Founder
Mr. Jesse Grimm {Foundations Guide}
Jesse Grimm founded Acton Academy Katy in 2018 after years of attempting to change the educational models in Houston and Alief ISDs. He is married to McKenzie, another Guide at Acton Katy, and together they have 5 beautiful daughters who all attend Acton Katy. Jesse earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and his Masters in Business Administration from Rice University.
Over the course of his career, Jesse has come to realize that school should be so much more than grades, high-stakes assessments and assigned seating. School should be a place where children love to learn, are allowed to explore what they're passionate about, and have fun!
Mrs. McKenzie Grimm
{Discovery Guide}
McKenzie Grimm has been behind the scenes of Acton Katy’s journey since it began, as she is the wife of founder Jesse Grimm. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in EC-12 art education. She has been in education for the past 13 years serving in Alief & Katy ISD. She is over the moon to be joining the Acton community as a Guide! McKenzie is passionate about fostering creativity, kindness and encouraging others to gain confidence in themselves and their capabilities.
Mrs. Cindi Stalder
{Discovery Guide}
Cindi Stalder is excited to be a part Acton Katy as one of the Discovery Guides. Cindi earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies from Baylor University and has spent the last 6 years subbing and teaching at a MDO/preschool here in Katy. She also spent 11 years working in an early childhood intervention program before her son was born.
Cindi has been married to her husband, Ted, for 19 years and their 10 year old son, Miles, attends Acton. She is super excited to be joining Miles on this journey outside of public education and she loves the joy she sees on the faces of the children every day when they are in control of their learning!
Candice
Ms. Candice White
{Spark's Guide}
Mr. Billy Mims
{Navigations Guide}
Billy spent 15 years in the oil and gas industry as a Human Resources professional and was laid off during the start of Covid. What at first seemed to be devastating turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Forced change provided him with the opportunity to reflect on what values are the most important to him at this stage in his life and career. When the position of Navigations Guide became available, he knew that his calling had changed. Billy is in his second year at Acton Katy and is excited for the opportunity to transition his experience from mentoring adult career goals to empowering learners to find their calling in life.
Billy has been married to his beautiful wife, Leesa, for almost 14 years, who he met in college at the University of Houston, GO COOGS! They have two beautiful girls, Brilee and Finlee, who both attend Acton Katy.
Billy enjoys all sports and any outdoor activities. On Saturdays during the fall, you will catch him at the UH football games. His family loves to travel, especially to the mountains and the beach. They have two dogs, a golden retriever, Shasta, and a bichon frise mix, Mochi.