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.

Nancy Daly is Northwood’s CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) and has twenty-five years’ experience in education, as a general education teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and consultant. Ms. Daly is passionate about strategic planning, optimizing operations, and fostering accountable team cultures to ensure that students remain the highest priority in all educational contexts.   

Jinnely Thomas, Assistant Principal of Upper School, 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.

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.