As a hands-on founder and innovator in early learning, Jessica loves finding ways to better serve her community, helping families balance fulfilling lives and parenthood with the support of caring community partners.

Explore Academy is Jessica’s third business model in the early education space, and she is thrilled to see another dream become reality.

Jessica began her career in Minnesota, working as a paraprofessional and lead teacher in early childhood education for over a decade. Her move to Montana marked a transition to the corporate world and involvement with startups, where she discovered her passion for creating companies that positively impact their communities. After the birth of her first son, Keaton, Jessica continued to travel for work, balancing her corporate responsibilities with motherhood.

The birth of her second son, Orion, two years later, made it clear that working with two young children without viable daycare options was not sustainable. After some months of consulting with startups, Jessica was ready to dive back into the entrepreneurial world.

Dino Drop-In was her first opportunity to seamlessly blend her passion for business with her desire to be present for her boys. The model was so well received that it won 2nd place in the nation for the SBA’s InnovateHER contest in 2017. This recognition fueled Jessica’s expansion efforts, and today, Dino Drop-In is licensing and franchising with owners across the US.

Dino on the GO! extends the Dino Drop-In model to remote locations for temporary childcare needs and into homes.

Explore Academy is the culmination of years of research and patience. The right space is critical for any venture, and the Montessori approach places even higher emphasis on curated environments. When the building across the street from Dino Drop-In became available in June 2020, Jessica immediately took action. She called the realtor, placed an ad for the head of school, and honed her business model, making the September 2020 opening a reality.

Jessica’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to early childhood education and her innovative spirit, continuously striving to build supportive, enriching environments for children and their families.