Jessica Dehn
Founder & Director
Meet Our Founder: Jessica Dehn
Jessica Dehn is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and mother of three who has spent over a decade creating exceptional learning environments for young children. With a background in corporate leadership and a Master’s in Public Administration, Jessica brings a unique blend of strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to every school she builds.
She founded Explore Montessori & Academy to offer families a nurturing, authentic Montessori experience rooted in individualized learning, nature-based exploration, and a strong sense of community. At Explore, her goal is simple: to support each child’s natural curiosity and help them grow into confident, capable humans.
In addition to Explore, Jessica is the founder of several successful early childhood education ventures:
- Dino Drop-In – A flexible, play-based drop-in childcare and preschool model supporting modern family needs.
- Dino on the GO! extends the Dino Drop-In model to remote locations for temporary childcare needs and into homes.
- ABCDino Academy – A full-service early learning center focused on kindergarten readiness through structured exploration.
- Dino Discovery Experience – An immersive, dinosaur-themed play and learning center that sparks imagination and hands-on discovery.
Jessica is deeply engaged in supporting families and women in business. She has served on the planning boards for Montana State University’s Women’s Circle of Excellence and the Women’s Business Center, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce.
Her work is guided by one core belief: Children thrive when adults trust their potential, prepare their environment thoughtfully, and step back just enough to let them lead.
