School Leadership

Dr. Steve Yanni is Northwood’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and has more than twenty years of experience in education as an elementary and middle school teacher, principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Yanni is passionate about ensuring that students, staff, and families feel deeply connected to our school. Dr. Yanni’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. He is passionate about creating systems where both people and performance thrive, leading organizations through periods of transformation while maintaining stability and focus on mission-driven outcomes.

Dr. Jason Hamer is an accomplished educational leader with over 15 years of experience in K–12 education, serving as a teacher, instructional leader, and principal. He most recently served as an elementary school principal in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he led a diverse school community of over 500 students and 75 staff members, focusing on academic excellence, equity, and positive school culture. 

Dr. Hamer previously served as a middle and high school principal, where he led innovative initiatives in STEM education, expanded college and career readiness programming, and helped secure over $2 million in scholarships for graduating seniors. His leadership emphasizes data-driven instruction, inclusive practices, and building strong partnerships with families and communities. 

He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Morehouse College. Dr. Hamer is also an active presenter, guest lecturer, and board member with Learning Forward Pennsylvania, contributing to the development of future educators and leaders. 

Committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering both students and educators, Dr. Hamer continues to lead with a vision of excellence, innovation, and opportunity for all.

Frank Ayata serves as Northwood Academy’s Director of School Business Operations. With extensive experience in school finance, budgeting, payroll administration, and compliance, he oversees the financial and school business operational systems that support the school’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Frank’s background includes leadership in accounting, financial reporting, grant management, and internal controls within both educational and business environments. He is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and building efficient systems that allow educators to focus on student achievement.

Chris Jones is Northwood’s Director of Operations and brings over fifteen years of experience in operations, including eight years dedicated to educational settings. Mr. Jones is passionate about supporting staff, building efficient systems, and creating environments where students and educators can thrive. His work is rooted in a commitment to strong relationships and ensuring that school operations run smoothly in service of student success.

Dana Gubitosa, our Elementary School Assistant Principal, has more than 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, Academic Dean, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and school administrator.  She has focused her practice on supporting students' growth into successful and happy members of their communities.  Her professional philosophy centers around equitable, inclusive, and experiential classroom experiences for all students and teachers.  She believes that transparency, inquiry, curiosity, and empathy allow for a school to be a safe space in which students can thrive.

Jinnely Thomas, our Middle School Assistant Principal, brings over 15 years of classroom teaching and school administration experience. As a passionate leader, she believes that great education happens when every student feels inspired, supported, and valued as a whole child. Known for building strong teams and fostering positive, inclusive environments, Jinnely blends empathy with strategic vision to empower both students and educators to thrive. Always curious and collaborative, she embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and is forever committed to learning and evolving.

Mr. Frank J. Viall III, our Assistant Principal of Specialized Services, supports students and staff by overseeing special education programs and systems that promote student success.

Mr. Viall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arcadia University, a Master’s in Special Education from Chestnut Hill College, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership (Principal Certification) from Gwynedd Mercy University. 

Known for leading by example, strong content knowledge, and building effective systems, Mr. Viall is committed to continuous improvement and student-centered leadership. He is currently pursuing his educational doctorate.