Jessica Dehn is the founder of Dino Drop-In, ABC Dino Academy, and Explore Montessori Academy in Bozeman, Montana. In this episode of the Mountain Mule Podcast, Tim sits down with Jessica to talk about Montessori education, parenting, entrepreneurship, childhood development, emotional regulation, and why modern kids often need something very different than what today’s systems provide.
This conversation goes way beyond childcare. It’s really about independence, responsibility, confidence, and how the environments children grow up in shape the adults they eventually become.
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Building Dino Drop-In
Jessica explains that Dino Drop-In originally started after another parent approached her with the idea of opening a childcare business together. What started as a conversation quickly turned into reality.
From the beginning, she wanted the environment to feel calm, intentional, and welcoming, very different from some of the overstimulating childcare spaces she had experienced before.
Instead of chaos, screens, and constant noise, the focus became creating an atmosphere where children could actually settle in, feel safe, and regulate emotionally.
That eventually grew into:
- Dino Drop-In
- ABC Dino Academy
- Explore Montessori Academy
Each serving different family needs while sharing the same overall philosophy.
Why Montessori Resonated So Strongly
A major part of this conversation focuses on Montessori education and why Jessica became so passionate about it.
One of the core ideas behind Montessori is that children are capable of much more than adults often assume. Instead of constantly entertaining or directing kids, the goal is to help them develop independence and confidence through real experiences.
Jessica talks about how even simple things become important:
- cleaning up spills
- washing dishes
- carrying chairs correctly
- helping prepare snacks
- organizing their environment
Those aren’t viewed as meaningless chores. They’re opportunities for children to build coordination, awareness, patience, responsibility, and self-confidence.
The conversation also explores how modern childhood has become increasingly disconnected from practical life skills and how much children benefit from having meaningful responsibilities early on.
Parenting, Emotional Regulation & Screens
The discussion moves into parenting and emotional development, especially how much kids absorb from the adults around them.
Jessica talks openly about:
- emotional regulation
- overstimulation
- screen time
- consistency
- co-sleeping
- social anxiety
- structure and routine
One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is that children often respond to the energy and environment around them far more than people realize.
Rather than trying to force every child into the same mold, Jessica believes parenting and education should focus more on understanding the individual child and creating environments where they can thrive naturally.
Entrepreneurship & Building Around Values
Jessica also shares what it’s been like building businesses centered around her values instead of simply chasing growth.
The conversation touches on:
- startup culture
- leadership
- balancing family and business
- building meaningful work
- creating systems that actually help people
One of the more interesting parts of the conversation is how entrepreneurship and parenting overlap. Both require patience, adaptability, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Raising Independent Kids
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that kids are often capable of much more than adults give them credit for.
Whether it’s responsibility, emotional awareness, independence, or practical life skills, children tend to rise to the expectations placed on them when they’re trusted with real experiences and involvement.
This conversation offers a very grounded perspective on childhood, parenting, and education, and how intentional environments can shape confident, capable people over time.
Connect with Jessica Dehn
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation.
Mountain Mule provides private transportation throughout Bozeman, Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, and Southwest Montana, including airport transportation, weddings, private events, group transportation, and Yellowstone tours.
