logistical support across our various diving divisions. Brian is the 'eyes and ears' on the water, assisting our instructors during training sessions and ensuring that all equipment and safety protocols are meticulously managed. His calm presence and professional expertise make him a vital asset to both our recreational students and our high-stakes public safety teams.
Dive MasterJenna Dirito
Jenna serves as a Divemaster, providing essential safety oversight and logistical support across our various diving divisions. Brian is the 'eyes and ears' on the water, assisting our instructors during training sessions and ensuring that all equipment and safety protocols are meticulously managed. His calm presence and professional expertise make him a vital asset to both our recreational students and our high-stakes public safety teams.
SDI InstructorAugust Aloco
August is a certified SDI Instructor who leads our recreational scuba courses. With a passion for introducing others to the underwater world, Edain focuses on building student confidence and mastery in the water. From first-time divers in Open Water courses to those looking to sharpen their skills in advanced specialties, Edain’s patient and expert instruction ensures that every student becomes a safe, capable, and enthusiastic diver.